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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  Performance Package Makes it Perfect! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bryan - January 7 - 12:13 pm

  Ive owned this car for three years now, and there is nothing out there that can match the awesome driving experience of the 330i with Performance Package. The handling is perfect, virtually no understeer and great rotation through the corners. Clutch, shifter, and brakes are the best in class. Interior is laid out perfectly no frills, and very driver oriented... even better than the redesigned 3 Series. Have had no problems with the car except occasional oil consumption. Quality is outstanding, dealership experience is first-class, and this thing is built like a tank!

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  Great car, but costly repairs - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerpilot - January 7 - 8:31 am

  Got this fifth BMW used with 98k on it, had the obvious mechanical faults repaired but NOT the radiator, which I learned has an estimated life of 90k miles. Big, costly mistake! In spite of this, I rate this BMW second best out of five. If you maintain the car, it will give good service. Of all the 12 or so cars I have owned, BMWs have been the most satisfying to own & drive. I rate it above Mercedes for a drivers car highway performance is great, handling cant be beat by any car that I can afford. Its not perfect, but what is? If you do the required maintenance ($$$) it wont let you down, plus its great fun to drive. The 3 series is easy to park and has good performance and comfort.

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  A Drivers - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By w. solomon - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow, the experience of the BMW 530i goes up right off the charts after a short familiarization. Terrific comfort, strong linear acceleration, solid stability control and ergonomic pleasure highlight the advancements of the 5 Series. The areas of complaint - turn signaling and IDrive - are unfounded after one days ownership. Pure pleasure on a short trip to the market or a long trip to visit friends, on superhighway or winding back roads.

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  One word....WOW! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By beeminbobby - January 7 - 2:00 am

  You just have to drive this car to understand why people just gush about BMWs. Nobody does it like BMW. This is my second 3 Series, and Im just as blown away this time. This car is just a pleasure to drive. It handles perfectly, it has adequate power, its comfortable, and it is just flat solid as a rock. Its put together that well. No wonder the 3 Series continues to lead the sports sedan segment!

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  2009 335xi review - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Dan Polyash - January 7 - 12:17 am

  This car is great, has very refined performance. In fact, I took my mom for a drive and asked her how fast she thought I was driving, she said 40 when in fact I was going 58. I get varying mpg depending on how I drive, when I go smoothly and just cruise, I get anywhere from 26.4 to 27 mpg. When I feel like gunning it on every turn, I get anywhere from 22.7 to 24.4. The reliability of this car is great, very responsive and has awesome handling. Very great performance, would recommend to anyone who has the time, money and experience to buy this car.

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  BMW 323 - 2000 - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rmanning - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is an extremely solid and handles very well on the road. The gas mileage could be better especially since it requires premium gas. The car is preety relialble at least for the first 32,000 miles. Repairs appear to be costly after the warranty period is over.

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  First but no last - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Johnny P - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW but surely not my last. It was well worth teh wait to try the rest first. I opted for the 323i over the 328i because of cost and fuel economy. Although Ive had two recurring problems, the dealer was exceptional at resolving quickly and professionally. Front brakes were replaced twice before pulsing and pulling were fixed at 20,000. Sun roof shield guides had to be replaced twice. Rest has been a dream.

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  X5 at its best! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Sarah - January 5 - 3:08 pm

  I absolutely love my new X5. My husband and I argue over who is going to get to drive it on a daily basis. We previously owned a 2005 X5 and loved that vehicle as well however this new model puts that one to shame. Definitely the best SUV around!

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  Ultimate driving machine? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Harry_sangha - January 5 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car used, I had a choice from 2 models and choose this one due to its performance. I have the wider tires with 18" rims. The car handles like a dream. Power is great, could be a little more for todays date but no complaints. Overall this car is very very fun to drive. I have owned several BMWs in my driving years, ranging from 3 - 7 series but this 330i sport is the most fun BMW to date. With a few minor issues, I would say this car is the ultimate driving machine.

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  It feels like a Bimmer - 2007 BMW X5
  By Familyman - January 5 - 12:21 am

  This is one of the best handling SUVs (or SAV according to BMW) Ive driven, equalled only by the new MDX. But what differentiates the X5 from the MDX are the tangible and intangible qualities of a BMW (handling, quiet cabin, solid build, "growl" of the engine, great styling and the looks you get on the street). We loaded the car up with lots of toys - lets hope its as reliable as their airtight 4-yr maintenance program. The only areas of improvement are the unnecessarily complex iDrive and limited legroom in the 3rd row.