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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  Better Than a Porsche 911 - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Henry - April 18 - 7:11 am

  Just traded in an 03 911 for the 135i--wow, for about half the MSRP, I think I got twice the car. This is my first sports car without a stick shift. Love the beefy aluminum paddle shifters. Car absolutely flies. Inside is very quiet, except for the growl from the 300 hp engine. My Porsche was loud and uncomfortable and the 135 is so comfortable. I got the sport package and the seats are amazing. The thigh support is great for long trips. Car is an A+ and really does rival a 911 for performance but exceeds it for comfort and practicality with real back seat and room for two or three sets of golf clubs in trunk. Ive owned a 911, Boxster S and a TT Coupe. The 135i blows them all away.

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  M3-Like Performance - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By cwg - April 18 - 12:36 am

  Just purchased 2007 335 Sedan w/ Spt./Prm./Sat/Auto. Incredible car. Keep in mind that the sedan is the same body style as 2006, only visual difference is the badge and dual exhaust tips. It will absolutely rocket. Have owned an M3, Benz 230K, and BMW 328. This car is equal to a current M3 in my opinion as far as acceleration and handling. There is no other car in this class that can compare with this degree of power, handling, interior and exterior style. Bluetooth is awesome feature. Stereo fabulous. Have kids so must have the sedan. Actually, I like the rear-end on the sedan better than the coupe. Incredible car!

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  Issues. But nothing major ! - 2008 BMW X5
  By imran356 - April 17 - 4:30 pm

  Bought one couple of days ago. Its fun to drive and but definitely some minor reliability issue . The electronic glove compartment has a mind of its own. It just wont open and other time works fine! I had to take it back to dealorship to fix left turn signal light . According to the mechanic, left tail light bulb was loose... huh! 50K BMW?? Other then that, beautiful looking car. I prefer it over any other competitor. Engine is smooth and powerful. Love driving it.

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  This is a disappointment - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Ken - April 17 - 4:25 pm

  Owned many BMW products. All great cars except for this one. Car had repeated problems with navigation screen. I was on my third screen. The computer also reported many false positive problems that would mysteriously disappear and reappear. Great car to drive. Great performance. Actually good gas mileage for high-performance 8-cylinder. Unfortunately, I spent more time with my service manager than my family. I traded the car in yesterday. Took a bath on the trade. But was worth it. Ouch. Good riddance.

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  Still love this car after 5 years - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom Mager - April 16 - 4:28 pm

  This has been a great car. Fun to drive, fast, extremely comfortable (the sport seats are wonderful for me - the only car I can drive for hours with no lower back pain), very reliable, and looks great. With the 6-speed manual transmission, I also get decent mileage considering the size and power of this car - 21 in mixed city/hwy, and mid-to-high 20s in all hwy driving. BMW makes some very nice cars but I dont see a new one I would trade this car for.

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  A hoot to drive! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Mike - April 15 - 12:46 pm

  The 135 is the perfect size for me. The power is awesome. Was concerned about the iDrive but learning curve is quick. Inside storage is pitiful. No place for even your glasses case. One usable cup holder. Red LED ambient lighting, without turning the dash intensity up to practically full, is not visible. Should have been blue. Premium sound system/HD radio is supurb. Blue tooth and conviencence access great. 6 speed shifts like butter. Cool feature is the brakes hold on a hill for a couple seconds so you dont roll backwards. Paint, fit and finish top notch. One gripe... Offer 18 inch, performance, NON RUN-FLAT tires w/spare. Run-flats are problematic, expensive and wear out quickly.

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  Best BMW ever driven besides the 650i - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By CrisFlip - April 14 - 9:44 pm

  I never thought I would fall in love with the entry level baby bimmer!! This car is quite capable of being considered an entry level M car. Its got more than plenty of power, agility, speed, and superior performance handling. If you want a nicely priced bang for you dollar this is it. Its a definitely in the "gotta have" car list. Although back seat is a bit cramped, but what do you expect on a "premium compact" coupe? Gas is not too bad at 26 highway. Great everyday car and always fun to drive. You have to test drive it and really drive it both normal and hard to appreciate it.

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  Beautiful inside and out, fun to drive - 2008 BMW X5
  By NewBMWf_fan - April 14 - 9:41 pm

  The X5 is an exceptional SUV. We looked at the Acura MDX and you cant really compare the two. If you can afford the additional $15k, go for the X5. We have had it for three months and it has functioned flawlessly. The drive is awesome and the finish in incredible.

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  I love this car - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By pguter - April 14 - 8:20 pm

  Drives like a dream, tremendous pick-up, wonderful sight lines. The top is quick and easy to raise or lower. The iDrive is easier to use than most reviewers seem to experience.

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  Bimmerlover - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobby - April 14 - 6:44 pm

  This is the second 5-series I have owneD. My E28 was great and fun to drive but it was automatic, this E34 is my new baby and I just love this car so so much, I cannot let her get dirty. It is a pleasure to drive and sit in, shifting through the gears and getting up to the top speed is my plan every day I get in. It still turns a lot of heads. I love everything about this car, and cant wait till I get another one, I was hooked since the last BMW my friend whom is a bimmer lover warned me about not being able to drive another tybe of car after getting into a BMW.