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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  Top notch but... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bma - July 16 - 10:50 pm

  Can’t be too harsh on critique with so much to praise on performance. Low end torque is all I need. With steering that turns like a sticky roller coaster, a warp drive tranny alone in its own universe, and all the speed you need, This thing is really the best. But sacrifice for the privilege. True cost to own is double that of a Mini and you must be able to drop it off at the dealer regularly without a grimace. I have been in for repair a few times and will go back again while trying to remain calm. After owning for 6 months, the inconvenience is now starting to outweigh the fading thrill.

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  Absolutely Great - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kamdog - July 16 - 5:40 pm

  Gobs of power. At 125 mph on the Autobahn, it was still strong and wanted to run. Power NOW at any speed from 10 mph on up. Smooth riding, quiet, comfort seats are great. I found iDrive very easy and better than a hundred buttons on the dash. I like the traffic information and think the navigation works very well. The headlights work great, corners light up great at night. The brakes are terrific too.

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  Disappointment - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Ty - July 16 - 10:05 am

  This is a great looking car. Fast, and comfortable, but that is it. Having owned many luxury cars, like Mercedes, Audi, Lincoln, Cadillac, and SAAB, I was very disappointed in the repairs for this car. Having owned it for about a year, I have spent over $8000.00 in various repairs, some routine. The car looks good, but have deep pockets before you buy it.

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  Hear the exhaust and its game over - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw for life - July 16 - 1:55 am

  Everything about this car is just amazing. The exterior design makes the 3 series sedan look like a Japanese car. But the exhaust note from the twin turbos is what stole my heart. The steering is also very responsive but the suspension is just set to the compensate for people who want comfort, but also a little sportiness. But hands down, BMW is definitely the ultimate driving machine. Kudos to BMW with the hardtop design.

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  SUV on steriods! - 2008 BMW X6
  By PaulCKim74 - July 15 - 11:26 pm

  BMWs first SUV that drives like a sports car. Despite the sacrifice of the utility aspect, the SAV is a heavy, well build automobile with sufficient twin turbo engine, and impressive handling, performance and spacious comfort for four. There are numerous high-tech gadgets and functions in the car to entertain you and make you feel real good. The drawbacks: no utility/no space, gas-guzzler even for the V6, pricey when equipped fully, the navigation dvd processor is too noisy, and finally the design attracts too much attention. If you can afford one go for it. Im enjoying mine.

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  Not worth the money - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By flying car - July 15 - 8:58 pm

  The car is too heavy. It is a pain to drive in a "stop and go" traffic situation that we face in DC. Car hesitates to move from full stop. Once it is mobile, it takes off like a rocket and then it is fun to drive. The interior is poorly designed particularly location of controls. Placement of coffee mug holders is terrible. Inside console compartment is lousy. Technologically, no car can match it - just great car. Gas mileage is excellent. Steering is excellent and handling is superb. Ride is excellent and cabin noise is very low. Stereo is excellent. VOB service is good. BMW North America never responds to e-mails.

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  x3 blue - 2005 BMW X3
  By x3mysticblue - July 15 - 5:16 pm

  This car is very fun for anyone. Its good for off roading and everyday use. It has alot of room on the inside.

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  Own one and youll understand! - 2008 BMW Z4
  By Marcos - July 15 - 11:35 am

  This is my first Z4, I have always had Porsches, my last one was a Cayman S. Let me tell you about my Z4 in a nut shell... its impressive design and agility gave me what I needed to get off my Cayman and look into my "now present and future" BMW relationship. The car handles like its on rails, it brakes like no other car Ive driven before and to top it all on wet surfaces you can not even tell that you are driving in the rain, it just feels like a 997 Turbo handling in a smaller car. I will definitely get another BMW after my lease is up on this baby. I will recommend to anyone that is looking for performance, safety and value at the same time. A real head-turner! Enjoy it

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  Awesome ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By csfischer20 - July 15 - 9:47 am

  I picked up this Bimmer at a great price and I fell in love with it the second I sat down and started it. They come well equipped and ride awesome. Ive had an Audi before and it was just too much to maintain. The more research I did the better I felt about getting a BMW. Its certified and has all of the records. Just enough pick up on the streets, but not a gas hog. I didnt like the body style of the 2004 so I went with this one. Its everything I hoped it would be.

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  The Bomb - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Buba - July 15 - 2:35 am

  I test drove it on the Autobahn and it is the bomb! Really fast. There is a slight lag in the throttle response during highway (Autobahn) overtaking, but I can live with that. Probably from the turbos. Using the sequential manual transmission is a blast. However, the gas mileage is really poor in that mode. I drove a total of 29 miles all in the SMT mode and used a quarter of a tank. Assuming a full tank is 16 gallons, I used 4-gallons, or about 7-miles to the gallon. Too bad. If you really like sporty driving then get a manual transmission. That said from a performance perspective, it is almost a perfect car.