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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  Wonderful automobile - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By David Colorado - February 3 - 8:47 pm

  The 530i has been a joy to drive and own. Reliability is less than perfect but overall its a great car.

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  Wifes Car - 2006 BMW X5
  By 2ndBMW - February 3 - 2:37 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and our 2 year old son. It is very heavy which means it is safe, however, the weight is a problem with getting in to move from the start. Once going, the ride is great. I recommend it to anyone wanting a BMW SUV. Skip the X3. Gas mileage is OK. I havent tried towing my boat with it yet, but it says it tows 6,000... Safe car, no blind spots and easy to park.

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  Holds its own: value & fun to drive! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Earl G - February 2 - 6:15 pm

  This was my 2nd BMW, after a 85 528e with 186k which ran like a champ to the day I traded it. 325e build is good & have only replaced a fuel pump in 12 years! although I need a heater fan & a couple of lightbulbs now - still w/original battery!! Its at its peak performance at 60degrees and rain - BMW still hadnt worked out the fuel/air mix in the computer for US Southern summer driving in 94 (same problem with the old 528e). I was unwilling to chip it, although, I understand that will cure this weakness & add more fun (could I stand MORE?). I WANT a new(er) one when my daugher graduates from college in 2 yrs. Visited the BMW plant in SC and have my next dream, a Z4 picked out!

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  Truly The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW owner - February 2 - 7:15 am

  This car is simply amazing. I have a 2005 Audi A8, 2005 Jaguar xj8 and a 2004 Mercedes S 500, but they all fall short of the new BMW 750i. The 750i has loads of power, outstanding performance and razor sharp steering. Overall great styling, turn heads and attracts attention like nothing else! This is one of the few cars that I could feel very safe driving yet enjoy its power and sporty features. When I drive the 750 I feel compelled to push it to the limit to really understand the BMW slogan ‘the ultimate driving machine’. The 750 takes on curves like a pro. Also, the iDrive system is extremely user friendly and very easy to use.

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  LOVE MY 530xi - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By wildmanlyle - February 2 - 5:45 am

  This is my 7th new BMW and the 530xi is just Amazing!!! It is as fun to drive as my 3 series BMWs and I look forward to driving it the 18 miles each way to my office. The brakes are the best I have ever driven and stop on a "Dime." The beamer just slips through traffic with outstanding power to fit into the tight spot in high speed traffic. It drives like the drivers car that BMW advertises. I did not get the comfort seats, but the leather seats in the premium package feel great. My wife and I love the IDRIVE and it is as simple to use as a computer mouse, in fact after you make the initial setting you do not have to interact with it much. I can find NO negatives with the 530xi!!!!

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  Great Luxury Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By fm - February 2 - 5:03 am

  We had a 2006 325i which we traded for the 528i. The 3 series is a fun car to drive but the 5 series is truly a luxury automobile. The ride, comfort, workmanship & engineering is outstanding. My wife & I were somewhat apprehensive about the iDrive, but we both actually like it & it is not that difficult to use. This is our second BMW & would recommend the BMW brand to anyone looking for luxury.

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  Great Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bigshot_90210 - February 1 - 9:53 pm

  Very happy with this purchase. Ride is great. Lots of nice features. Just took it on a 1000mi trip and it was by far the most comfortable road trip Ive ever taken. Handles corners comfortably at least 15 mph faster than my previous car.

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  A wonderful car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By David Cohn - February 1 - 2:00 am

  After owning Mercedes cars for 24 years straight (most recently an S class), I bought my first BMW. It has the best performance and interior of any vehicle I have ever driven. The exterior may be controversial, but I love it. The electronics are wonderful. If you have any experience with a PC, you will find the I-Drive to be intuitive, easy to use and useful. BMWs engineers were thinking clearly and creatively when they designed this car.

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  A Very Satisfied Owner - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sf31 - January 31 - 7:53 pm

  I had always wanted a true convertible and when I read about the new 335 hardtop conv and the tt engine I plunked down my money. I took ED delivery in July and we had a once in a lifetime expereince driving through the Alps and Italy. It is now home and over Thanksgiving it had its first long trip of 1,200m RT. Although it is technically a very sophisticated car, with heaps of electronic gadgetry - I have iDrive - it all works as advertised. I even lowered the top on I-95 in stopped traffic. Needless to say, it is fast and performs very well. And it is quiet cruising at 100 as if it were a coupe. Gas mileage isnt bad either, getting 23 mpg in a mix of suburban and high speed driving.

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  Awesome suv...but not for women - 2006 BMW X5
  By Paul Apfelbaum - January 31 - 10:14 am

  This is my 2nd X5 and I have never had a problem except with sticking doors in both of them. Speaking of doors, they are heavy and close by themselves, knocking women and smaller men off their feet. Is it worth the safety they provide? Your preference. Ride is amazing. Visibility is too. No need for the 4.4, unless you want to dragrace on the interstate.