Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

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  From a Z-3 To a Z-4 - 2006 BMW Z4
  By K-Bone - October 24 - 3:52 pm

  Well i went from a z-3 to a z-4 miss the curves and the shark gills on the side, but love the power cornering one touch roof and better sound system then the z3.Cup holders in a great spot,not in way of stick shift. Larger trunk,can fit golf clubs and small cooler in this one. They also put a glass window in this one instead of the ole plastic one. Great lighting one the front light up the road also. Owned a 2003 Boxster also at one time and this is less of a money out of pocket kind of car also.

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  Great! As expected. - 2008 BMW X5
  By Nick9597 - October 23 - 9:38 am

  We just leased this 2008 X5 a couple of weeks ago and we are so happy with it! My wife had a 2002 X5 a while back and it was her "dream car". This X5 is 10 times the car the previous X5 was! BMW has certainly hit the mark on this X5. Beautiful design and the quality integrity is unmatched. BMW again has reminded me how great of a company they are. Its also very comforting to know that we are basically 100% percent covered with the BMW Maintenance / Service plan. That is such a nice perk!

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  Awesome - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Sig - October 22 - 8:32 pm

  I ordered the car. It has all the upgrades except iPod and nav system, instead I use a Garmin. Acceleration is fantastic, in any gear, any speed. On a recent 2,850 mile trip I averaged between 26.7 to 31.5mpg combined driving with hitting 115 mph occasionally. No problem with the run flats. Handling is superb. I had always wanted a Porsche, not anymore. This is all the car I want and need. Love the free maintenance for 4yrs/50000 miles, but 5 yrs/60000 miles would be even better. Have no complaints at all.

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  great car with little bugs - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By car chic - October 22 - 7:15 pm

  This car performs awesome. I love how tight the steering is but wish the ride was a little smoother. Being AWD you can take a turn so fast ( try those hairpin turns on the interstate) the car grips the road the entire time without slowing down!

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  Superb coupe in the best BMW tradition - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By lfbmdpc - October 22 - 5:52 pm

  What a lovely and potent little coupe. A true drivers car, taut, precise, nimble and all those other accolades one can conjure for a superlative German performance car. The car corners like it was on rails with no discernible body roll. Absolutely NO turbo lag anywhere on the power curve which is nothing short of a miracle. I have found nothing to dislike about this car whatsoever after 1700 miles. Of course the mileage is mediocre at best (16.5 city, 22-25 highway) but I knew that going in. Fit and finish are superb and the cockpit is both comfy & functional as a true Germanic driving machine should be. Instruments are well placed and easy to use. No iDrive = no complaints. A superb car.

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  Best sports coupe under $100K - 2009 BMW M3
  By TLud - October 21 - 5:25 pm

  Ive dreamed of owning an M3 since I was 7 years old. Since then, the M3 has undergone many iterations. This latest generation exceeds the high standards set by its predecessors. The acceleration and handling are insane. At the same time, the M3 is far more comfortable as a daily driver than the last (E46) version. The M3 has all the luxury features and technology you could ever ask for. BMW thought of just about everything. The interior is simple and spartan, but classy and sporty. The new iDrive in the 09 models is a huge improvement over the previous system -- very fast, much more user friendly, and many more features.

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  Honest Review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By dstompkins - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Drives fantastic. I dont like the look of the back end but the rest of the car is beautiful. I predict that the new 5 (and the new 7 & 6) will be the norm in styling in a few years. The car looks much better with wider tires (ie sport package).

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  Truly, "The Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By J. English - October 21 - 2:00 am

  First, I am one of those who feels that the design of the car from every angle, is classic, well thought out and distinctive. I also like the firm ride and handling capabilities my car has with active steering and sport suspension. I have never felt that I am not in complete control. I really believe that called upon to perform, each of the vehicle systems will react as designed...that does alot for my confidence in all driving situations.

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  awesome car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By jeff - October 20 - 10:19 pm

  Bought it used and am very pleased with the car. My first few tanks of gas I averaged 25.8 MPG, added a K&N air filter and its up to 27.1 MPG with some added power.

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  4.8 BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By Melissa - October 20 - 6:52 pm

  This is our 3rd BMW. A Z3, a 3 Series and now an X5. We are definitely sold on the brand. The comfortable ride of the X5 was a pleasant surprise. The sport package makes the look and the drive.