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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  Car Nirvana - 2008 BMW M5
  By Sahib - April 10 - 12:07 am

  This car delivers daily driving pleasure through its smooth never ending power band and steering handling and precision. Its understated looks belie a technological beast of an engine that is superior to anything on the road, regardless of price. Handling is a joy and the engine wail is exhilarating. In idle the engine sounds a bit tinny but it opens up nicely. Only wish I could hear it more. I need an excuse to be in this car all the time. It calls me and is my "happy place" to be. My only complaint is that I wish I had more open road in front of me. The third gear is the sweetest - at 7,000 RPM it sings. Wish I could try 4th at 7,000 but too fast. Any opinions on 4th at 8,000 RPM?

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  Makes me nauseated - 2007 BMW X3
  By tbaran - April 9 - 7:16 pm

  Transmission shifting issues - shifts so jerky it will actually make me car sick. Have had back to dealer 2x for updates, shifting improved, but not even close to acceptable for any vehicle, but this one is $40k+. Dealer told me fix is to shift manually - no thanks, I didnt buy a stick shift. Live in western PA, lots of hills, car will not shift out of 2nd gear starting up a hill unless speed exceeds 25 mph - thats about 3500 rpm. When you take your foot off the gas, it throws you like hitting the brakes! Terrible engineering from a premier automotive company.

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  Want to have fun? Drive this! - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Joe - April 9 - 11:34 am

  Purchased mine certified used with 11000 miles on it. Very fun to drive! Looks fast, is fast. I rarely used to put the windows down in my old cars, but with this car I put the windows and top down every chance I get! I get many compliments on it--it is simply a sharp looking car and turns plenty of heads. I love how Z4s are not as widely popular as, say, a 3-series and that was a big reason why I purchased mine. If youre looking to buy, seriously consider the metallic silver color with premium package. With the sharp angles of the body styling, silver looks beautiful!

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  Great Choise - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jpol - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This car rules in the road. The only one who you cant pass is the guy with the Ferrari. The interior is very comfortable and everything, almost everything its in its place. I love the engines sound its sweet for the soul. Go overgas and youll free yourself, youll get off all the stress, great brakes too, good for the bolivian supercross streets (xi). Very solid car.

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  BMer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joskoui - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, very fun to drive, but it downshifts hard into first when decelerating. Should have got the 330 for more power.

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  Almost Perfect - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By slohammer - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that this is the best driving car I have ever owned. I bought a 2001 steel metallic blue 325i with sport package, premium package, heated seats, Xenon and purposely ordered a 5-speed. Believe it or not, only 1 in 10 3-series made are manuals. Why would you get an automatic for the "Ultimate Driving Machine"? The transmission on this machine is so smooth, it is just short of orgasmic! If you like to drive, buy a 3-series manual transmission, youll save $1500 as well.

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  A rare luxury Sedan thats underated - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By philly350zr - April 9 - 9:43 am

  I have owned this Classic since Aug 2005 and I confess Ive spent 7800.00 restoring her to greatness. These are some of the best engineered cars in the world. The car is almost 15 years old and it still turns heads and performs close to the way it did when it came from the factory. This was the last year that these cars were hand made and designed by engineers and not the marketing guru like todays BMW. It has a strong road feel and power to burn when you need it. It hugs the open road and if you dont have a heavy foot I can get 25 miles on the highway doing 70 MPH. Maintenance must be done on a regular basis and parts are not cheap but this 7 series is a true drivers car.

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  My 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By indiana97 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got back from 2500 trip to FL over Spring Break, 15 hr. drive home MPG was 29.8 at average 75+ mph. pretty good for a 330i barely broken in. Only has 3500 miles on it now. Considered G35 but did not like the ride, engine was loud and did not coordinate very well with auto transmission.

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  BMW 330xi - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By U.D.M. - April 7 - 10:45 pm

  The car has not disappointed me. Once you put your foot on gas it shoots like a rocket. The handling, turning and braking is superb. Ride is actually very smooth even though i have Sport package. The iDrive is also easy to use. Seats are pretty comfortable too.

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  Not a bad ride! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ESL - April 6 - 11:23 am

  I really like this car, but I was well aware of most of its flaws before purchasing--so do your homework! It handles better than any car Ive ever driven (had Audi S4 before this)! Its got good acceleration than in years past (although slower than the S4). The audio system sounds about like what youd expect for a car in this price range. The iDrive isnt nearly as bad as everyone has said, but you must spend a few hours with the ops manual AS SOON AS YOU GET THE CAR - or at least soon after to enjoy all of its features. The NAV works pretty well, and the cd plays mp3s. However, whatever CD you have in plays continuously-the "off" button is only a "mute" button, so it keeps spinning.