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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  The best 3-series yet! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabe P. - October 17 - 9:26 am

  This car is a beauty to drive, be in, and look at. It hugs the road, has virtually no lean in tight curves, accelerates well and is ohhh so smooth and quiet. The inline 6 is peppy, and the handling is what you would expect from BMW. The interior well appointed (with the premium and winter packages) and the finish is flawless. Try the automatic transmission if you are uncomfortable with manual: the difference in 0 - 60 is there but is not that significant. All in all this is a fun car to drive to work, on weekends, or whenever you just feel like tainkg a spin.

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  Absolutely LOVE this CAR - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Wendy - October 16 - 9:45 pm

  Third BMW for me. Two 3 series previously and this new 550i is miles above and beyond what i had already decided was the best. The iDrive so complained about, I picked up easily. I find the whole vehicle experience exciting and extremely enjoyable. Speed, handling, build quality, style... all trend setting as usual. I have only liked cars before this one.

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  its ok - not the best. - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By rad97 - October 16 - 8:23 am

  Just turned in an Audi S4 sedan for this 335xi sedan. Have been driving it for 4 months. After hearing about how great BMW is for its superior "driving experience" I have been somewhat disappointed in this car. The steering and handling are average at best. The car does not corner well - there is significant body roll and the steering is not tight. I am not sure if this is due to the runflat tires or maybe I should have gotten the M3, but then no AWD. The engine is great, probably quicker off the line than my Audi, but not as strong once youre at speed and need to accelerate. The gas mileage is also good. The cup holders are a joke. The stereo/electronics are glitchy. Seats are bad.

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  The Complete Package - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By lakeman - October 16 - 8:00 am

  This awesome car is the complete package. It handles as well as my Porsche Boxster and has much more power. Yet it seats four, with comfort and with the top up is as quiet as a coupe. Luggage is limited with the top down, but more than enough with the top up. The ride is excellent and I have had no complaints on the run flats. The sport seats are infinitely adjustable and comfortable for long trips. We did not get iDrive and I am glad from what I have seen. The iPod option is great and much better deal than getting the cd changer. Get about 20 mpg around town and high 20s on the road. A little over 1500 miles and no problems. This car does everything well.

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  The One - 2001 BMW M5
  By Neo - October 14 - 10:02 pm

  Its a solid, bullet proof, fun, comfortable, stable, hungry, explosive. The E39 is the best M5 ever made - and thats from seasoned BMW owners. This car holds its value because it is a value. I test drove an 00 M5 w/120,000 miles on i and totally ragged. It was still selling for 18k. This is an awesome car that still bring smiles to my grill. Its destined to be a classic on par with the e28 M5. I still drool when driven properly (100+ mph)

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  Best car on the Road - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW in Mn - October 14 - 10:00 am

  For the price this is the best car on the road. Dont let the base HP ratings fool you. This car is quicker and faster than anything that has even as much as 100 HP more. If you get the chance run it fast (within the law, yeah right) and you will really get the feel for the car. Rock solid and still reving at 120+.

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  Innkeppers thoughts - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Innkepper40 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  ED is the way to go. Ive had the car for 6 months. Loads of fun to drive. You almost look forward to driving to work each day. I have had zero problems with the car.

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  Exceptional Car - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By Gurpreet - October 13 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my car over the weekend and drove two hundred miles from the dealership to my home. Ride quality, technology, build quality and all the features are mind blowing. I have looked at Benz S550 and Lexus LS460 before pulling the trigger on 750LI. In my opinion this car is the best in this class as far as options, interior look, feel, drive and build quality is concerned. I dont know what is the fuss about IDrive? I was able to figure out everything about the IDrive in my two hour drive. Its very good system if you are ready to embrace the latest and greatest in technology 750LI has to offer. IF you are in the market for luxury car in this class then look no more.

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  A joy to drive - 2008 BMW X3
  By JOHN - October 13 - 5:33 pm

  I have had the X3 for about 6 months and now has about 10,000 miles. It’s a great SUV. Great handling, good power, controls are easy to use (but a little old fashioned for a 2008). I like the panoramic sunroof though I rarely use it. Gas mileage is fairly decent. There’s not much room in the rear seat for passengers.

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  Fun and Practical - 2008 BMW X3
  By Kevin P. Kamraczewsk - October 13 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my X3 for 6 months now and find it to be fun and practical. It has been extremely reliable. I have the automatic and most options. I am averaging about 22 mpg. It is very useful for hauling around my dogs and for moving things back and forth to my daughters college which is about a 4 1/2 drive away. It holds a surprising amount of stuff. The handling with the Sport Activity package is great. It handles better than my last sedan. The navigation calculates (and recalculates) very quickly. The xenon headlights automatically follow curves which is great for the dark streets around my house. The seats and steering wheel heat up very quickly on cold nights.