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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  Z4 Review - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Fred L. Rasp - May 8 - 5:02 pm

  This car is a joy to drive. It is responsive, hangs on to the road, has a great sound, and runs through the gears beautifully. The top works quickly and well. It also is fairly quiet. I love this car.

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  Great Value... - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By BigMikeyP - May 8 - 12:01 pm

  This is possibly the most reliable car made in the last 20 years. Mine has 193K miles and has yet to have any major mechanical problems. It has never broken down and I dont detect a drop in performance. Its not a great long distance car as it can ride a little stiff. The other problem is noise at 70+ mph. It can also get lite in the rain, especially at high speeds. Interestingly enough, it seems unstable at 70mph (dry road) but sits down nicely and rides beautifully at 85+mph. Clearly a car built for the autobon. My parting though is that I love this car and intend to drive it for another 60+K miles.

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  BMWs Colossal Blunder - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Shifty - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive... but impractical! The sports package comes with run flat tires and a donut. No room to put in full sized tire in the well. But I am better off than those with a 2006 or later 3 series who have no spare at all.. Get a flat wiith these babies and you can go 150 miles. You can put on the donut and go about the same distance. Get a flat tire over the weekend like I did and you are out of pocket for 2 days. Nobody, I repeat nobody stocks the odd ball tires. This is a MAJOR flaw in the BMW. Hear that Edmunds? BTW, the run flats are not repairable, so you are looking at over $300 a pop for a flat. Also they ride terribly and have 15,000 mile tread life.

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  My take after 2.5 years - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By David - May 6 - 11:48 pm

  I bought my 2011 335D 2.5 years ago. Its the best car Ive had, and my 4th BMW. Its very strong, handles well, and gets over 30 mpg. It helps that the dealer in Sarasota has been very easy to work with - in my experience.

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  My First BMW - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Yves - May 6 - 10:11 pm

  I couldnt pass up the opportunity to buy this car. I have never owned anything close to this car before. I have driven many north american and a few european models and this cars driving experience exceeded all of those and my expectations. The engine is silky smooth right to the redline and puts out plenty of go. Although the auto transmission may not provide as much pure joy as the stick, the manual shift option comes close. The suspension is pure genius. Never too harsh, it provides a stable, confidence inspiring platform at any speed or road condition. Drop the top, and this little white car goes from attractive to gorgeous. Every time I drive it, I cant stop smiling.

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  Best BMW Yet! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Dbarks - May 6 - 11:30 am

  I have had three BMWs including the heralded 1998 E39 528i. The 2006 530i is better in every way. Better ride, better handling, more room and much better seats. This car makes the E39 look old. This is the best car BMW has made yet.

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  Best 5 Series yet - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By DanB - May 4 - 11:39 pm

  I have had three BMWs including the all time favorite E39 1998 528i. This is a better car in all regards. Big car feel, much more power and great features such as idrive and bluetooth. It makes the E39 look old. My 2006 E60 has been flawless. The ride is perfect. I read the reviews at other sites on other cars and you can tell that the true BMW lovers that couldnt get past the new look are desperately trying to console themselves. They wanted a 5 series BMW, didnt buy one and are going out of their way trying to justify it to themselves. This is the best car on the road. And, I get 23 MPG in city driving.

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  My first BMW ever, love it, love it!!!!! - 2006 BMW X3
  By FrankieGNY - May 4 - 6:49 pm

  Everything I expected and a lot more! I think it was a great deal, considering that it is a BMW! Two weeks and 700 miles, defective Sirius radio replaced in 30 minutes, works fine now, no other problems! There is no need to pay for the optional Sirius unit, the factory radio is preset for Sirius and all you need to do is to activate the service! Handling is awesome, ride is great, I dont think its too stiff. May be I have not tried hard enough but I have not been able to push it to its limit in the corners. Gas mileage is a little low in NYC. Somehow my left leg is never comfortable.

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  Great Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By petepeter - May 4 - 11:11 am

  Purchased my 528i new & have driven 84000 miles. Great road & @town performance. Just had a wreck, a total loss. Doors still open and no injuries. I was in control to swerve & miss a head-on collision & was hit on the drivers door and to the rear. Great safety for its age. Cant find a comparable to replace it.

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  Another Beemer Success - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By L. Rogoway - May 3 - 11:50 pm

  This is the third 5 series we have picked up and driven in Europe. Our previous 5 was a 1997 540i, a dynamite aggressive vehicle. This 530i, while having a less powerful engine is similarly aggressive in due partly to the six speed automatic transmission. It is quick from the get-go while being very miserly in fuel consumption. We absolutely love the i-drive and seriously disagree with those who criticize it. It sure beats hunting for which button to push on the dashboard to change something.