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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  Thrills - 2011 BMW Z4
  By Thrills - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Z4 that my wife and I have owned.Had the first one 7 years and not one problem.This Z4IS is more comfortable. It has much more power. I drive pretty sporty and it gets 29 MPG.Get lots of thumbs up.

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  Refined, Capable, & Liveable - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Charlie H - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I gave up on BMW when the first i drive and Bangle-but cars came out, but am glad to report the new 5 series has returned to the fold of the prior generation cars with graceful lines and intuitive logical controls. The i drive is easy to use now after a few minutes of familiarization, actually quite fun. Quality is good and fuel economy is remarkable, getting 24 in town and 30-plus highway with a light foot- near diesel/hybrid territory! The ride with the run flats is very good now, and the car has a level of quiet and refinement thats almost too good (a little sport exhaust maybe?) Performance with only 240HP is quick with the 8 speed, but I wasnt looking for a rocket. Very Pleased!!!

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  Awesome car - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By PPham - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for two months now. Love the car interior design. The seats are comfortable. The car rides very quiet and solid. Excellent acceleration and handling. The 16 speakers 600 watts sound system is awesome. I wish the split rear seat come standard. My first BMW and I really enjoy driving it.

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  Officially a BMW loyalist - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BTTampa - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Never understood the BMW fans out there until I got mine. I used to trade in my car every couple years, Ive had this one for 3 years and still get excited to go out and drive it. It just rides and drives different than any car I have had before. You really feel like you "know" this car, and it "knows" you. The handling is incredible, fuel economy is very good on the highway, and it still gets stares from others. As with many German cars, its had a few electrical glitches, but the warranty covers everything and its been a couple minor inconveniences more than anything else. And to include all routine service for free for 4 years?? You more than get your moneys worth with this car!

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  Technology Updates - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Texan - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Really like driving the car on the highway. No problem using the IDrive - just need to spend some time getting familiar with it.

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  Nicest car Ive ever driven - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Cali2010 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I chose this car for my husband and I wish I had chosen it for myself. This car is the perfect combination of performance and comfort. We now know what everyone was talking about. Maybe I wouldve had suggestions for improvement before I drove it but now I cant remember what they would be. We dont have idrive so I cant comment on that, but I also dont feel like were missing anything.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul, Redlands,CA - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Have the car for 2 months 3k miles now. Very fun car to drive. Very quiet and solid but comfortable ride.Surprisingly just as quiet as my Lexus. Excellent performance and handling. Acceleration is like a rocket with the Turbocharge. The Goodyear Runflat 18" tires are very smooth and quiet. The upgraded 600 watts sound system is great. Love the big screen Nav. system. Love the Dealership I bought it from, make the ownership experience feel "Ultimate".

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  New improved bmw x5 - 2011 BMW X5
  By mike sab - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has plenty of power and handles very well. My only two complaints are steering is a little stiff in parking lots and I having a resonating noise out of the exhaust between gears 1-3. My two previous BMWs did not have those issues.

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  Still Turning Heads after 14 years!!! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By TJRoadster - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Plenty of zip for a 1.9 l. It begs for acceleration into curves. Very tight build. Low slung. Handles curves with vim and vigor. Fun car to drive, especially on country roads. Never had a BMW but now, the ultimate driving machine motto takes on real meaning.

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  I Love this Car... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By stsraz - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just recently upgraded from a 97 Saturn SL2 to a 07 328xi AWD and I have to say that I LOVE this car. This car was obviously designed for people who LOVE to drive. From the drivers seat, everything is easily accessible. The ride is a tad rougher than on other luxury models Ive ridden in, but it only enhances your connection to the experience. This is also a very mean car, from the aggressive lines, to the growl of the inline 6. If youre looking for a daily driver that requires minimal effort and a smooth ride to get point a to point b, Id look elsewhere. But if you love to drive and want to feel in tune with the car and the road every time you sit down, this is the car for you.