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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  My Toy - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Bob - October 7 - 5:02 pm

  I finally bought a 3rd car for our family. I have always wanted a convertible sports car. After a lot of test driving and research, we decided to purchase a used 2006 with 8,000 miles on it from the certified lot at our local BMW store. We have absolutely no regrets!! I had my heart set on a Porsche Boxster, but after test driving the Z4 I was sold. We have had it for over a year and it still puts a smile on my face every time I get in. Strong acceleration, handling, and comfort. I even drove it 487 miles in one day with the top down and loved every minute of it!!

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  Enjoying my first 3000 kilometers - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Marlan - October 7 - 11:33 am

  Overall a joy to drive. I have the sport supension, so at first the ride was quite rough, but after several long trips it has smoothed out; in other words the suspension is sporty when it needs to be sporty and comfortable when needs to be comfortable. As far as looks, it is a Clubsport model- absolutely gorgeous. 5-speed automatic, its great, but recomend the 6-speed manual. Previous car was a MBZ S-class. Happy for the change. It was like driving a quiet tank.

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  Finally back in a BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jeffmatt - October 6 - 2:04 pm

  I do not know why I ever left BMW. Maybe is was that the grass looked greener at MB. A Benz is probably the best car to ride in, but the BMW is the best car to drive. And I like to drive. I am coming out of an 07 E350 and just bought a 08 528i. What a difference. The 528 is so fun to drive, that I cannot wipe the smile off of my face. It just handles so well and there is plenty of power in the 528. You really do not need the 535. It definitely reminds me of my 2000 528 which I liked very much. Purchased car with premium & sport packages, navigation, auto, iPod and xenons. Great package. The E350 was like driving a sofa down the freeway. The 528 is like a sports car, it is on rails.

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  Driving it. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By wee - October 6 - 2:03 am

  Very nice car. turns heads everywhere. sleek design. the sport mode is incredible. Very pleasurable experience. much smoother and much more comfortable than the current 4dr 330. FAST.

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  great car- everyone should drive one - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ted lyon` - October 5 - 10:00 am

  sport car feel with luxery car comfort- hadles great- very quick

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  Great Car, needs more power - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By mwmiller85 - October 4 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle on a "whim". I needed a car quickly and found this beautiful white 318i and for 1500 I couldnt refuse. Great car, very tight, great handling, love the manual transmission, and sunroof. Gas mileage is great, fill up once a week, however with current gas prices its about 50 bucks to fill. My friends love the car, interior is PERFECT, however would have loved a bit more room. Overall great car for being 14 years old!!

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  Review Update > Happy Owner - 2007 BMW X3
  By S.B. - October 4 - 4:00 pm

  I have been a BMW and Saab owner for the past 20 years, I have to say that after driving the X3 for the past year and a bit I am still very happy that I have it! I enjoy driving and I travel a lot, I go where it snows and where its hot year round, I have found that this SAV performs well in most situations and is fun to drive. I have had very few problems and they were all minor ones. The auto transmission that I have operates differently in sport mode providing the burst of torque when you need it but I did not have issues with the transmission as noted by other reviewers. I have also noted that as more miles were driven the fuel economy has gone up close to the stated 26 MPG HWY.

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  Great Car- Fiddly Controls & Bad Mileage - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Hank-NJ - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Steering, handling, engine & braking are perfect. Rides smooth & solid. AWD great in snow/rain. Looks beautiful. Good utility for couple with one toddler. Very happy with purchase. However. Horrible mileage for small car. Avg only 20 mpg hwy (and it was 12-17 during the 1st 1k miles). I dont expect an econ car, but it should come close to advertised. Controls are fiddly. Rear win washer dribbles into 1 corner and the headlt washers blow fluid onto hood (dealer says not adjustable). Seat cushions too short (Im told the opt. sport seat are better). But! Will take the negatives because of the driving experience. Fix the little things and its perfect.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By gusrus - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Solid car. Powerful engine. Good brakes. 100% reliable. Its so smooth and silent inside that you dontt realize the speed. The car lines are incredibly beautiful: its stylish and sport at the same time. Still no mechanical problems. It is by far the bes car Ive ever had.

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  Dependable? - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Morduk - September 30 - 11:16 am

  Bought the car in November of 2003. Loved the drive of the car and was impressed with the its lines. Within the first 3,000 miles, had to repair both front tires due to puncture. After 10,000 miles had to replace all 4 tires. Inflation pressure listed by BMW was not the same as required by the tire company. No problem with tires after proper inflation. Soft top would not function due to a leak in system. Fixed under warranty. Problem with front suspension system. Fixed under warranty. Few months after warranty ended, master computer system failed. Replacement value $1,300. BMW paid half. Currently car is in shop for front suspension system problems again.