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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  X3 Rebuttal - 2006 BMW X3
  By Tanya - November 12 - 1:20 am

  Previous car - 1998 4-door BMW M3. Though this car cant compare, its a fun vehicle to drive. Its roomier than the M3, handles fairly well, has a higher ground clearance. Has Luxury yet not overly done, clean lines. Havent had it long enough to experience any problems, but I had my M3 for 6 years before problems started popping up. I expect to have this one just as long. 4-years maintenance was too attractive to pass up. Test drove many SUVs (at least 10 cars) the rides were close, but BMW had the maintenance and the tighter steering. I dont mind a stiffer ride if I can feel the road. This isnt a smooth-car ride.

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  One of the Best Cars on the Road - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Mamish - November 11 - 12:40 pm

  The 740i - sports package 00 or 01 is "the" car to drive. Speed, handling, cornering and road grip is unmatched. No other 4 door car can come close to the 740i - none. Too bad BMW ruined the 7 series and soon all series with that bulky, ugly, bubbly design. Shame on BMW for pulling such a stupid move. If youre looking for a great vehicle try to find a 00 or 01 740i - sports package miles 40K to 60K in the $28K range You will love it. Again, 740i not the IL

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  another great 3 series - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Aust - November 11 - 10:45 am

  I bought this car as certified pre-owned. Only way to go as i paid 28K for a 46K vehicle. This is NOT a sports car but a fabulous driving vehicle. Plenty of power and very comfortable. Decent fuel mileage on the highway but not so much around town. I am not tired of driving this vehicle.

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  As good as it gets - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lee - November 11 - 8:26 am

  This is a 2nd BMW we have. We have a X3. I have this new 2006 325xi for about 1 month now. It has exceed my expectation in many ways. The combination of power and handling is just about perfect. I thought X3 was great until I brought the 325xi. The handling is so precise and fun to drive. I am very glad that I chose the 325xi instead of the Lexus 250 or Acura TL. I read many negative comments about run flat tire. So far, I did not have any problem or complain about them. They are doing just fine.

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  Born to run - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By L G - November 10 - 2:15 pm

  If you ever felt like you owe yourself perfection in a car , this is the one for you ! Nicest ride Ive ever owned. Ive owner infinities , Lexus, and corvettes ! But far the best overal rise on the planet !

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  excellent - 2006 BMW X5
  By steven - November 9 - 10:19 pm

  It was hard to switch over to the BMW X5 4.4i for the Volvo XC90, but within hours I was in love with this vehicle. Its like driving a cloud. The weather in New England has been rough this fall and this SUV handles like a dream. Thank you.

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  Best Car Built! - 2006 BMW M5
  By MattMumford1 - November 9 - 9:23 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. It feels as if you are driving a car from the future because of the extreme horsepower and the simple luxury.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By David - November 9 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 months and I can honestly say its the greatest. The performance, engineering, and looks are second-to-none. Ive never had so many compliments from total strangers, which really makes me feel good. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car since Ive had it. The only downside might be the high-cost maintenance procedures. I can do them myself, but if they are done by the dealership, prices are quite high. If you can bleed brakes and change brake pads, change hoses and flush coolant, and change engine belts, then youll have no problem with this car. Buy a manual, and youll be fine.

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  BMW M3 Still Impresses - 1999 BMW M3
  By Brandon - November 9 - 3:09 pm

  I am 24 and was on the hunt for my first car, I really wanted an s4, but couldnt find the right price. I test drove the M3, and fell in love. Bought on the spot. The car has been a champ. Pulls off the line like a bat out of hell. The gearbox is smooth and crisp. Brakes are not bad. Sound system is ok, but could be better. Oil changes need to be performed frequently. The car is a lot of fun to drive. You find people want to race you all the time, S4 especially! In the winter get snow tires or store it.

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  Spoiled and worth it... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kirk & Collin - November 9 - 2:48 pm

  We purchased this 2004 330ci with sport package as a factory car with 3,100 miles in Sept.05. As it was explained to us, the car had never been titled before (which proved true) and was basically NEW, and paid 44k instead of original 54k. Not bad! We are absolutely in love with this car. Every feature, line, material used, and charecteristic of this car is phenomenal. I cant imagine what the next convertible will bring, as it seems hard to top perfection.