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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  Excellent Purchase - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By aa0323 - January 26 - 2:06 pm

  A pure drivers car! Outstanding driving characteristics throughout. Anyone driving this car should feel like he owns the road. Handling, acceleration, braking, and overall control and visibility are excellent. Very solid feel. You will not regret buying this car. Also, there are very attractive deals available for it.

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  enough said - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By joe - January 26 - 10:20 am

  The car is over rated for the price, and with a lot unnecessary features thats not need, such as, rain sensor wipers, headlight spray/washer, auto tilt side-mirrors when shifter in reverse... guess its all about the convenience when you have the money to blow (then again you can have common sense, those features would not be needed!). The cabinet is quiet, unfortunately not quiet enough to dampen the engine noise, which is quite annoying for a luxury car! Anyways, enough said!

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  Its not a 330i but... - 2009 BMW X5
  By PNC - January 25 - 7:46 pm

  Went from a 2001 BMW X5 to a BMW 330i and now back to a 2009 X5. Needed the X5 to pull a boat, which it does with ease. The 2009 is much improved over the 2001 in terms of build quality. The 2001 X5 did have mechanical issues. I do miss the handling of the 330i but for a SUV, the 2009 X5 is as close as it gets!

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  BMW 128i - 6 months ownership - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By mitiko - January 24 - 12:39 pm

  6 months and zero issues at all (never had this experience with prev. german cars purchased). Everything works well, surprised at how well it drives in snow (took it to Killington VT). If you drive carefully, easy to get 30/31 mpg on the highway (auto trans), but the moment you put some gusto in your driving and you hit 22 mpg very fast.

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  Schizophrenic Transmission - 2008 BMW X5
  By Chuck - January 24 - 11:02 am

  Transmission shift points unpredictable, hangs in lower gears sometimes, have to upshift manually. Also, run flat tires are awful. Problem with parking brake locking up will not release by electronic control, had to release by manual method in truck compartment. ROYAL PAIN in the rain this morning. Good luck.

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  Good but not great. - 2004 BMW X3
  By poeschel1 - January 24 - 8:16 am

  Purchased this car to replace a Tahoe for fuel economy. Gets great fuel economy, 2.5l is adequate but wish I had gone with the 3.0l. Excellent stability in poor driving conditions. Fit and finish is severely lacking. Ash tray lid wont stay closed. Paint chipping on roof rack. Often have issues with door locking system. Radio seems to delete all preset stations every couple days. I also have 330i and experience none of these issues. BMW really missed the mark with this car. Feels like a Kia.

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  BMW M6 - 2008 BMW M6
  By nlh - January 23 - 10:03 pm

  Got this 08 M6 (wht on dark red, CF trim, manual) as a corporate trade in. Wow 08 leases tanked and I lucked out. Had an 06 M3. This thing blows it away in luxury terms and is god awful fast off the line and at speed. In my M3 I always felt like I was driving a hyper jet fighter, always charged up, and pushing it. In the 6, I cruise in luxury, steel fist in velvet glove. When I want power I hit the M button and zoom. The 3 was an smg and the 6 is a 6 speed manual. I loved the smg and sometimes wish the 6 had one. Man you could just hammer the 3 all the time. In th 6 it takes some work. Yeah its capable but you have to wake up and push it. Doesnt seem as tossable, but when you get it right

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  Fun to drive? Yes Plenty of Problems? YES - 2001 BMW X5
  By erchel - January 22 - 12:32 pm

  Bought this car new in 2001. Put about 25K miles a year on it, 50/50 highway/local. Great car to drive! BUT nothing but problems - windows stick doors freeze in cold weather, try driving with your left hand holding the door closed because it wont lock, or try getting in on the passenger side and climbing over into the drivers seat. Then theres the engine - twice in very cold weather something went wrong with the oil exchanger/valve? Car makes loud noise then plumes of black smoke emerge from the exhaust, dash & front grille. The first time BMW took care of it out of warranty - this time were waiting to hear. Should be a recall item.

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  Should have got the X3 in the 1st place - 2007 BMW X3
  By newzie - January 21 - 8:35 pm

  I bought a 2008 CR-V and simply was not happy with it. It is wonderfully versatile but it had no power, was noisy, had a rough ride at times and the seats were very uncomfortable. After 3 months I traded the Honda for a CPO X3 and I couldnt be happier. With the X3 I really have to watch my speed. The engine is silky smooth, its quiet, and feels solid as a rock. It may not be as roomy as the CR-V but I can definitely trade that for the joy of driving. If you are considering a small SUV think if you are buying it for yourself or for others. If you care about passenger comfort and versatility then the CR-V is a great choice. But if you want to have a smile on your face get an X3.

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  2nd time owner - 2004 BMW X5
  By tampa - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Test drove all luxury suvs. Came back to this one again & glad I did. Only criticisms--cannot have hands-free phone along with navigation & BMw Assist. Cannot have Sirius with navigation system. Also, should have video back-up system instead of just audio PDC. Only problem is the PDC needs adjustment. Great, reliable, comfortable suv (sav).