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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  New 2006 BMW 330 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TS - September 11 - 12:43 am

  Once you test drive this car, its difficult to find another one that compares to the driving experience. If you like a boring car that wants to keep you home, dont buy this one. The safe and solid feel of the car is great and overall, it is a lot more refined than the previous model years. You do have to up the price to get the right blend of optional items but it is well worth it.

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  08 535 - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Drew - September 9 - 3:10 pm

  What a blast to drive, a real rocket ship, steering has a little much feedback, but the car is all about the driver. I have had an E Class and this blows it away. The gadgetry is a hoot once you master the iDrive, cruise settings at 1 or 5 MPH is cool and the 3 blink turning blinker was smart also. Sirius radio is a must, and when you get your stations preset... enjoy the ride!

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  Very nice car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By reglau - September 5 - 2:00 am

  so far it has been a really good driving experience, very nice car, very nice handling

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  330xi - Balanced, Responsive, Fun! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dancerman - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The 330xi is my first BMW automobile. What a wonderfully balanced machine, with precise cornering and handling. Its a joy to drive! The Steptronic transmission shifts quickly and within the high torque range during acceleration. Driver controls are easily reached, and I like how they are angled towards the driver. Sometimes, I drive with the radio off just to enjoy the feel of the solid frame, and the satisfying sound of the engine and exhaust note. The heated seats are quick to warm up. This is a well engineered automobile.

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  BRAKES?? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By scoop - September 5 - 2:00 am

  the rear brakes seem like a problem as does the clunking in the automatic transmission and the heating system is strange; it doesnt heat up completely in cold weather

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  Love It! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Never2ManyToyz - September 5 - 2:00 am

  After eight months and 5100 miles I still love this car! Despite conflicting reviews, the styling is the reason I bought it (I watched "Hostage" at BMWfilms.com and was immediately hooked). Fully loaded (except nav.), I recently added a hardtop and winter tires/wheels. I upgraded to the 3.0i with the sport package because I liked the wheels better. Wood interior trim is classier than aluminum. This is my first BMW, but definately not my last!

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  323 sports wagon - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Hifolks - September 3 - 10:00 am

  The sports wagon handles like a sports car it is. The back feels larger than the EdmundÂ’s review suggests. The cargo room is small, but the wagon carries more than the sedan. My biggest compliant concerns the proximity of the area above the drivers door to by head, there is not enough room, I am sure this is a safety trade- off for headroom. I do not use the visor turned above the door because I have to crank by head to keep it from hitting the visor.

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  540ia - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By raul - September 3 - 10:00 am

  best car ever had

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  So far so good..... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 1st Bimmer - September 2 - 3:33 am

  For the money, this cars handling is like no other . Now that is coming from a former SUV owner so take it as you may. The acceleration is awesome. I got sports/premium pack with steptronic trans. i see no benefit in Nav, so I saved the 2k. Besides, I like the dash without the "tent". Highway driving is very economical (30+ mpg), but city mileage is quite nostalgic of my yukon Denali.

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  Cant beat this car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Alan Cournoyer - September 1 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had my 330xi since January, and the driving experience gets better each day. The power and handling, as well as the 50/50 weight distribution make this a very fun automobile. I cant say much about the iDrive, I opted for the six speed manual with no navigation. I would recommend this car and BMW to anyone interested in purchasing a new car.