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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  I love it - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Bix - February 20 - 9:37 pm

  The title says it all, truth is this is the overall very best car Ive ever owned. After over 30K miles I still smile every time I drive the car. And because its a touring model I can haul real things. The only complaint I actually have is stupid and dangerous cupholders. Oddly the only cup which works is "Mini" mug.

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  Fantastic car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By ash - February 20 - 8:12 am

  This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever driven. Simply a blast to drive, even with the ESP on. Youd be hard pressed to find a car that handles better. It inspires confidence going into every corner, and with skin off your face brakes and an unbelievably seamless ESP, even when the most OMG situations come up, you have the brakes and the control to avoid idiot drivers. The suspension is a little bit on the egg-beater side, but its well within the range of comfortable, without sacrificing real performance. Basically, this car does everything you tell it to, making everything feel really easy.

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  Excellent Entry in BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevin - February 20 - 8:09 am

  This is an extremely excellent vehicle. The maintenance program is by far the most superior program ever. I have only paid for tires since owning this car. I am tall, 64". I am ready to upgrade to a larger model. That is my only complaint, is that it is a little tight for taller people. I knew that when I bought the car, so I cant complain. This is an excellent start for someone that wants to get into a high performance luxury vehicle.

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  Ultimate Driving SUV - 2008 BMW X5
  By tpcc55 - February 19 - 10:14 pm

  This X5 3.0 is simply the best handling SUV among all the ones I have owned and test-driven. I picked 3.0 over 4.8 because (a) to save $8-9K, (b) 3.0 engine felt smoother in lower gears and is adequate for our purpose, and (c) for a SUV, handling is more important than performance well save the performance for our sedan.

• 

  Excellent - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Xavier - February 19 - 7:36 pm

  I have had the 2006 325i for a 1 1/2 years and loved every minute of it. The only and I mean only problem that I have with the car is its cup holders. My wife had a flat tire once and she pressed the BMW assist button and was directed to the nearest dealership for repair. I have taken the car in once for maintenance! Once! I love this car and so does my wife.

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  Looks great, poor performance and ease of use - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Mary Byers - February 19 - 1:52 am

  This car looks like a classic design, but with the worse user friendly design, terrible perform, gas mileage, comfort, repair cost, and resale, but that is to be expected given the poor dealer and manufacture and dealer support. Take the key fob design, instead of simply replacing the batt, you have to spend. $150 on a completely new key fob. Poor design that BMW would not stand behind. Their cars have only gotten worse over the years, and my 2001 530i was one of the better cars they made. BMW has lost their edge and that’s a shame.

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  Love the car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan - February 18 - 10:08 am

  2nd BMW and Ill run this one until the wheels fall off. Styling is classic. The car looks great even at 6 years old. Finish is still top notch. Fun and comfortable to drive

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  As good as it gets - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Werner - February 18 - 3:11 am

  What a fantasic roadster, much better than the Z3, test drove the TT and Boxster. Its simply better than anything in its class.

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  Best BMW 7 yet. - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By harold - February 17 - 10:53 am

  This is the fourth BMW 7 series Ive had and it is better than the others. Subtle changes from the 2006 and all make the car a bit more fun to drive. Great deals available as it is the last of this model. It is considerably less than a comparable Audi, Mercedes, or Jaguar, and definitely better to drive.

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  Great fun to drive - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Aydin Akdeniz - February 16 - 6:50 am

  This is my eighth new BMW over the years and what a difference in design, technology application and quality. I think BMW has done an excellent job in this new 5 series. It took me less than half an hour to go over the "i-drive" and learn it. The aerodynamic lines and trims are impressive.