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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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By johnny e - July 7 - 7:46 pm

  This 330xi is amazing. Quality is superb. I know not all folks have had good experience but this car handles out of this world. Suspension, brakes, etc. Highly recommend this jewel! RFTs? Hmm, still not sure Im a fan but so far, so good!

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  Great car, insanely bad radio quality - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW Man - July 7 - 10:44 am

  I just purchased this beautiful car. The seats are luxurious with tons of settings and it even has a driver side massage. The car drives great and is ultra luxurious. However, even with the premium sound $1800 upgrade with 13 speakers, the quality of the radio is horrible. It sounds tinny and when you adjust the base, you lose the midrange and can not adjust that. The feature to give stereophonic sound (Logic 7) sounds terrible and echoes all around when you turn it on. Its amazing that with such an awesome car they would put in this kind of sound system.

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  Meets Expectations - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark G - July 6 - 6:15 pm

  Expecting a let down from my 2005 325i w/ Sport pkg, this car is a pleasant surprise. Overall more solid, quieter, more lively, and 1-2 mpg better (22-24 overall, 33 max hwy), this car meets my high expectations. Equipped w/ auto & paddles, Sport, Premium, Cold, & Sirius. Interior is very comfortable and sporty with brushed alum trim and brown leather. Elec turn signal lever/high beams make other cars seem old fashioned after you adjust. Dislike is long reach to driver door window/mirror switches. Exterior and interior lighting effective and exude understated quality. Use 16" snows in winter with no problem. Harsher summer run flats disappoint handling and driveline are wonderful.

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  Wow! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By wcmcdade - July 6 - 12:26 am

  Picked up vehicle on Saturday, 3/22 - Comf & Sport. Took the long way home. Acceleration with Steptronic AT was fast & smooth. Love the sound of the throaty engine just before the upshift. You know that youre in a sportscar. The paddle shifters are cool, but I dont suspect Ill use them much on my commute. 328i corned like it was on rails. I took a couple of twisty bends on a backroad at about 60 mph with no sense of skid, roll or fishtail. I had to be careful not to push too hard as the wheels lifted off the ground coming over one little roller. With top down and windows up (38F outside), there was little buffeting of either occupants hair. Kept warm with heat on auto at 84F.

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  335 cabrio - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By roman krol - July 5 - 9:29 pm

  Love it, first BMW, traded in 300 srt8 and so far only positive things to say about BMW. Not as fast as srt but it has enough punch to snap your head back. It handles simple amazing. Expensive but still less then MB cabrio and performance of MB is not even close unless you get AMG. The small trunk has plenty of space. Highly recommend!

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  A Quality Car You Will Enjoy - 1998 BMW M3
  By Bryan Delong - July 5 - 4:38 pm

  This is a well engineered car that is a blast to drive. The car is balanced and poised on either back roads or the highway. Maintenance costs can be high, but this is the trade off for owning a great sports car. My M is ten years old and still handles and drives better than many new cars. The convertible may not be for everyone, but I love the top down cruising. Find one that has been taken care of and you will not regret it.

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  Fun to Ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By speedster - July 4 - 10:50 pm

  This is car is a pleasure to drive. It handles well in the corners. Get the 330. If you have the extra cash then spend it on the best automobile. This car inspires confidence in the corner.

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  Nice blend of sporty and practical - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ATLplayax - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  I originally bought the 530 when my daughter was born (traded in my 04 Infiniti G35 coupe). I needed a car that was sporty but could also be used as a family vehicle, the 530 did not disappoint. This is my second 530, the first was an 05 which was totaled in an accident, I was so impressed with the way the BMW safety that I bought the 06 530 to replace it. This car is awesome, the BMW free maintenance that comes with the car is also amazing since any issue within the first 50000 miles are covered at no out of pocket cost, including the cost of the loaner car. I have had a lot of issues with break squeaking and brake dust, BMW needs to address this.

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  The Cliche Holds True - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By matt laguardia - July 4 - 2:35 pm

  This car makes for a wonderful driving experience, especially on long trips. The sport package is a must have. These cars can be fairly reliable if scheduled maintenance is kept up, however, its not a Honda Accord. If youre planning on purchasing a used E38, do your research. Suspension, cooling, and braking system repairs can be costly, and its very helpful to know how to tell if the previous owner has kept up on these things. If youre an educated and savvy vehicle owner, youll find that a used 7 series is a nearly impossible to beat combination of styling and performance for the price, even when figuring in maintenance

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  An All Around Winner, Esp. for Cold Clim - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By lpm3 - July 4 - 1:38 pm

  Living in a cold climate with snow / ice on the ground for much of the winter, I was looking for an AWD performance sedan. In the end I settled on the Acura RL, Infiniti M35x and BMW 535xi (though I loved the M series, I did not consider them practical for year - round driving in my climate, even with snow tires). From a "thrill of driving" and performance perspective, the 535xi quite simply left the Acura and Infiniti in the dust. Acceleration and handling were no contest 8 months later and a rough winter under my belt, and I couldnt be happier with my choice. Comfort seats and access are a must.