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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  Long time BMW owner - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By longtimebmwowner - September 2 - 3:44 pm

  Ive owned this car for 2 years and a 740IL previously. This car handles very well, rides very comfortably and can handle my 63" frame easily. The 28+MPG highway is a great deal with $4+ gas. I find the I-drive OK, but would prefer manual controls for heat/AC and radio. I-drive is good for navigation and communications. I find the brake dust excessive and pits the rims if not removed quickly (my rims are waxed for protection).

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  Fun but problemmatic - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By josko - September 2 - 1:58 pm

  Ive owned a 135i for 4 months now. Its fun to drive, but suffers from multiple problems/issues: Throttle response is poor for a car advertised as having no turbo lag. My wife drives a Saab 9.5 which has a better throttle response, especially at low RPM. Dealer tells me performance is within spec. I cant see the radio with polarized glasses on. Radio seems to shut down intermittently, usually right after power-up. Dealer diagnosed a faulty fuel pump, and Im on a waiting list for a replacement. Apparently theyre on backorder??? Run-flat tires are a disappointment. Overall, the car handles and accelerates well, but is a disappointment compared to the E36 M3 I drove before the 135

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  Sweet Car, Great Ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Hartberg - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Theres not much not to love about this car other than the price tag. Its expensive, but worth it! The AWD will be nice in the winter and mountians. Its ride is so nice I dont want to speed to make the trip any shorter!

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  2008 328i Auto/Metallic/IPOD - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By lipsmasher - September 1 - 11:44 pm

  Handling is awesome. Power is incredible. I tried the DS mode and the steptronic and car left in a hurry. Fuel economy so far is about 24 MPG 75%/25% highway/city. Seems to do badly in stop and go traffic. Test drove a C300, IS250, and C230. BMW was far superior in all categories.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Telloborja - September 1 - 10:31 pm

  After 6 months I have enjoyed this machine plentifully, it drives fun. The most impressive to me is the powerful motor and small details on how it handles the curves.

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  BMW enuff said! go test drive it yourself - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ssibs - September 1 - 10:31 pm

  This is my first BMW and I have been fan of Japanese cars. My favorites were Lexus and Acura. I needed a new car to replace old Lexus that I had. 528i was the first one that i test drove. Honestly, I did not know what was so great about it other than handling. It drove nice but I felt like it didnt justify the price tag. After leaving BMW, I test drove Acura and Lexus and then Thats when I noticed the difference! All the interiors looked nice and all but it just didnt feel right when driving the Japanese. BMW hugs the road in cornering and drives uphill smoothly and effortlessly. I went straight to BMW!

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  2007 BMW 335i 2dr Coupe Automatic - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By uracil - September 1 - 7:19 pm

  After almost 2 years behind the wheel, I have to say new exterior design is best in its class. Most people will say the best thing about the 335i is the power but I have to add that its brakes are equally as superb. The twin-turbo engine gives 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds then you realize you are way above the speed limit. Rear seating lacks leg room but any who buys the 3-series coupe for its leg room? Ive heard enough complaints out there about the infamous iDrive but who cares if you can simply use your voice to control everything? I dont recommend getting the beige interior as it gets dirty too easily. All in all, this is one fine piece of German engineering. 7 out of 10 overall.

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  2006 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By dmitry - September 1 - 5:59 pm

  I bought my 2006, new body, 325i about 3 month ago, love the way it looks, although rims could have been bigger than 16 inches. Interior is not so impressive, handles awesome and highway passing power is great, but, lacks off line power. Fuel economy so far averages at 24 mpg while using 89 octane every other 2 full tanks using 87 octane. Furthermore, as of 3 months, a tire pressure sensor, air bag sensor, driver seat belt, radio and shift knob has been replaced, boy am I glad for warranty and maintenance plan. Although I would not want another vehicle, I think BMW could have done better.

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  E30 vs Porsche 944 - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By Killer E30 - August 31 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned 11 cars in the past 10 years from VW Jetta, to Audi v8 quattro and Porsche 944, the 2 best being the Porsche 944 and 86 BMW 325e I have now. Only reason I liked the Porsche better is that there was no understeer during harsh cornering, the BMW 325e kinda feels like my 92 Subaru Legacy when pushed in corners but not as much understeer however very refined and still a great alternative to many new performance cars made today with an E36 M3 engine swap it should be even more devastating this car is still better in other ways than the 944 like reliability. With racing dynamics tower brace, bilstein shocks and H&R springs it helps me keep up with a Cayman S on twisties literally.

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  2008 335i Cpe Auto RWD - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By joe - August 31 - 10:44 am

  I previously owned an 07 Cayman S. This car is a beautiful compromise between a sports car and a luxury car. It is tight, fast, and comfortable. It is easy to drive. The gas mileage is surprisingly good if driven conservatively. I was leery about the run-flats, but I have to say I dont notice a harsh ride or excess noise (especially compared to the ride of the Porsche in sport mode, with conventional tires). The options do push the price up.