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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  I love this car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Dennis - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that was built to be driven. Plenty of power and great handling makes this a very fun car to drive. For the most part it is very predictable and feedback provides plenty of warning when pushing the limits on corners.

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  Use but still great - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By burley - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchase my BMW used with 79,000 miles. I have a new Mercedes c class, a Lexus is 250. The Mercedes was a very good car. The Lexus had nice features but when you add in the frequent maintenance unrotatable tires and lack drive quality when if comes to the feel of the car. At 80,000 miles the BMW has a better quality feel than the Lexus. I cant knock the Mercedes, when you compare Mercedes and BMW its more a matter of taste, they are just different. In comfort and road handling Mercedes has a softer feel which some people like more. To me BMW is just more suited to a person who love to drive and the feel of the car and the road as one.

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  Beats all of em - 2011 BMW X5
  By opsguy - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Test drove just about every SUV out there. The 2011 Ford Edge, the 2011 Jeep Cherokee, FX35, XC60, ML350, Audi Q5. The X5 is king of the hill. Nothing drives and handles like this SUV. I came out of a 535Xi which was about the best handling car Ive ever driven. This SUV comes close. Still brand new so my fingers are crossed on the reliability but theres nothing like the ultimate driving machine. The interior is gorgeous and the exterior is classic BMW.

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  Love the car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mrsnitrobob - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Have almost 125k miles and no problems, just the usual oil change, tires, brakes changing. Fun, reliable car. Navigation, while as not touch screen, it does allow my passenger use it, while Im driving.

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  Worth it! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By oaktownraiders - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car, very practical fun to drive and solid as hell. I used to drive a 97 Camry so its kind of an upgrade even though that was a great car. Love finding excuses to be able to drive the 3 series its got that sportiness and comfort that i was looking for. The only thing that scared me about it was a month after i bought it the car just stopped locking and unlocking even from the inside of the car you couldnt get it to open.Hopefully its not a sign of things to come.

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  First BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By dsbmw - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Cant be happier with the new 5. Decided to wait for the new design and it was worth the wait.

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  The best ever - 2010 BMW M5
  By JORGE - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I do have the pleasure to tell you guys, that If you get one of this you will never, ever have a day without fun on the road driving the v10 M. It is really a nice sedan and a sport car at same time.

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  Loving it on 2nd Day - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mp0wer45 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my 2007 CPO. Love it so far. Was a toss up between the 335 and the 328. The 328 has MORE than enough power and is naturally aspirated = will last longer, so I went with it. Opted for the base model (leatherette, non-sports seats, normal radio, 16-inch wheels) and as a car nut, I gotta say I love it, even without the bells and whistles. Manual transmission is silky smooth, and the car feels like its on rails. The car just feels well put together and tight, at least compared to my 9-5 Aero which was creaky and loose. Cant beat the BMW CPO program either. Bought the maintenance pkg for $1500, wont sink a dime into this car for the next 5 years.

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  BMW - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By cnd8 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW. I have to admit, I prefer the ride and comfort of my previous Ford Fusion. The seats are quite firm. The ride is more bumpy. One thing that drives me insane is that the cup holders are in your passengers lap. They really need to be in the console. There is room in the current design for at least one in the console. I wish they would have put a cup holder there instead of an open area.

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  I love driving again - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Vicki A - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I havent enjoyed driving so much since I was 16. This car handles like a dream, quick acceleration with power to spare, transmission is very smooth, breaking is well-balanced, corners like its on rails. Love the iDrive, I would never have gotten it if I could have found a car with premium sound and no Nav but it really makes a difference. iPod and Bluetooth interface is awesome. BMW should be marketing this as iDrive with Nav instead of a nav system. After 2000 miles Ive been getting a combined 20+ mpg which would be better if I wasnt having so much fun with Sport Drive. Looked at Audi and Infiniti but nothing handled like the BMW, Im hooked.