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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  What a Fun Ride! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By M.J. Smith - March 21 - 8:51 am

  I was looking for a car that was fun to drive and the 135 fits the bill. The six-speed manual is a welcome change of pace from the ordinary and makes the twin-turbo a pocket-rocket. The sports suspension is firm but still very comfortable and the handling is superb. Im 64" and there is plenty of room for me to change gears and maneuver. The profile of the car is spectacular and has already gotten a number of positive comments. If you are looking to get into a Bimmer that is all about fun, this is the car for you.

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  WonderCar - 2002 BMW Z8
  By SM - March 20 - 8:42 pm

  Ive owned over 50 cars in my life, including some top flight iron. None has ever been the true combination of quality, style, power and fun-to-drive that the Z8 has been. I remember why I bought the car every time I take it out. Absolutely wonderful ride! I get thumbs up, stares and comments whenever I take her out. Great fit and finish, no mechanical problems and my BMW techs have been wonderful to deal with. The best service anywhere! Gas mileage is OK, essentially 20mpg on the highway and mid-teens around town. I really love this car, but know someday Ill get the bug for something else and then may have to sell/trade the car. They are becoming harder and harder to find.

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  Be smart, avoid the dealer. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By NeverGoingAmerican - March 20 - 12:51 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 years and if I can have things my way, Ill never buy anything BUT a BMW. Its a joy to drive, styling is sporty without being gaudy, and after a car wash, I could swear I was looking at a brand new Beemer. Maintenance costs are high after the warranty has run out. Be smart, and DONT go to the dealer to fix every little thing. I recently had my brakes repaired (new rotors, pads and sensors) for $700, the dealer wanted $1900. Do yourself a favor and hunt around your city to find a reliable BMW certified mechanic. If you do this, long maintenance will be much more managable.

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  M3 - Nothing like it - 1997 BMW M3
  By internaut - March 20 - 11:04 am

  Had this car for 10 years now - not a single significant problem with it. Always a pleasure to drive. Ready for action and being pushed to the extreme. A car of this class is completely unaffordable now.

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  A very expensive love affair - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Jay - March 20 - 10:26 am

  I fell in love with this car as soon as I saw it and I bought it without thinking twice. Big mistake!! Dont get me wrong, I still love this car but it is not for an average joe like me. It costs a lot and costs a lot more more just to maintain it. Every now and again problems creep up and every problem cost me more than a grand to fix. Its the best ride ever if you can afford it.

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  You Wont Regret it! - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By Soldes - March 19 - 6:16 pm

  Agonized many a times about spending this kind of $ for a car. After 1 week of driving it, this machine is worth every dollar, not only in its performance and peerless handling, but in the way it makes you feel when you are behind the wheel. Extreme luxury, awsome handle, superb sports performance, plus the WOW! factor all in one package.

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  Ultimate driving machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lou - March 19 - 2:39 pm

  This one is the real deal. Power, handling, go in the snow, secure all conditions, great design, has been great to lease, will get another this fall

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  2016 BMW X5 Xdrive 35i - 2016 BMW X5
  By Mr. Ford - March 19 - 10:47 am

  The 2016 X5 is 5 star. Hands down, easy to assess. I am a "data miner" e.g. I research details, options, value, ratings, consumer reports/previous performance, warranties, etc. and I competively shop. I set our budget at 70K realizing that with all the reasonable extras to include interior and exterior protection, taxes/registration, etc. that the vehicle price is just the beginning. I spent just over 70K for everything and we have a "beautiful" BMW. I compared the new 2016 Audi Q7, the 2016 Volvo XC90, 2016 ML Mercedez, and Land Rover LR series plus the Yukon Denali and the Lincoln Navigator/Cadillac Escalade. NONE fit into the overall 2016 BMW X5. I would have joyfully bought any that could stand against the X5 but if this was a mid to large size SUV superbowl, BMW X5 would have the ring! I built the X5 on-line and the dealership was superb. BMW service is OUTSTANDING. If you want to feel special in life behind the wheel - drive the 2016 X5. NO REGRETS! It is strong, luxurious, spacious, reliable, and full of great technology. Visibilibilty, comfort, etc. is amazing. Highly recommend the countour seats and the premium package options....

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  From Audi to BMW - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Devon - March 19 - 12:23 am

  I recently purchased my BMW 335i xDrive and it is amazing. I took the car with all options available, and so in terms of aesthetics, performance and functionality, this car is sublime. I use to drive an Audi 2.0T Quattro, and though the cars are not meant to be compared, I can say without a doubt that the BMW ride quality, performance and driving experience are considerably superior. The interior layout is also on par with Audis high-quality interiors. Overall, I must say that Im happy I got this car over an A5... though I probably would have taken an S5, had there not been a 1yr waiting list!

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  Awesome car! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike James - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  This is arguably the best three series ever. It handles like a dream, has great power and has a classic design. The gas mileage is in the high 20s which is surprising. Big difference between this car and the earlier 325i. We plan on driving it until it reaches 250,000 miles.