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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  THE MOST COMPLETE VEHICLE. - 2003 BMW X5
  By steve benion - November 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a sports car, luxury car, and an suv all in one. I highly recommend the 4.6is. It is a true beast with its incredible high output 4.6 motor, however the exterior gives a sporty, yet elusive appearance, when compared to what this vehicle can really do. The interior and overall ride is 2nd to none. Ive driven most all cars and suvs out there , and the ride in this one is more like a ferrari combined with a rolls royce. Yet one feels like your are hi enough to look down upon the cars, but not to hi as to make you feel as if you are unstable or will flip when taking a fast turn. At 100mph it feels like 40mph.

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  325xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By sliderred - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The car drives very smmothly & is very quiet. It handles like none of the cars Ive ever driven

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  E90 6MT 330i is a very balanced drivers car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MountainDriver - November 18 - 11:05 am

  Previously driving a 1994 325i that was a really great car, in addition to a saab 9-3. Ive been driving my 330i for 5 years now having purchased with 88k, and now at 174k. It has been a very reliable vehicle WITH proper maintenance. I have done the normal items on these cars- water pump, thermostat, control arms, shocks/struts. My factory clutch is still holding fine. I have done rear wheel bearings as well, and adding adjustable rear camber has greatly increased my tire wear on the staggered sport wheels. I highly recommend it, it will save you money in the long run. Lifters can be noisy if you take short rides, or long rides at low rpm... just run the engine above 2k for a few miles to circulate oil up top and you wond have any problems. I have the BMW performance suspension, on Eibach pro-kit springs, and while it handles beautifully, the ride is a bit harsh on bad roads. The sport seats are firm, but supportive and do a great job of holding you in place in the twisties. The ergonomics are "BMW" That is to say they are excellent. The only thing I would change is the distance between the brake and throttle pedal. My e36 was much easier to "heel/toe" during shifting. Ive gotten used to the switch from right to left with the cruise- I love the simple BMW cruise interface and I dont understand why other manufacturers go with buttons and switches- just a simple stalk works great. With over 170k on the odo, I wouldnt hesitate to hop in my car and go anywhere. The 2006 has the controversial "Mustache" grill and I have to admit-I like it. I dont feel like most BMSs ever look dated- and this design is the same. Although its obviously not new, it still looks muscular, serious, & classy. I have my chrome either plasti-dipped or vinyl wrapped for a "shadowline" look. I honestly cant get very excited about the latest line of 3 series- They seem vague when driving, but hopefully BMW will get their Electric powersteering tuned in a bit better. The 330i e90 is a rare classic. Although it doesnt have the power of the 335- it also doesnt have the problems. Its beautifully balanced and very linear. I always feel special driving my 330, and I can drive it hard out of corners without it getting out of shape. Its been a great car.

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  Nice Looking Car BUT... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By b. thomas - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  Had the car less than a year -- already had to get the passenger front seat replaced. (The stitching came undone and the stuffing was coming out!) Already had to get the windshield replaced. (There was a stress fracture caused by the rain sensor? Thats what they told me.) Had to replace most of the rear brake light bulbs (car only a few months old, remember. Never had to keep replacing the bulbs with my other cars). Tire pressure monitor light comes on even when the pressure is correct. Run flat tires stink! This was my first and last BMW purchase.

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  The Ultimate Sports Sedan Bar None!!! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Mel - November 16 - 7:30 pm

  I wanted a sports coupe but needed 4 doors so I compromised and bought the 335i sedan. With 300hp and tons of torque, its the best of both worlds. It is unbelievably fast, yet can handle the chores and hum-drum driving of daily life. Going from 60-120 mph is effortless and so easy that I have to keep reminding myself I cant drive this way in the U.S. (Thankfully, I live in Germany at the moment). Whenever I want to put a smile on my face, all I have to do is prod the pedal and hold on till the speed quickly reaches triple digits. I drove the G35, Benz, Audi, and the Volvo. They were nice cars but this one is great. I have no regrets. The 335i is the ultimate sports sedan, bar none!

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  94 325IC - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By KJE - November 16 - 3:47 pm

  Have had my 94 325IC for almost 2 years now. Its been awesome, fun to drive, and been virtually problem free. In 20k miles, only had to replace a leaking power steering hose. The car exemplifies BMW quality.

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  Away with the iPod - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Richard Jones - November 16 - 3:13 pm

  This is a wonderful automobile except for two very annoying things. 1. The iPod control knob is a disaster. It requires unsafe driver attention to use and is a dangerous distraction if used while moving. 2. The stereo system turns on each time you start the car. This is very annoying.

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  AAAAWSOME CAR - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Tom Martin - November 16 - 3:04 pm

  This car is EVERYTHING I expected it would be. Great to look at and drive.

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  Buy Buy Buy!!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By daz4daddy - November 15 - 7:51 am

  Regardless of its controversial looks, the performance of this car is amazing! It rides smooth on the streets and tough on the track. Highly recommend this one!

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  Bow down, the King has returned! - 2006 BMW M5
  By impreziv - November 15 - 3:10 am

  The BMW M5 has always been the leader of the performance sedan class. Overall, the power, handling, comfort is unsurpassed. My trip to the local dragstrip showed 12.2 in the 1/4mile, finishing at 117mph. Thats faster than all current Lambos, Benz sedans, pre-03 Vipers. The car has yet to disappoint me. but maybe Im to preoccupied with the performance side to notice anything wrong. If you want supercar-like performance, but need four doors, this is the car for you. If you just want a status-symbol sedan, dont buy it. This car takes a certain breed of driver to appriciate it. It is more of a moneypit than most cars. I have averaged 11mpg, even driving within speed-limits.