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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  Great Performing AWD - 2007 BMW X3
  By Kuseler - March 30 - 9:08 am

  Bought this as an American Spec X3 in Germany with the Manual 6-speed and most options a superb driving machine. For an AWD and SUV like vehicle, it does very well on gas mileage - getting 25 hwy and 20 city, and that is at 90 mph on German Autobahns. The vehicle handles very well and the steering is outstanding. I think the 6-speed manual is key to driving pleasure and better mileage (contrary to specs) - but could not imagine using in city traffic and most state side driving stop and go conditions.

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  Great car, wish it had better mpg - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Gregular - March 30 - 4:00 am

  I have owned my 325i for 4 months now and so far I love the car. The only thing I am disappointed with so far is the fuel economy. I drive about 40 miles a day. Of that about 60% is highway and I get a average of 21-23 MPG. I tried changing driving habit and maintaining tire pressure and all I get is 24 mpg tops.

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  Best Sport Luxury Perfomance Sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By K-Kar - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the second 5 series Ive purchased in 5 years. I really think the technology in the 2003 has hit the mark.

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  My Zs - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Charles W. Simmons - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I had previously leased a 2001 Z3 Roadster because I wasnt sure if I wanted to own the BMW. I loved the Z3 and at the close of the lease I went to the dealer to purchase it. In 2 years I had driven 42000 miles and loved every mile. Well I test drove the Z4 and decided to purchase the 2003 Z4. So far I am not sorry.

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  Just got my 135i - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Ruffstik - March 28 - 6:29 pm

  Well I think I just picked up one of the 1st 135is in North America, at least its the only one in Wisconsin! This car just fits like a glove and when you first push the pedal you are completely blown away with the power of those 300 horses. Was looking at the Infiniti G37s and was waiting for this one to come out. Gotta say that Im glad I waited!

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  Perfect vehicle - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By wittyj - March 28 - 11:05 am

  Have owned the car about 4 months now and have driven about 4500 miles. Totally flawless performance. Recent trip of over 2000 miles we averaged hi-way mileage of 29.6 to 33.4 mpg per tank. The comfort of this vehicle is awesome. Multifunction seats are worth every dollar spent. There have been NO maintenance issues whatsoever.

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  Remember - its a BMW - 2008 BMW X3
  By TedTEd - March 27 - 6:27 pm

  Remember, youre buying this car b/c it handles incredibly. Acceleration is great. I experience no hesitation. This car is fun to drive - lots of fun to drive. I get 21 mpg. However, the electronics are horrible. I got the upgraded stereo and wish I hadnt. Sirius costs $900 to install, only available through BMW and its the worst antenna - continuously drops the signal. The read out is limited to the point of annoying. The radio only has 6 presets. The GPS (yeah I went for that too) is incredibly useless - difficult to use (the manual is awful) why do they allot so much space to longitude, latitude and altitude? Its ridiculous. Did I say it handles incredibly?

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  Best Overall Sports Coupe! - 2005 BMW M3
  By TRB - March 27 - 5:46 pm

  Great looks with the performance to back it up. Everything you want in a sports coupe (performance, design, practicality, and overall appearance. Uncertain about SMG, but am quickly falling in love. The handeling is second to none, and the engine is always willing to give the driver more! All of this with ample space in the rear seats, and storage in the trunk.

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  Convincing my wife - 2002 BMW X5
  By Norm - March 27 - 3:23 pm

  This has been a great, but not troublefree, vehicle. Our first BMW. I had to convince my wife that she would enjoy this SAV. Now I cannot get her out of it. It has never stranded us, but we have gone to our dealer several times answering the "service engine soon" idiot light. This light has alerted us to a loose gas cap AND a bad catalytic converter. Both on the same idiot light. My wife uses automatic. I use manual shifting. It reminds me of my first car--a stick shift way back in the 1950s. Great cornering and passing power.

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  Good Vehicle - 2008 BMW X3
  By sgarg - March 27 - 1:19 pm

  Purchased in march. Nice car. Looks are attractive. Features are excellent except navigation system. Navigation system is really bad, Honda has much much better nav system. Fuel avg is around 17-18.