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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  n63 Engine is nothing but trouble. - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Telp Snowbeard - August 15 - 7:38 pm

  This is a bad engine. Google it. Constant engine light issues of "Crankcase Failure". These messages are related to bad engine parts like fuel injectors and sensors. I had to replace head cover gaskets, turbo pan gaskets and other gaskets. Car is a repair nightmare. Only 41K miles and way too many problems. Unreliable.

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  335i Convertible is Fun In The Sun - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Philip - August 15 - 6:41 pm

  My first BMW and am really glad I got the convertible. Im in San Diego where the weather is great year round dropping the top on my new 335i enhances the fun of this great car. Its a speeding ticket waiting to happen. Watch out CHP! The performance is spectacular. Its a real beauty and it turns heads. Mine is alpine white with cream beige leather seats - very classy looking. I purchased the PermaPlate to protect the paint and the leather seats. Especially good investment for a convertible as the seats have more exposure to the elements - the car looks great all the time. Driving in sport mode is great fun on mountain roads - truly exhilarating. This car rates high on the fun meter!

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  The most fun in a vehicle - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 330ci2001 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is the most fun that I have ever had driving. I prefer a performance/luxury car and this one exceed my criteria on both ends. This car handles and brakes better unbeleiveable well. I am slightly dissappointed in the acceleration. I would expect it to be faster because of the M3.

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  So good I cant sell it - 2006 BMW M3
  By M3CS2006 - August 15 - 9:59 am

  2006 Carbon Black Fully Loaded M3 CS I am one of those guys who buys a car, and within 6 months starts thinking about his next car. The M3 CS has ruined me. The competition package is the best 4500 bucks one could spend...taking performance cues from the CSL (but I still get a sunroof and other goodies). I just test drove the new m3 (v8) and will not trade, like this one better. NO other car sub 100K can match the ability to drive safely like a maniac, in a car that has such great fit and finish... and a trunk that is huge (and get a car that gets good enough gas mileage). Hope this helps. This car cannot disappoint.

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  Love it - 2008 BMW M3
  By Louie - August 14 - 8:20 am

  Love the car. The Blue is fantastic. The leather is really high quality. Love the MDrive option because I drive this car daily in the summer and I dont need to spill my coffee at every stop light. Love the IDrive. I think the IDrive has gotten a bad rap from the non-computer literate generation out there. The car is simply everything good I wanted in a car, power, style, luxury, safety, performance, its all there.

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  Average Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By kawliga - August 13 - 6:53 pm

  I have been buying 325is since 92 and this one is the Ive kept the longest. These are fine cars but little things bug you and are expensive to fix. Im sure I will switch to Honda, cant be any more trouble and a lot cheaper. Just finished a 3000 mile trip and averaged 32.2 with the automatic. I was pleased with that.

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  The Best & the Last? - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Clint - August 12 - 6:23 pm

  My 4th blk/blk 750il sport is the best one yet and am now frustrated by mixed reviews of 02 up 7 series including the change in body style.. where does one go from here? Where else can one find the luxury, prestige, power and fuel efficiency in superb style?

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  All I can say is "Wow"! - 2001 BMW X5
  By ExAlaska - August 12 - 4:37 pm

  Who knew an "SAV" could be so much fun. The highway mpg with the 3.0 is fantastic--Ive gotten 26 or better, which is most of my driving. Around town drops it quite a bit, but still averaging 17-19 which is real world good. Incredibly comfortable and feels totally safe. My "green" girlfriend would rather take the BMW than her PC VW :)

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  Better than expected! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Spechtbach - August 12 - 11:44 am

  Purchased the car on European Delivery - lots of fun. Drove 1100 miles in Germany, Austria & Italy. You dont need many expensive options. Only Xenons & fold down rear seat. Leather without premium package also nice. Std seats are fantastic. Forget the sports package in 528. Better in 3 series. Very quiet & comfortable. Great cruiser. Large trunk.

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  Very satisfied. - 2008 BMW X5
  By LG - August 11 - 1:00 pm

  Replaced our LR3 with a 2008 X5 3.0si. Test drove Acura MDX, Mercedes GL and R classes, Mazda CX9, Toyota Highlander and Audi Q7 before making our purchase decision. 3.0 engine has more than sufficient power. It is actually quicker than my 2002 325i.