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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  My 750iL CAA1 - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Clifford A Armstrong - May 23 - 11:02 pm

  Great, great car, big comfortable, gets 23 mpg at 75mph. Problems have been with the cooling system, mostly raditor and associated parts. Next problem is the double-pane glass that discolors from separation between the two panes. Company will not replace, even though all had been replaced under warranty the first time. Expensive to maintain, hard to work on the engine because of tight spaces.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric - May 23 - 4:50 pm

  This is our first BMW. My wife has driven Volvo, Lexus and Acura products in the past. All of those vehicles have been nice but have lacked the driving experience of the 530i. This car is truly a sports sedan. We drove the Audi A6, Lexus GS and Infiniti M and felt this vehicle and the A6 were truly drivers cars. This is our first German vehicle and we had some concern about reliability, however, the car has been solid.

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  Perfection Perfected - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW - May 23 - 4:40 pm

  Whats not to like? The new BMW 3 Series is faster, smarter, sleeker, more solid, and more efficient.

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  Amazing performance - 2006 BMW M5
  By Joshm18 - May 23 - 4:19 pm

  Deciding between this and the 911 4S was a tough decision, but they are comparing apples and oranges. The fact that you can get this type of performance in a four door "sedan" is unbelievable. Anyone who has been around BMWs before knows of their intense performance, but lack of "luxury" - this car really has it all. The available optins are fantastic (the comfort access is a must!). Bottom line, this car is truly a spectacular machine. Not only does it outperform just about everything on the road, its style is set apart enough from the standard 5 series that you catch a lot of looks in it.

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  The Ultimate 3 - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By J07335 - May 21 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had many cars in the past including AMG cars and this 3 series is the best combination of performance and comfort by far. It handles like a slot car, pulls like an M3 and is just as comfortable as any car in its class. The interior is top notch and its plenty roomy for this size car.

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  The last of the true "ultimate driving machines" - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike K. - May 21 - 10:42 am

  A solidly built car with excellent handling, thanks to steering that puts you in touch with the road, and a suspension that provides a nice compromise between comfort and cornering stability. An exceptionally smooth running engine provides good acceleration; controls that are intuitive and well laid out. A true drivers car for those willing to accept older BMWs need for relatively frequent and high cost maintenance.

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  Fine Machine - 2006 BMW X3
  By vrrooom - May 20 - 7:23 am

  Great Driving car, and as a replacement for a ML V8, a great substitute. Handles as well as my other 3 series coupe, keeps up with traffic and delivers over 22 mpg in combined driving to date.

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  BMW 535 GT - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By gadgetguy2 - May 19 - 5:56 pm

  The reviews I read on this car did not seem to know what to make of it. The uniqueness of the vehicle caused magazine reviewers to give it a second take, but not rate it very high. I have been driving my 535 GT for a little over a month now and it is awsome. The adaptive suspension is for real. Pick the comfort setting and the engine, transmission and suspension change into a luxery vehicle. Push the sport button while driving and feel the suspension tighten and the tach jump as the engine and transmission have a change of attitude. The headroom is cavernous. I fit in very few cars due to my height, but this car is great. The 20 way adjustable seats are worth the option price.

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  Excellent choice - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jqck - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I switched to it from a 5-years old Mazda 626. The feel of improvement on the handling was instantaneous. Its quite a contrast. It turns my daily commute into an enjoyment. I was surprised to find how quiet it is no matter the roof is up or down.

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  Great Value as Used Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By GV3 - May 18 - 3:06 pm

  For the last 20 years, Ive bought used (2-3 yr old) luxury cars with great success. My "new" 03 BMW continues that string. This particular car is a one-owner lease turn-in, BMW certified, fully loaded, 39,000 miles. For $23 thou, its a great value: fun to drive, looks better than the new 3-series, somebody else has worked out all the kinks, and I got the 100m BMW certified warranty. Life is too short to drive a car with no soul! This car just brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it.