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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  328xi with M Package - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By ohlala - September 1 - 9:55 pm

  Traded my 2004 330xi for a 2011 328i xdrive, SULEV w/ M Package, M Sport, Premium, Nav, Idrive etc., Space Grey with Dakota Black M Leather Sport Seats. Its a sharp looking car that I have gotten many compliments on. It rides like its on rails and cruises at 80+ very nicely. The cup holders are flimsy and its missing nets on the back of the seats, but you buy a BMW for performance and handling not cup holders!

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  335i + JB4=Super Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By m3isme - September 1 - 3:14 pm

  Had an 06 550i and after reading the reviews, I went ahead and got a black/black with 6 speed. Had her for a month. RFTs are abysmal, changed to Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Wow what a difference. Quieter and grip feels like its doubled. Also installed a JB4 module. She now has an extra 100 hp and 100lbs of torque at the crank. M3 fast and gas mileage is wayyyy better city driving (19 vs 12). Seats are comfortable, miss the 20 way power seats of the 5 though. Used to the Idrive (use voice). Sound system is ok. Im dreading the unnecessary trips to the dealer, but for 28k plus an extra 1600 in upgrades I gotta car that is stupid fast, fuel efficient, luxurious, and inconspicous.

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  Great Car -- Highly Recommended after 1 Year Use - 2011 BMW X5
  By rpg1410 - September 1 - 2:50 am

  Traded in a 2008 535 - needed something bigger for 2 kids. After driving all the midsize SUVs, I narrowed it down to the Audi Q7 diesel and the BMW X5d. Preference for diesel due to mileage. Ended up with a better deal on the X5d. I couldnt be happier with the car. Of the midsize SUVs I drove, the X5 comes closest to giving car handling. The road feel is spot on. Interior design is great and now after having the car since Nov.2011, all components are still working well. Diesel has great responsiveness, of course not as peppy as 535 I traded, but very respectable. Mileage avg 21.7 Enjoying the Sport Package. Got stock radio and its fine, not same as 535 premium sound but fine.

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  Love our X3 - 2011 BMW X3
  By jims57 - August 30 - 8:13 pm

  We selected the X3 i2.8 at the end of our 2008 335 Convertible lease. You might think that after driving at 335 the X3 would be a disappointment on the contrary, its a much nicer car to live with. The 335 was fun, but somewhat impractical and had a very rigid ride the X3 is surprisingly smooth and agile. We chose the 2.8 because, frankly, we had problems with the 335 engine... had to tow it back to the dealer with less than 20K miles. The 2.8 has plenty of power for "real-world" driving. It is smooth and sporty. The interior is quite large considering the external size of the the vehicle... especially the rear seat (compare it to the Mercedes GLK350).

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  750ix - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By eaglechair - August 30 - 8:00 pm

  I have leased 7s for 25 years. This is the very best by miles. The X drive showed its value last terrible winter. I haved drived the car for 10 months and hasnt been in for repairs. No bugs. Past 7s have had a number of technical problems and a return for service. This is an exceptional auto and is fun to drive with comfort and safety . The I drive is much improved compared to past models. it is very well worth the cost. Highly recommended.

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  Worst car or truck I have ever owned! - 2000 BMW X5
  By tomwillard - August 30 - 5:30 pm

  I have owned 6 different 3s and bought the suv for my wife because she wanted a suv. I have had good luck with my other BMWs but this X5 was the worst thing I have ever owned. It does have power and does drive more like a sports car then a suv but the thing was the worst built car I have ever owned. Everything that could go wrong has. I had a few friends that worked at the dealership and they told me they are junk but I already had purchased it and was stuck with it. After I started having problems I did some googleing and found tht everyone has the same problems. I am about to post it on craigslist for parts. I will never own another BMW. Crappy service too.

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  Amazed! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By peacepunk - August 24 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car with only 56K miles on the odo in Feb of 2011. Ive since added a good 24K and this car still runs and feels like new! Ive bought new vehicles before, including a new 1999 Ford Windstar and a 2006 Mazda 5 and I have to tell you the BMW runs way smoother than either of those vehicles did brand new! This car has the most comfortable seats Ive ever encoutered and has the smoothese ride Ive ever experienced. Sure there are some downsides like the expensive oil changes due to requiring synthetic oil and gassing up costs a bit more as it requires 91 or higher octane. I was never a BMW fan but owning one has put me on top of the fan list!

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  Great but small - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By dbruce1112 - August 19 - 10:43 pm

  Just traded in my new 2011 BMW 328xi for a TL. BMW has awesome ride, but real small. Im 6 tall 230 lbs. Very cramped for my long commute every day. Back seat was too small for even my kids. My 410 8 year old even had a tough time getting comfortable in the back. Forget it when it came to work associates.....way too small for any lengthy ride. If you want the classic sports car ride....this is it. Like a zipper on the road...but you need to be smaller or sacrifice the comfort for the fun.

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  Love the X3 - 2011 BMW X3
  By jpriii - August 18 - 12:35 pm

  I have owned my X3 for about 6 weeks and have 3000+ miles. It is comfortable, quite and a hoot to drive. The gas milage is great and big step up from my previous V8 SUV.

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  Great car for the money - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By rlandrews - August 14 - 7:18 pm

  i bought a 550i with 6-speed and sport package. The engine is terrific. My last two cars have been Corvettes, and this car does not leave me wanting for more power. The torque is massive. I wish the suspension were a little more firm, and I question whether I should have ordered the Dynamic Handling Package on the car in addition to the sport package. Overall, a great car and much more car for the money than the Corvettes I have been driving.