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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  Saga ends positivly - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwinct - November 10 - 8:30 pm

  Had problem from day 1 with vibration when releasing clutch in 5th. Dealer replaced tranny/clutch/transfer case, problem still persits. Car was at dealer 28 out of first 51 days. Dealer was very supportive. They paid my first months lease payment. BMW and dealer came through today and are going to replace the car with a 2008 model. Im going in to order it tomorrow. Even swap, and lease stays the same. Verdict still out on run flat tires. Happy with the fit and finish and performance.

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  Born to run - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By L G - November 10 - 2:15 pm

  If you ever felt like you owe yourself perfection in a car , this is the one for you ! Nicest ride Ive ever owned. Ive owner infinities , Lexus, and corvettes ! But far the best overal rise on the planet !

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  excellent - 2006 BMW X5
  By steven - November 9 - 10:19 pm

  It was hard to switch over to the BMW X5 4.4i for the Volvo XC90, but within hours I was in love with this vehicle. Its like driving a cloud. The weather in New England has been rough this fall and this SUV handles like a dream. Thank you.

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  Best Car Built! - 2006 BMW M5
  By MattMumford1 - November 9 - 9:23 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. It feels as if you are driving a car from the future because of the extreme horsepower and the simple luxury.

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  The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By David - November 9 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 months and I can honestly say its the greatest. The performance, engineering, and looks are second-to-none. Ive never had so many compliments from total strangers, which really makes me feel good. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car since Ive had it. The only downside might be the high-cost maintenance procedures. I can do them myself, but if they are done by the dealership, prices are quite high. If you can bleed brakes and change brake pads, change hoses and flush coolant, and change engine belts, then youll have no problem with this car. Buy a manual, and youll be fine.

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  BMW M3 Still Impresses - 1999 BMW M3
  By Brandon - November 9 - 3:09 pm

  I am 24 and was on the hunt for my first car, I really wanted an s4, but couldnt find the right price. I test drove the M3, and fell in love. Bought on the spot. The car has been a champ. Pulls off the line like a bat out of hell. The gearbox is smooth and crisp. Brakes are not bad. Sound system is ok, but could be better. Oil changes need to be performed frequently. The car is a lot of fun to drive. You find people want to race you all the time, S4 especially! In the winter get snow tires or store it.

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  Spoiled and worth it... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kirk & Collin - November 9 - 2:48 pm

  We purchased this 2004 330ci with sport package as a factory car with 3,100 miles in Sept.05. As it was explained to us, the car had never been titled before (which proved true) and was basically NEW, and paid 44k instead of original 54k. Not bad! We are absolutely in love with this car. Every feature, line, material used, and charecteristic of this car is phenomenal. I cant imagine what the next convertible will bring, as it seems hard to top perfection.

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  330xi ROCKS! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By PDXLager - November 9 - 9:16 am

  Upgraded from a 2002 Saab 9-3 which had plenty of turbo-charged power, but it couldnt handle it (torque steer, spinning tires, etc.) The BMW 330xi is amazing. Its solid, well- balanced, handles corners like theyre not even there, is quick off the line.... its great. The only dings are for storage space, fuel economy, and (because its lacking the winter package) not having fold-down rear seats. Other than that: perfect.

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  Fun, reliable and good gas milage - 2005 BMW X3
  By Joe - November 8 - 10:21 pm

  Traded a Lexus RX300 for the BMW. The BMW is far more nimble and fun to drive. My gas mileage has been great, 18 to 20 in town and 25 to 26 on the highway. The BMW is not as quiet or luxurious as the Lexus but has more room behind the rear seat and the seats are more comfortable (still pretty hard though). My only complaint is that the interior is dfficult to keep clean. The dash and synthetic seats look tough but show every spec of dust. Advice: dont get the black interior.

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  Amazing - 2005 BMW X5
  By Bimmerman - November 8 - 7:59 pm

  Traded in a Lincoln Navigator for this little sports car. Best car Ive ever owned or driven. Makes driving fun, wife & I look for excuses to drive. Amazing the way it handles, accelerates and brakes. Almost feels like it anticipates your next move. Takes corners like it is glued to the road. Love the passing acceleration at all speeds.