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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  Fun car to drive - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By rpm - June 24 - 1:04 pm

  Had little issues but not too much to be worried. Great car to own.

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  Great ride but too much maintenance - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By trinitylzh - June 23 - 6:04 pm

  The 328i drives beautifully - tight steering and hugs the road. Requires too much maintenance. Buy with a BMW maintenance and warranty plan or have a spare car and extra funds for repairs.

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  2001 BMW 325i Sport Wagon - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BimmerDrvr - June 23 - 1:42 pm

  My E46 wagon has 108k miles and is an automatic. I have owned Audi A4 and S4 wagons prior to this. The BMW has better interior leg room and cargo room than the audi. I just made a 1600 mile trip in the BMW and averaged 31.7 MPG at average 71.3 MPH. So far the BMW has only needed basic maintenance with the exception of window motor problems (warrantied) and the rear seatbelt stuck and wont work (out of warranty). The AC evaporator also needs replacement due to a leak, but has worked flawlessly since refilling with a leak stopper. Overall the BMW is a great touring car and safe family cruiser.

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  Dream car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By kayandbert - June 22 - 8:49 pm

  I waited a long time to own the car of my dreams. Still looks great sitting in my garage. I still get compliments on the car. Very reliable transportation whether to work or traveling the interstate to visit my granddaughters.

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  Im A Cool Mom Now! - 2007 BMW X3
  By jck - June 21 - 7:45 pm

  I downgraded from a mom mobile (minivan), and I love this little car. It fits me and my two little ones nicely. Its quick and fun to drive. The gas mileage is better than my van, and the tank is smaller so fill ups are less too (even using premium gas). I love the bluetooth capability. I feel so much cooler in this than my van!

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  Love my 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Christa McMillan - June 20 - 8:15 pm

  I traded my Honda Accord for a white BMW 330i sedan with the sports package. I also have the upgraded stereo with a 6 CD changer. I feel like I am driving a concert on wheels! I have loved driving this car from day one. I didnt know a thing about this car before I bought it which I have never done either. I did purchase the extended maintenance warranty.

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  2006 X3 problematic - 2006 BMW X3
  By JJinVA - June 20 - 6:05 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my X3. The software for the bluetooth phone and GPS had to be reloaded several times because it starts acting flaky and eventually just dies every 3-4 months. The GPS has the worst user interface I have ever seen. The bluetooth phonebook interface is horrible if you have a PDA. The iPod adapter is useless (does not display artist or title). The main issue, though, is the transmission. Its jerky, especially when going uphill or passing on a highway. Also, the gas mileage is way below what they advertise.

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  2009 BMW 335i - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad R - June 20 - 3:03 pm

  I may have had the first 09 335i in all of CA while the rest were stuck in customs at the Long Beach Port in LA. This car is great! Fast, tight, great control, nice new body look with minor changes in the 09 in the exterior as well as on the interior. iDrive is so much better then old system. Great maps, options, usability, hard drive! And with the new twin Turbo which does its part to conserve gas this beast has power when you need it, and style when you are just rolling. Perfect mix of luxury and sport. The back seat is too small, but I guess thats why there is a 5 series.

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  Small BMW SUV a Winner - 2004 BMW X3
  By NES - June 20 - 9:33 am

  I have owned SUVs for 20 years - Jeep, Mercedes, Honda, etc. This is the best balance between a fun, powerful passing machine and a car to haul things in. Love it. Seats a little hard, but very supportive. No maintenance problems at all. Great warranty.

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  Keep cool BABEE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris Rex - June 20 - 5:20 am

  Beautiful drive & design... watch out for over heating problems..in3x for such and now AC does not cool properly.