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 perfect roadster - 2011 BMW Z4
  By J. R. Leonard - August 19 - 8:42 pm

  I took BMW Performance Center delivery of my 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i. That means that for four on-track hours BMW race drivers taught me how to explore safely the limits if a Z4 identical to the one I was purchasing. That experience and teaching has made my ownership much more pleasurable and rewarding than it ever could have been otherwise. I cannot recommend it too highly. The Z4 is a classic roadster and as such is completely at home on the country roads and Blue Ridge Parkway of my home state. The exhaust note is wonderful, nostalgic, echoing Healeys of old. The engine power is more than adequate and the driving experience, top up or top down, is immensely pleasurable. BMW got this car right!

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  Dont wait to get a used M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By brianz - August 19 - 12:48 pm

  I have owned 24 cars in the past in 12 years of me owning my license. I had always wanted an m3 conv. and I finally purchased one! It has made me decide that BMW is truly the ultimate driving machine and I will get another m3 if I ever decided to sell this one . But that does not look likely. Fun/ sun / speed! They made a great car that I would recommend to anyone that asks.

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - August 19 - 10:55 am

  Simply put, this car is superb. It is a true drivers car as the connection to the road is unmatched and the handling/performance is on point. Purchased used previous owner did not take proper care of the vehicle so I spent about $1000 to get the car in top shape his loss, my gain as I got a great deal on the car to begin with. For those complaining about the firm ride, buy a Lexus, you will be much happier this is not your car. For those complaining about the performance of the 325, its a 325, what did you expect? Finally, for those complaining about the price and cost to maintain, its a BMW if you cant appreciate the unparalleled driving experience, go buy an Acura or Infiniti.

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  Love my x3 - 2007 BMW X3
  By Now BMW Guy - August 19 - 9:47 am

  Purchased used w/ BMWs Certified warranty wasnt even looking at this model but it came up in the dollar amount I was searching for. Im really glad I purchased this vehicle for the price it a lot of car. I have not had any problems with transmission it works just fine. I believe it not the trans. but the drivers its electronic and you can confuse it by your driving style. Its also adaptive which means it learns your driving style and if more then one person drives vehicle and they have different driving styles then you might think your having problems. This vehicle pulls good on the highway but could use another 40 HP.

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  my 91 m5 - 1991 BMW M5
  By Dandunes818 - August 19 - 1:30 am

  I bought mine in 2005 w/196,000 miles already on it. Was worried but soon found out there was nothing to worry about. Other than oil changes and filling the tank I had to do nothing to it. She ran like a dream the whole time I had it and just sold it this week w/214,000 and wouldnt doubt if it went another 214k. The car has more power than youll ever need and corners like a dream.

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  Fantastic car - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By So Cal Happy - August 18 - 6:42 pm

  I went to get a new 2010 750LI from my local dealer. After the sticker shock ($100k) he then took me for a drive in a 2007 750. I was shocked at how well it drove! Really, it drove just like a new one. I then shopped around. I found a local private party with an 06 750LI certified with the extended maint program. This means all warranty and service paid for 100% by BMW to 100k mi. or another nearly 3 years from my purch. date. Price paid, just over 30k. I couldnt be happier. The car is AMAZING, runs great and is reliable. It is such a pleasure to drive. Fast, roomy, handles. I have had several cars in the 70k plus range and this beats them all! Save a bunch - go used

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  This IS a nice car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By calgordon - August 18 - 3:56 pm

  This is our first BMW and it is an awesome auto. I chose the 328i XDrive wagon over the A4 Avant Quatro because of the handling. The Avant was a bit front heavy and the BMW is more well balanced. The fit and finish is way above average. The smell of the saddle leather interior transports me immediately to new car owner reverie. The X Drive gives me a confidence in wet weather handling unlike any car I have owned. We have studded tire troughs worn in the highway we drive regularly. When it rains, which it does all the time from November to July, the troughs fill with water. With the X Drive I hardly know that they are there. The engineers and designers really came out with a winner.

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  Awesome - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By David H - August 18 - 2:59 pm

  Great driving car, the audio system is fabulous. The build quality is also excellent. I love the power trunk and keyless entry. I am getting around 25 mpg combined and using middle grade. The changes made in the cruise control placing it on the wheel is wonderful. There is only one ultimate driving machine

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  2001 BMW 3 Series - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By SaLiMoS - August 18 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my BMW 1 week ago and i am loving it, well its fun Driving it and its very comfortable and Powerful. All what i did to the car after purchasing it is changing Filters and Engine Oil, which is a normal service check after buying a used car.

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  LOVE my new Bimmer! - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By broker51 - August 17 - 1:46 pm

  I picked up my car less than a week ago, and I cant stop smiling! I ordered the car in Crimson red, with light beige interior, high gloss black trim, and a black convertible top. This is my 4th BMW, and it is the most fun to drive of any car Ive ever had.