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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  Ricks 2000 bmw 740i sport - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Ricks 740i sport - March 8 - 1:47 pm

  i have owned more than 10 cars and for some reason they all get played out and sold. i got offered a reasonable price but could not sell it. i owned it for 5 years now. performance love it, still looks better then the 745il models. drives fast with out realizing (bad in some cases). maintenance is not bad at you local mechanic (water pump & fan with belts tune up and other few thing ran about 1200, same price as my 2001 Honda prelude) and no time seeing my self getting rid of it.

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  135 vs a4 cabriolet - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By verne rind - March 7 - 10:31 pm

  I had a 2002 Audi TT roadster, my wife was concerned over its size, I bought a 2005 Audi A4 cabriolet 3.0 FWD sport package and CVT trans. It was a good cruiser but too polite, it always felt heavy. I just bought a 2009 BMW 135i convertible, Sport package premium package with 6 spd. I love this car. I think the criticism of the 1 series stems from the base models some can look a bit plain. In sport trim they are beautiful. A friend has a 2010 boxter S and could not walk away from me. I was looking for a BMW 335 and after several test drive I went for the 135 It answers all I wanted 300 hp plus 4 seats when i need it, and you dont see it on every corner. FABULOUS!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Don of Spring - March 7 - 12:27 pm

  This 2006 530i is my first BMW, which I purchases Used with 5K miles. The combination of performance, comfort and excellent fuel mileage (32-38 highway and over all after 32,000 miles city and highway is 28+) is great. Interior comfort could be better in the way of softer seats. Highway touring is smooth, quiet and comfortable. Overall, this is the nicest all around vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Love this car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ggard86 - March 5 - 1:43 pm

  I have had this car for one year and a half and still smile every time I get into it. Ive taken it on two long road trips 1000+ miles and avg 32 miles on the highway at home I get about 23. Ive had no problems with it and love the once a year oil change. Its a comfortable car and is fast off the line. The exterior and interior style is something BMW should never have left, and in my eyes it has classic lines and a refined German style. The fold down seats and ski bag make a small car easier to swallow. Simply put I love this car and dont mind the car payment.

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  Great Car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By JThomas - March 5 - 11:50 am

  Got a nearly loaded sports premium 328xi without nav, fun to drive, excellent in snow. Be very careful with the potholes, sport tires are very low profile. its great for the front two passengers, back seat passenger are cramped in. never had any issues with the car though. very reliable. build quality is great. Test drove the Diesel. Definitely worth getting the diesel for the torque and very impressive mileage. Will buy the 335 Diesel when the lease expires.

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  Follow-up review after 17K miles - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - March 1 - 11:45 am

  Well, its now almost 2 full seasons of winter later, 2 oil changes - and this car is as responsive as my first drive with it.. maybe even more so as the CDV issue seems to have disappeared after the "break-in" period. Had a couple issues with the tire-pressure-monitor system going off when winter rolled through nothing that a trip to the dealership couldnt resolve. Started noticing various things "creaking" such as the drivers seat (when applying mid/upper back pressure) and the center console elbow rest. Also, the rear-window dot matrix makes it impossible to get a nice uniform tint. If you can look past these, then IMO, this is still the absolute best luxury AWD coupe on the road.

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  The Perfect Size - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Michael - February 28 - 9:34 pm

  I eagerly awaited the debut of the 1 series here in the states after having read much about the European model. After test driving the 1, it was clear that it would become my new driver. Beautiful throaty exhaust note, rock solid build quality and the legendary BMW straight six makes it a dream drive! I much prefer the size of the 1 series over that of the 3, and to me, it is the spiritual successor to the original 2002.

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  1st BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Diane Martinez - February 28 - 8:25 pm

  Well, I had been driving a 1991 Volvo, so the 2008 528 is a major treat!!! Unbelievable in the workmanship, performance and handling!! I hope to always drive a BMW. It just hugs the corners when driving. Cant wait to try it on a Calif hwy like Hwy 1 in Half Moon Bay!

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  135i not a 3 series - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By LovenMyBMW - February 28 - 1:19 pm

  Ok lets start out by saying that we all have a opion. This is a 1 series not a 3. So with that said. Understand its smaller. Yes the interior is almost the same. Back and front seats. And head room. Just the body. With the 1 having less weight than the 3. The little beemer is amazing. Is faster than a Cayman, Niss 370, Mustang, and Camaro. Now its not a drag car. Its a sports car with style. Some parts seem cheap but what car under 60k dont. This little car with a back seat that can be used for kids and luggage, small bags and other items is perfect for a person not wanting a big car. If you want big buy a 7 series or a SUV. All said if you are thinking about it. DO IT

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  Second X3 better than the first - 2008 BMW X3
  By Eric - February 27 - 10:04 pm

  We leased a 2005 X3 and loved it so much, we leased a new 2008 when the first lease was up. I wanted to post this review because many people post because they have an axe to grind. Both X3s we owed were excellent. The 2008 has been completely perfect, no flaws or repairs in 22,000 miles. The new 3.0si engine that was put into X3 beginning in 2007 flat out rips with 260 HP. Handling is great, yes it is a little stiff but you are rewarded with a SUV with 50:50 weight distribution and very sporty handling. If you want a cushy floaty ride, numb steering, and 30 MPG, look elsewhere.