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:

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DaveK - June 22 - 9:46 am

  Weve had our 325xi sedan for just over a year now (bought new), and we still absolutely love it. The BMW slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is apt this is an exceptionally well-designed car, whose handling and comfort are unsurpassed. If you want to forget youre on the road, buy a Lexus or Mercedes if you love to drive and want to enjoy it, buy this car. And yet it doesnt sacrifice interior comfort--this is a luxury car at the same time in creature comforts. Its been highly reliable so far the only problem weve had was the oil light coming on, which necessitated a replacement sensor (but which didnt affect driveability in the meantime).

• 

  Fun to drive, not to fix - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony - June 22 - 3:10 am

  I just recently (may 2005) got hold of a 1996 318 automatic. Owner before me had taken good care of it. I havent had any major problems (other than normal wear parts) with it so far (crosses fingers) and i just passed 100K. Check engine light came on for a "low pressure cat. converter" code, but i had that code cleared at a shop and it hasnt come on again. Gas mileage is great, i use 92 or higher, 94 if i can find it... (owners manual recommends 91 but gas cap says minimum is 89) Ive taken a 393 mile trip 3 times in this car and I can drive straight through and still have a quarter tank left...with the AC running full blast going up hills...which is even better mpg than my 97 accord

• 

  Awesome Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric - June 21 - 11:00 pm

  Went to Germany to pick up my new 335i, and drove it on the autobahn. The handling was great, 0-60 about 5 sec and the key thing is the steptronic system. Best investment!!

• 

  A real SAV - 2005 BMW X5
  By R Short - June 21 - 10:36 pm

  After driving a SUV for 15 years it was a true experience to purchase the X5. The ride is supperb, the gas mileage is acceptable, the handling is outstanding, and from this past winter the control in ice and snow is unbelievable. I tried to put this X5 into a spin or slide and could not make the vehicle loose any control. What a pleasure.

• 

  BEST CAR FOR 2008 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By carchic - June 20 - 6:26 pm

  This car is amazing! I owned an identical one previously and got this one with the sport package and what a difference. Its quicker, hugs every turn and the steering is tight and you always feel in control of your car. I have owned Audi and Mercedes in the past and this car outperforms them for 2008.

• 

  Even Better Than Expected - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark Workman - June 20 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this car knowing that it had great performance and looks. After 3 years, what I was not expecting was great reliability. This car has been in the shop for nothing other than oil changes. It looks like I just drove it off of the lot and people comment that it still smells new. This is a 3 year old car with 40k miles! I plan on keeping this car for 10+ years. It is worth the money. MPG is at 23 over the life of the car. On the negative, the backseat is small for an infant carrier, but workable and this car has the worst brake dust I have ever seen. Other than that, it is perfect.

• 

  My BMW 545i Six Speed - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom Schmidt - June 20 - 4:44 pm

  BMW gave the owners of the older E39 a reason to trade up. The newer E60 is so different in terms of improved handling and balance its hard to believe they came from the same company. I took possession of the car in Munich so I got to drive it on the Autobahn. Wow, what a thrill. When a car is designed to travel safely at 130 mph, its even safer at 70 mph. Its so well thought out in every detail that it seems every design feature has its own complex rationale. It is probably the the perfect car for me.

• 

  Great Car - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff - June 20 - 2:16 pm

  This has been a great car. I have 103,000 miles and never a problem. I plan on keeping it another 100,000,

• 

  Lemon - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By A.Ortiz - June 20 - 4:19 am

  The look of the car is attractive.The looks are not worth the troubles and headaches of the vehicle. It has too many electrical problems.The windows roll down automatically while the ignition is turned off. The car also beeps like its going to flat line when the car is in motion. The dealers do not know how to fix these problems. They reset the computer for the beeping sound and put a new motor in the doors for the windows and the same problems still occur. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer for service and repairs 7 times and I just scheduled an appointment for an 8th time in 2 weeks.

• 

  2 years of Love - 2003 BMW X5
  By hectorg - June 20 - 2:37 am

  Weve had ours now of little over 2 years. WE LOVE IT. The look, the drive, the space, the feeling of power and safety It has been amazing in these tough NYC winters and the A/C is amazing in those hot & humid summers. I read complaints about fuel economy. I cant complain, the X5 begs you to drive it fast. As Im writing this we are expecting our first child. Guess what Im driving him home in? Need I say more?