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:

• 

  z for me - 2003 BMW Z4
  By r. t. kopetan - July 11 - 10:00 am

  all the zip you could want. sport package a must for back road driving. fair amount of room for long legs. wind noise with top open is not objectionable,consider optional wind deflectors.

• 

  love the car, hate cleaning the rims - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Kevlarmorte - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, a 330i sport package w/ xenon, split seat, and the 5 speed manual. Its fast (especially if you have the engine computer reprogrammed) and it handles like a sports car but rides better than any sports car Ive been in (I even get about 26 miles to the gallon in the city).

• 

  It doesnt get much better this - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By WhoaaaaNelly - July 9 - 9:30 pm

  Absolutely the best car I have every driven or owned. The faster it goes the smoother is gets....taken corners rated at 15 MPH at 60-70 MPH and the wheels never slipped. Fun to drive. Sound system fanastic

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2004 BMW M3
  By RP - July 8 - 8:30 pm

  I would advise against buying this car if you dont have money for maintenance or if you cant do the maintenance yourself. I have been wrenching on cars for 30 years and have money set aside for maintenance, but I do all the work myself. It is extremely easy to work on if you have any mechanical knowledge. Parts can be pricey but Ive saved thousands doing all the work myself. That being said, in the 2 years that I have owned it, it is my DD, I have only had one proper break down when a TPS sensor gave up. I drove it home in limp mode and replaced the part in 20 minutes. Make sure the car has documentation and service records before buying. I have the SMG transmission, which I love, but know that the SMG hates driving slow, especially in traffic or around town. Maintain the car and it will take care of you (saw a 300k mile car posted on ebay), neglect it and it will make you suffer. Suspension is stiff and can be jarring, especially when you have a hangover.

• 

  2007 335i cabriolet - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By 335i Convertible - July 5 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned seven BMWs over the last 30 years, beginning with a 1974 2002. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. It performs just as advertized. The engine is incredible. Very smooth, powerful and fast. And the car actually gets 21 mpg around town and 29 on the highway (automatic tranny)! The front seats are comfortable, but the back is a little cramped (although not bad for a convertible). What is really amazing is how quiet the car is when the roof is up. Solid as a hard top. This is truly one of BMWs best creations and I recommend it to anyone who wants a great convertible!

• 

  Black Beauty BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Vann - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car!!! I never owned anything like it! I got a new 2003 and what a sweet deal! I didnt care for the new 2004 coming out, so I am sooooo happy to get my 2003, Sport, xenon, cold weather package and a 3.9 finacing! There is a heck of a deal out there now! I am so glad I BOUGHT a new one! The Driving is awesome, the looks you get as you drive by, the handling, the comfort and the feeling of oh yes, its mine!

• 

  Fun Convertible Sports Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By kac - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW but my 2nd convertible car. I previously had MB SLK. But the performance and handling of SLK didnt even come close to my new Z4. The designing style of Z4 is definitely nice and aggressive.

• 

  The Best Vehicle - 2003 BMW X5
  By Raymond. W. Scott - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Vehicle I have evern owned including other BMW and MB cars. By the way it does hawl very well if you know how to load it. All the stuff to add to my house and 20by 25 deck were hawled in my X5. If you have the guts to make it work for you and not be just an other show vehicle, it can handle it. Had a minor defectice Key reading chip when I first got it but that got replace and all has been a joy. My wife say say " if that think has has the female anatomy, all male will never stay with their wives unle to have children." Very true my man, very true.

• 

  Great performance sports convertible - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Bill - July 4 - 6:51 pm

  This car is very well balanced and handles perfectly. Nice compact size with plenty of power and acceleration. It will give any car on the road a run for its money. Much less expensive than Porche, Vette, etc but as much or more fun and able to carry 2 additional passengers for short distances. Would recommend the BMW 135i to anyone who is a "driver"

• 

  Fantastic car! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By jd_guy - June 28 - 4:46 am

  New BMW owner, previously owned Japanese models (Acura, Toyota, Mazda). Very pleased, wonderful car to drive. Scary fast, with great pick up in any gear. The finish and technology are exceptional. Im very pleased with the choice. Test drove Infiniti G37, but didnt make it out of the BMW dealer after test driving the 335xi (got it on the spot). Didnt go for the nav, bought a Garmin nuvi (noticed BMW also sells Garmins with the BMW branding).