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:

• 

  Worth Every Penny - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Bitterm3 - May 26 - 8:38 pm

  This car is comfortable in every situation. The motor is flawless and pulls like anything Ive ever driven. This car flies and stops like you wouldnt believe. Take a test drive to really appreciate this car. You will be hard fought to find something better for the money!

• 

  330ci ZHP 5-A, Nice drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sierck - May 26 - 5:04 pm

  Nice running and handling car, fun to drive on the country twisties. Engine revs easily, wants to go. Seats are superior, much more comfortable than my other car, 1999 Lexus GS300. I like to drive the Lexus, I love to drive the BMW. Just 1000 miles so far, no problems yet. AC seems to work great, was worried about black leather in florida, but ac cools quickly. Had also worried about the firm ride of the ZHP performance package, but rides nice on highways and newer roads, I dont regret the comfort tradeoff for the incredible handling, even sport suspension still quite civilized. All in all, very happy that I purchased this vehicle.

• 

  Phenomenal - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DTA43 - May 26 - 12:30 pm

  I currently drive a 2003 Audi A4 3.0 quattro. Today I test-drove the 335i coupe with premium and sport pkgs (manual transmission), and this is going to be my next car. The power was incredible, and reminded me of the 97 M3 I used to drive. The brakes were also M3-like. However, the ride was not - it was beautiful: smooth, quiet, firm but not punishing. It was my opinion of perfect balance between performance and comfort. This car is FUN!! I no longer dream of purchasing an S4 or M3.

• 

  Just what I wanted! - 2008 BMW X6
  By Marc (VT) - May 26 - 8:10 am

  I have had 3 X5s and used to drive sports cars prior to that. As much as I loved the X5, I still missed the "coupe" look and feel. And then the X6 came along. Exactly what I wanted. I still cannot wipe that smile off my face every time I look at it or get behind the wheel. What a car, the engine is fantastic, the handling superb and I just cant rave enough about the outside look. I have not been this excited about a car since my 1993 Acura Legend coupe with 6 speed manual transmission. I ordered mine to have exactly what I wanted and the 3 weeks it took before I got the car seemed like and eternity!

• 

  Super Car, with Problems - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Maximum Bob - May 25 - 9:57 pm

  I know the service techs far more than I should for such a great car. Do NOT put anything liquid in the trunk and expect not to fry your iDrive. Some idiots in Germany made the trunk porous and put the iDrive electronics package in the trunk, so if you have cooler and it tips over, immediately get out your rags, etc., and get that water out. I have fried the iDrive twice in this way, and it cost a bundle to fix it. Really poor engineering.

• 

  2007 x5 3.0 problematic - 2007 BMW X5
  By Donald Gove - May 25 - 7:20 pm

  My first BMW and my last. At 55k one would expect greater reliability. The cabin has been filled with squeaks and rattles, even the headrest squeaks. The dashboard has been taken apart twice. Consistent major malfunctions, abs, awd, hill descent, cruise, have shut down (5) times in less than a year w/out warning. Running boards are useless makes it difficult for entering, exiting vehicle. The 3.0 lags at low speeds, always needing to shift into sport mode. The ride over uneven road surfaces is punishing. Steering is very stiff always need 2 hands at low speeds. No available option for a remote start due to the complex wiring. The quality, material of the sunvisors is poor, not even a place for sunglass

• 

  1st time BMW owner-bad experience - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeniffer - May 25 - 4:59 pm

  My husband bought this car for my 40th birthday, this was a bad gift. Ive had my car in the shop 23 times, multiple times for brakes and wheels/tires. The car has been in the shop 5 times in the last two and half months. I will never buy another BMW. I want to be able to get in my car and drive without wondering if my caliper will fall off.

• 

  From 07 335i to 08 M3 - 2008 BMW M3
  By AirMonte - May 25 - 7:12 am

  Owned 02 325 and 07 335i, I thought was the best BMW car made today. Went to the dealer for a service check walked out with an 08 M3. Why? The 08 M3 can go from 335i to Animal mode with a press of a button. The engine noise, throttle response, the handling, the 19" wheels with the billet brakes. They made everything in the car functional nothing cosmetic. Imola Red with the sunroof (CF roof was nice but my wife likes sunroof and that was the breaking point to purchase). The evil looks that every policeman gives you is priceless. Do not test drive the M3 if you dont have the money.

• 

  Design getting better with age - 2007 BMW Z4
  By rdavidz - May 24 - 9:48 am

  When the Z4 came out to replace the Z3, I thought they ruined the idea. Its a much different car and when you drive it, you can forget about the Z3. The lines on the car all seem to fit and have purpose, even though Im not a fan of the Bangle designs. I bought the Z4 3.0si convertible which is a fast car and looks unbelievable with the sport package and 18" wheels. The sport package completely changes the look and driving of the car, its a must. Its fast enough even with the auto trans which has the paddle shifters. The extended leather and premium M seats are a must too. All the options raise the price, but if youre seriously considering this car, cost is not a concern.

• 

  X5 Review from Kenya - 2003 BMW X5
  By James Wachira - May 24 - 8:21 am

  I love the vehicle. I imported from Singapore with 38000 Km on the odometer. I enjoy the car. However, I have experienced two problems that I have not been able to solve. One the radio/CD just went off whilst driving and havent been able to put it on since. Today I switched on the car and could not start, the computer display indicated code. A few times the boot has refused to open, but it would later open after a day or so, seems to be an electronic problem Can someone provide some solutions on this and share solutions if had experienced same thing. Unfortunately I dont have a manual for the car