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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  Perfect combo of performance & value - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DUCE68 - March 30 - 6:47 pm

  I bought my car used with 5k miles, it now has almost 9k, no problems whatsoever. It is base model, so options limited. Reminds me of the older BMWs and ALFAs of the 60s & 70s. Handling is superb (Ive previously competitively raced ALFAs). Although engine power is slightly less than some competitors, the broad powerband and sound of the engine is a sweet blessing. Ive got the auto, would have bought 5 speed but price was right on steptronic, and the tranny really works with the engine to deliver the best ratios for whatever driving you do. Not worth the money for the extras or the 330i, youll be happy with the base 325i if youre an enthusiast! Happy Motoring to all....

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  Pleasure - 2005 BMW X5
  By Jess - March 30 - 2:32 am

  I use this as a 2nd vehicle but always looking for ways to drive it more. Just took it on long drive. What a great ride, cruising at high speed always felt solid. Hit some very heavy rain handles superb. May upgrade to the 4.4

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  Another Great 3er - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 29 - 9:09 pm

  Incredible in every way! After owning many BMWs this is no disappointment. My last was an E36 99 M3. BMW has come a long way in terms of refinement, but build quality has suffered a bit compared to the E36 cars, especially interior. It is nowhere as "raw" as the previous generation, which some owners may see as regression. Smooth torqueband, perfect styling, handling hardwired to your brain. This car is really so much fun to drve and like any other BMW, you love it more and more every day. Reliability is perfect and even maintenance parts are dirt cheap compared to Honda, Toyota, etc. Just know where to look!

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  Its been a great car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Terry B - March 28 - 8:53 pm

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  BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMW X3 - March 27 - 10:37 pm

  Of the more than dozen new cars that I have owned the BMW X3, 3.0 is the finest automobile that I have purchased. My first thousand miles have been a shear joy. If your looking for a car to get you and the family around town in, no matter what the weather is outside, then consider the X3. It has the accolades that you would expect in a BMW, (handling/performance, and quality). The X3 is a combination of cars, the sports sedan, and the SUV. BMW calls it SAV, (sport activity vehicle). However, if your looking to go off road then this my not be the SUV or SAV that your looking for. I don’t think it is “Trail Rated.”

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  2006 325i ALL SMILES - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By rampcb76 - March 26 - 10:53 pm

  What an upgrade from a VW Jetta. The saying, " VW Jetta is a poor mans BMW," is partially true, and now I know what I have been missing by not paying the extra 5K to get a BMW in the past. I think We just bought a new BMW at the right time. This car is German engineering to the T. Absolutely flawless, stout, and sleek at the same time. We lost our 2001 VR6 Jetta to Katrina, and the wife wanted another German made car. So, we went to a BMW dealer, and that same day we decided to purchase. If you are in the market for a sport sedan, want the best of the best... go test drive the 2006 325i!

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  I pay with a smile - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By N LeBert - March 25 - 5:43 pm

  I enjoy this car so much. I actually enjoy sending in my loan payment. It has the best of so many things that make it luxurious and fun to drive. After all these years, it drives like new and there is not any squeaks to let you know its tired. The service at the dealer is unbelievably fantastic. I cant imagine driving any make other than BMW.

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  Second BMW 7 series in our family!! - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Viatcheslav - March 25 - 10:17 am

  Got my 750i a year ago. Car was from 4 years lease program. BMW Canada provides extended warranty on it. On delivery there were quite a few problems ( thermostat, knocking in steering column, alignment, weak front drive shaft). BMW fixed everything without questions. After one year of owning have no problems at all.

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  Great Car, but is it Reliable? - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Nate - March 25 - 10:16 am

  Overall, this car handles very well and has a good smooth engine and transmission. Unfortunately, after only about 1400 miles I had to take it in for an airbag sensor malfunction and other minor electrical issues. I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

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  335 Coupe is an amazing machine - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve W - March 25 - 4:10 am

  This car is completely addictive, from the noise it makes, through the shove-in-the back acceleration to the informative feel of the controls. I did not know that driving could become so entertaining again, and that after a day in the office I would look forward to the process of commuting home. It looks gorgeous too, and is full of smart features (some rather over-thought) but many more useful than one would expect.