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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  After 11k miles, its time to walk away - 2008 BMW X3
  By Paul Milton - September 15 - 9:17 am

  I leased this 08 X3 in December of 07. Unfortunately, I regret the decision. The X3 is no doubt an excellent driver for a 4100lb small SUV. By small, I mean the interior is very small and cramped and only after owning this vehicle for some time I now know it has limited utility and horrid resale value. Others such as the Lincoln MKX are cheaper by thousands and more practical in every way.

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  Excellent 328i BMW 2008 4dr Sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Luis Picornell - September 15 - 12:55 am

  Excellent handling, acceleration, and fuel economy. The iDrive control system takes a few days to master, but eventually becomes second nature and results in a very relaxing drive. Interior is properly designed. Quality shows inside and out. Well designed and tested interior materials. Standard sound system is great. Navigation system option should be selected if possible because of the iDrive system being included. One knob beside the right armrest is all you use to navigate through the options/music/nav/communication/climate, etc. Exterior looks beautiful. Folding mirrors are nice and the tires fit the wheel wells perfectly. I love this car!

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  The best SUV ever made - 2001 BMW X5
  By dwayne - September 12 - 9:07 pm

  Dont buy another SUV until you check out the BMW x5. Its fast comfy and fun to drive. Its excellent on fuel. Good on long trips and is spacious. I am 6.5 feet tall and I fit in it fine. No problems with my BMW x5 3.0 yet

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  Love it! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Beemer - September 12 - 8:06 pm

  I just bought a used 325i, 6 speed manual and it is great. Very quick in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, exterior styling is great and feels very tight. This hugs the road and is a great performer. The 6 speed helps with gas mileage and average around 30-32 on the highway and 25-27 in town. Surprisingly roomy on the inside for a tall guy.

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  Love My Merlot Roadster! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By kgmilliron - September 12 - 7:35 pm

  Ive waited 40 years for this narcissistic NOT a "mom" car and was debating b/w the mercedes slk and the Z4. I could not be happier with my choice! Fun to drive, had it a week and its great! I was worried about road noise compared to the hard top SLK, but there was very little difference. We replaced the run flat tires immediately and it made a huge difference in the "comfort" of the ride. BMW service is unsurpassed and the style is unbeatable. For the price and reliability I give it a "10". If youre on the fence, commit, its worth it! The power top is a must!

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  Expensive to Own - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron - September 12 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my 2000 coupe with very low mileage (33k) from the dealer. It previously had one owner. I love the drive, the comfort, and the feel of a BMW. But, beware! In one year Ive been back to the dealer for a failed alternator, rotors, brakes, tires, a/c failure, moldings are loose etc. Ive spent close to 3k in one year just on upkeep and Ive heard it only gets worse. If you really want a BMW, just lease it so everything is covered, otherwise, you will be incurring lots of debt. If you doubt, ask mechanics at different body shops and they will share their experiences.

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  Great car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Red 328i - September 11 - 6:16 pm

  I purposely waited a few months to write a review so I could experience the car a little bit. I have had the car for 2 months now and it has not disappointed. There is no question I would prefer the HP of the 335 better but this car is a great combination of performance, driving dynamics and comfort. I was coming from a G35 and this car is definitely put together better and doesnt feel as cheap (because it isnt!!). Compared it to everything else in the same class and it is a bit more expensive, but so far, it was worth it. Run flats do make the ride a bit rough. I have the 6spd and I am getting roughly 20 mpg in the city - Not bad and very important these days.

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  2005 BMW 525i - a great vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW 525i impressive - September 11 - 1:23 pm

  Test drove Mercedes E320, Lexus GS300, Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti M45, to name a few, but BMW has done some amazing things with the 5 series. Best car Ive ever owned. Have had it over a month - surprising fuel economy, and for a 6 cylinder with only 185 horsepower, it really moves when you need it. They tell me its because of the 6 speed automatic transmission and the torque. Very roomy, plush, very comfortable for me as I am 240 and am over 62" tall. Smooth ride, yet it handles like a sports sedan should. Very impressed with the interior refinements. Dont like the I-Drive system for changing radio settings and vent settings - too cumbersome and distracting while driving.

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  What a beauty - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By Frank Black - September 10 - 6:27 pm

  This is by far my favorite car. The handling and power are outstanding. With the top dropped, my passion for driving fast can be fully realized. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who enjoys open air driving.

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  Disappointed - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By debra - September 10 - 3:12 pm

  I have had numerous BMW products which I have enjoyed. However, I have never had one that would not accept gasoline in the tank or where the mileage range reads different each time after fueling and gas gage reads something different every 10 to 20 miles. I have no idea most of the time if I have gas or not. I have driven every loner I think BMW has to offer for weeks at a time. My car is in repair so much BMW doesnt call me for a service review. In addition, my cruise is set at 70MPH and my computer reads avg speed is 85 MPH???? So much for my purchase of the "luxury" car when I am driving a loner most of the time.