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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  new 3 series a big step up - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By gerard.marciano - September 30 - 8:50 pm

  I was at the "coming out" party for the new 3 at Chelsea Piers in New York and fell in love immediately. I traded in my 2002 325 and just picked up my new 3 on May 10th. I got the sport package, and the only down side is the ride is a bit choppy on bad roads. Could be the run-flats. iDrive is greatly simplified; most controls are off the steering wheel. Great seats, much more refined than the previous 3. Much quieter with extraordinary feel and a real luxurious cabin that oozes sophistication. Stereo upgrade is just so so, but the iDrive gives the dash a second hump which looks much better than the regular interior. iDrive is a cinch...no big deal. What an engine; silky smooth, no growl.

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  The best new car experience ever - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By YL - September 30 - 7:07 pm

  Drives like a charm. Still somewhat of an eye catcher :-) Gas mileage just below that of my retired 328i.

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  Best BMW car - 2004 BMW M3
  By Onyx - September 30 - 6:20 am

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  Great Investment - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By justducky150 - September 29 - 3:45 pm

  Great investment... if a used car could be such a thing. This 540i has been stellar in reliability and performance. I bought with 29,000 miles and it started service on the road in August 1996. 80,000 miles later and the car still is turning heads and has tremendous thrust. Parts that had to be purchased: water pump, windshield wiper motor, AC compressor (covered under warranty). Other than that, it has been almost flawless. I started driving it in brutal Western Pennsylvania winters 2 years ago, favoring its reknowned safety cage, and have never had a problem with sliding/skidding. The car is perfectly balanced. Above average cost of investment for excellent long term return.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By x021627 - September 28 - 8:00 pm

  Ive been driving my 528xi for a few months now and I still love getting in the car and taking a drive. It is truly amazing and so comfortable. While not as much of a "beast" as the 535, it is still quick on acceleration and has that luxury/comfort/sports combo so missing with other cars. iDrive isnt the best, but it is quick to learn and makes stuff easier. iPhone integration is seamless. I have premium, cold, navi, xenons and iPod adaptor. No complaints. BTW: this was my second BMW. 2003, e39 was the first.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rich - September 27 - 11:33 pm

  This is my third 3 series BMW in the last 5 years. Ive previously owned a 325xi and my last 2 have been 330xis so I feel Im fairly qualified to write an objective review. The 2006 body style is terrific and the interior appointments are far better than previous years. The seats are comfortable and seem to wrap around your body like a glove. The overall ride experience is firmer than my previous cars and I do not seem to get the same "rush" when stepping on the gas as my 2003 330xi. The lack of body side molding is a problem as I already have dings where side-molding should have been. The radio (even with Sirius) is average and the cup-holders are woefully inadequate. This car is just Ok.

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  BMW does it again - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sumredfun - September 27 - 7:30 am

  I love my new 328i, BMW just keeps making cars that make me and many others so happy. No wonder editors of enthusiast magazines have to make public announcements explaining they are not on the Bavarian payroll (yes BMW advertises but so do the other manufacturers) when these cars keep winning head-to head comparisons with their competitors. My third 3 series and the most luxurious and comfortable yet, the car has grown with my own girth and obviously itÂ’s not just me enjoying the extra space as IÂ’m seeing more and more on the road. If you enjoy driving and you are looking for a smaller car that just makes you smile when you have to push it harder than normal this is the car for you.

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  1989 BMW e34 525ia - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Adam Holland - September 26 - 11:14 pm

  I purchased the vehicle with over 230k and I personally have put about 90k mostly highway miles. The vehicle is in remarkable condition for its age (nicer than most 2 to 3 year old cars) and is very easy to work on. The automatic went out at 250k but I was able to purchase a rebuilt one for 1200 and installed it myself. Considering I purchased the car for 1300 this was not a bad deal. I perform all maintenance myself (including tires) and I have multiple connections across the country for parts. After installing a performance chip and tweaking the air intake system I am averaging 29 mpg highway and 25 in the city. Excellent car for the money for either the do it yourselfer or the avg driver.

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  Perfect - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Tlnr9q - September 26 - 4:06 pm

  This car couples elegance with a sport sedan. BMW did an amazing job with this one!

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  THE BEST 5 SERIES - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By CMB - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Dear consumers, All i can say is that the BMW 5 series IS the untimate driving machine...I have driven it from San Francisco to Mexico and have never had a bad experience....the comfort zone is amazing..The seat adjustments alone are worth the price...Take it for a test drive and find out for yourself...you will not be disappointed.