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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  Objective Review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mason J. - August 3 - 2:00 am

  1.Chasis & exterior build very impressive. Howver, there creaks & noises from the interior. Also, my cars transmission makes a whirring noise loud enough to make conversation difficult,dealership just said "Its impossible to have no noise."Engine light comes on, they cant figure out why. 2. Dealership attitude. Combine 1+2, anticipate to have a very antagonist ownership. As a physician, seeing over 7,500 patient/yr in their most stressful & oftentimes angry state,I possess excellent personal skills, diffusing any confrontations.I have been to four different dealerships,& each time, I was invariably yelled at or ignored for some small incident.

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  they are everywhere - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Cael - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Just got over the break-in period. So far the car drives like what everybody has been raving about.No wonder I see more beemers on the road, esp. 3 series. Could have had more functional storage pockets around the car.

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  Just got one - 2009 BMW M6
  By stv - August 2 - 1:55 am

  Just bought one and the reviews are right, the transmission is herky jerky. Other than that, is it a real head turner

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  Fun car. Nice well-rounded vehicle - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan - August 2 - 12:28 am

  Could use a little more power, but handling is excellent and corners like its own rails. Very smooth and gets decent gas mileage (25 mpg combined @ 70% highway). Fun to drive on rolling hills and winding roads. Not great in snow, but not terrible either (if you know what youre doing). Cup holders arent that bad. No major problems, but an occasional slight whistle from driver window (I think) and, separately, from climate system. BMW couldnt identify the former and the latter started after warranty expired. Neither occurs often, but a bit annoying when they do. It was in a accident before I bought it though,so all things considered, Im satisfied. Not perfect, but well-rounded and fun.

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  Run flat tires ruined this car for me - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mrkay - July 30 - 11:49 am

  I leased this car in February 07 and have about 6 months left on a 36 month lease. I have just put on my third set of run flat tires (at 30,000 miles). I wish I had checked the reviews of this problem before I purchased the car. There are thousands of people who swear they will never buy or lease another bmw because of these miserable tires. They are expensive, and ride like a truck.

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  BMW X5 Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By palmharbor - July 30 - 6:39 am

  The diesel engine is perfect for this SUV.It is very solid and the transmission shifts smoothly. The ride is better than my previous SUV, a Mercedes ML500. The iDrive is very frustrating and the navigation system is poor compared to the older Mercedes system, and cant begin to compete with a $200 Garmin. There is no setting to automatically fold the power mirrors when locking the vehicle, and the front parking sensors are not full time - when pulling into my garage I must stop and push a button that also turns on the rear camera to check on the front. Amazingly, BMW does not include floor mats as standard equipment and they must be purchased separately from the dealer.

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  Great Car - Eats Gas - 2009 BMW X6
  By KCnSprock2 - July 29 - 11:30 pm

  Handles really well and is extremely comfortable, with room for kids, dog and luggage. Great family car with a lot more sport than an SUV, previously had an X5 and this blows the X5 away. Downside is that it eats gas voraciously. Highly recommend for low mileage driver - not an everyday commuter car unless you like supporting the local gas station.

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  Great Car... Really - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By gman - July 28 - 4:12 pm

  Weve had this car a few months. Overall the best car weve ever owned. BMW service is the same as with a car for $100k, so you feel like a king! Sport package is the way to go, car grips the road and never lets go. 128i is way over powered, you will for sure get a ticket. Driver and front passenger seating with power seats is great. Back seat is terrible for bigger folk. Good only for kids or the dog. We like the small size of the car for zipping around town and out to the lake. Good ride quality. We have a squeak in the back seat. We are addressing this build issue with BMW. BMW has treated us well so far, but we are headed back for a second try for the repair.

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  Nice RIde - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By TRC - July 26 - 9:02 pm

  Hands down the best car Ive ever driven. Bought this car new almost 2 years ago. Still loving it and Im averaging 24.2 MPG! (and I drive it hard). Had a few minor electrical issues that have been fixed for free, but Im a bit nervous about the cost after the warranty expires. Definitely a small car though and not ideal for families if this is your primary ride. Run flats are stupid, but Ive had no problems with mine. AWD in the winter is insane!

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  Live in Daytona? - 2003 BMW M3
  By trying Lexus - July 26 - 11:30 am

  This is my 4th BMW and wanted to treat myself to a convertible. Although this is truly a ‘looker’, unless you are driving the Daytona 500 to work, I’d suggest getting the loaded 330 (or Lexus IS). Racing clutch is impossible to not be jerky no matter how delicate you shift. Suspension is so tight than unless you’re on pristine Florida roads, you can lose a kidney on the way to work. But, lets face it, the car draws attention and it’s still true that nothing handles and drives like a BMW!