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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  GPS Much to be desired - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lucy - April 12 - 5:37 pm

  The car drives like a dream. Much like the 528 I had before. Only GPS leaves much to be desired. Unable to see the screen in sun light. Works best at night. Had the car in for this problem. Was told nothing could be done about it.Very disappointed. The GPS on the toyota is superior to that of the BMW.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Steve - April 12 - 1:15 pm

  I’ve owned 9 BMWs. We presently own 3 (2004 325xi, 2003 X5 4.4, and a 2003 745Li). I really agonized about giving up my last 740iL so I didn’t get one of those awful first year 745s. Well, after 2 years and 17,000 miles in the 745Li, I have to say it is the absolute best car I have ever driven but the absolute worst pile of electronic crap I’ve ever had to deal with. I’m an engineer so I understand iDrive but this 745 has become a one-user car because iDrive is unnecessarily complicated and no one else in the family will drive it. Reliability has been perfect but this new style reminds me of driving a well engineered brick, not an art form like previous cars.

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  Really fun car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - April 12 - 9:23 am

  Wife made me trade my GTO in. I was worried about finding a car that had good HP and was 4 doors. Well, wow, I found that car. Car is great. I have driven stick for many years. The automatic with the DS mode is really fun. It took me 3 months to find a car. If you can afford this car buy it.

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  Better than the 911 and Merc500 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By COO - April 12 - 9:15 am

  The 645ci is a driving experience! No of my friends can understand why I would pay this much for a car, I simply tell them that they have to drive it to understand it. Handling is excellent, braking excellent, styling excellent, quality is excellent...Its a real head turner for all age groups and gender!

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  535xi has fallen behind the times - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By dteich - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  I took delivery 2 weeks ago, but the disappointment still stings. My previous car was a 2005 RL, my second car is a 2008 G53x. The 535xi is less fun to drive than the G35x, and its electronics, for the most part, are less advanced than the 3-year old RLs. I also find the seating positon too low, and the drivers seat does not go high enough (I am 511"). And then there is the much maligned iDrive. In my opinion, the critics are understating the inelegance and lack of thought put into the iDrive.

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  2005 BMW 5 - Never Better - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By GJ - April 10 - 12:39 am

  My 3rd new BMW. Almost didnt buy due to Consumer Reports ratings and negatives about iDrive.Tried comparable Mercedes and Lexus but they dont compare. Glad I stuck with the BMW. Traveling 60 miles daily on Pkwy and Tnpk, the ride is smooth, totally insulated, comfortable (cabins larger) and responsive, like it understands. Drivers in control. No matter how long you drive it, it will continue to make you shake your head and smile. It out-manuevers any vehicle.Trust me.And iDrive took nothing to work. Its a computer with lots of options and visuals a traditional dash board display would be hard to accomodate. Conflicted? Drive one yourself. Dont rely only on ratings.

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  Lovin It - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Amanda - April 9 - 8:26 pm

  I have recently bought a 318is and I love it! The previous owner had taken very good care of it and it is now in almost perfect condition. I love that I can afford such an accommodating car and that Im driving a BMW at 18 years old. I am a car lover and I will probably never sell this car because of how happy I am with it.

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  Wonderful car - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By 7series - April 9 - 6:32 pm

  This is a truly wonderful car. The ride is smooth and the build quality is great. I havent owned a car that was built with more attention to detail. One must treat it with utter care, and go very easy on the car and all its amenities and it will last you. From new, mine has almost 110,000 miles. The only work done was the brakes, at 100,000 miles, the navigation dvd stopped working at about that time, too, and there seems to be a strange clicking noise coming from the dash. It could be the computer or navigation, or just a leaf in the a/c. Bar those mishaps, this is one of the most beautiful cars inside and out. My only complaint is that it doesnt have an electronic sport suspension setting.

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  Not as pleased as I thought I would be - 2005 BMW X3
  By Robert Nierman - April 9 - 4:41 pm

  When we bought the BMW X3 (our first) we were very pleased with it. As we drove it and got in and out of it, we were disappointed. They put a stupid ridge that gets in your way when you try to get out of the SUV and you have to lift your feet up or trip. Same as getting in. Its also hard to see out of when you are backing up. Too many blinded spots and the passengers mirror moves down when you put the SUV in reverse which can cause you not to see that well. It is a stiff ride and god forbid you hit a speed bump too fast. We bought the BMW X3 for the leg room, since Im 64", because I can extend my legs. Would I buy the BMW X3 again, NO.

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  Ultimate fun in the sun classic - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By tshedd - April 9 - 4:35 pm

  This is a great little convertible. My first. The handling and tightness of an 11 yr old car are excellent. Rear wheel drive can be a bit tricky in winter. When I bring it to work on warm days all the coworkers want to go out to lunch in my car! I love the fact that it can seat 4 comfortably for short distances. A true classic in every way, and many have tried to copy the lines. Gets decent gas mileage , I average 22 mpg.