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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  295k - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By mbj5 - January 6 - 6:39 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago with 187k on it. I was a poor college kid at the time and it was a relatively inexpensive car. Well the past 3 years I have driven the heck out of it. An hour commute on the backroads of PA (terrible roads), and an hour commute on highways of MD. Ive put 100k on it in those 3 years. I have had to replace a lower control arm, and the heater control unit, so about $500 in parts. The speakers have blown and the radio backlight doesnt show up too well. I nearly get 40 mpg and hammer it on the backroads and never ride slower than 80 mph. Great car! I would love another one.

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  Thoroughly Impressed! - 2012 BMW 6-Series
  By porsche_05 - January 6 - 8:49 am

  I traded in my M3 convertible and purchased the 2012 650i. I went with the M3 in 2008 because the design of the previous model was just not to my taste but the 2012 model definitely turns heads. The 650 isnÂ’t the sports car the M3 was, but it more than makes it up in comfort and design. DonÂ’t get me wrong, the 4.4-liter, 32-valve 400-hp V-8 engine with TwinPower Turbo is plenty enough for any road in the US (excluding race tracks) for most drivers and enthusiasts. It is definitely a great balance of power, performance, gadgetry, and style. Much better than the previous model.

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  Great Choice - 2012 BMW X3
  By intejer - January 5 - 3:32 pm

  Ill preface my review in that this is my 3rd BMW. Each time Ive gone to find a car, I have done an exhaustive analysis with spreadsheets multiple test drives and comparison figures recorded. Lets face it, cars arent cheap and we should be happy with our choice after the deal is done and we drive off the lot. On each search, while the BMW wasnt the winner for all of the categories it had the best combination of features/performance and price that I was looking for. My advise, order one, and you can still work your dealers over and you can get a much better price -- even as good as one already built. Also work them on financing and get the deal you want youll enjoy the final x3.

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  My first BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By jason60051 - December 30 - 1:32 pm

  This is my first BMW and I am very impressed with the vehicle overall. I researched vehicles in the luxury midsize class and always came back to the BMW 5 series. Found a dealer with a brand new leftover 2011 and was able to negotiate almost $14k off sticker. Reading some of the reviews about the automatic transmission made me decide to go with the manual and I havent looked back. The slick short throws make the driving experience top notch.

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  Does it all. Dont leave your gas card at home. - 2008 BMW M3
  By indydave62 - December 29 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased a 2008 BMW M3 Convertible with the DCT transmission two weeks ago. It has all options except extended leather and parking sensors. This car is amazing. Its ridiculously powerful and fast. If you feel like being an F1 Driver, you can shift with the paddles, if youre feeling lazy (or commuting), you can just put it in "D" mode, and let the DCT do the work for you. With the convertible hardtop, the car is quiet and rattle-free. The stereo is excellent, and the seats are very adjustable, supportive and comfortable.

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  My first BMW 128i - 2012 BMW 1-Series
  By ksford - December 29 - 10:40 am

  My first BMW 128i Coupe is a great purchase decision. It is FUN, responsive, comfortable, easy to operate, & has good driver visibilty. I bought the 128i after months of research and test driving other competitors like Audi, Mercedes, etc. I was looking for a personal "driving experience" for my comutes to work and one that allowed me to enjoy high quality workmanship that only cars of that class can consistently produce. The 128i is purely BMW! Recommend the Sports Package (sport seats are very nice), BMW IDrive, Premium & Convenience packages at a minumum (elevates the BMW driving experience). Pricey, maybe... but its a BMW. Besides, who buys a BMW to save money?

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  Love This Car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By luckylamour - December 27 - 6:51 pm

  After selling my 2005 M3 Convertible, I didnt think I would own another BMW that was as fun to drive, and to blow rice rockets off the line. Not to mention the fantastic sport seats, and unbeatable MPG (I average 39 on the highway). Not to mention a wide array of great technology, MOG, Pandora, and now Yelp. its pretty damn cool. Tasman Green, Oyster Leather.... Love it.

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  bmw 750i m sport package - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By farad - December 19 - 10:15 pm

  I Just purchased 2012 750i, executive package and M sport package. super nice vehicle, i think bmw used more synthetic leather then real leather on door and some other parts on new 7 series, but drive is amazing, gas mileage very poor comparing to last gen 7 series.

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  Rocket Ship - 2008 BMW X5
  By tcpch - December 13 - 9:24 pm

  I purchased a CPO with just 16k on the odometer three months ago, and waited to write this review. Thus far, I fall more in love with it every day. Parked in the driveway, with the 20" wheels, it has beautiful lines and exudes raw power. Not the best in stop and start traffic, but once we hit the Pacific Coast Hwy or a twisty canyon, it attacks the road. So confident driving on the freeway, especially in Sport mode. Kids love the panoramic sunroof, and I always feel safe hauling them in the X5. Not sure what the fuss is with iDrive- I love it. Spend the time to learn and you will be amply rewarded. First BMW, and Im sold for life (previous cars include MB, Audi, and Land Rover).

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  Beautiful, but disappointing performance - 2009 BMW M3
  By dasbmr - December 10 - 8:49 pm

  I have had several "Ms", including 2 E46 BMRs. The 2009 is a nicely sculpted vehicle as it sits curbside, although some have described it as looking like a Pontiac. Its very comfortable and it handles great. The 414 hp seems unbelievable to me because the (295 ft lb.)torque rating is so low in comparison. I have owned an 03 CLK55 AMG, which had less HP, but far more torque. The M3 just doesnt have the power that I like "off the line." Sure, it will do 150 mph, but where can you realistically do that kind of speed? For excitement on the road, I think the Benz equivalents are far better.