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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  SWEEEEET!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By deewaye - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I really cant say much bad about the car...I love the looks and the aggressive style. The 3.0 is the way to go. Everyone who is an enthusiast wants the 3.0 over the 2.5 The motor is great, tranny superb, and the handling is out of sight. I have noticed fairly quick wear on the tires. But, I do drive it with authority..If you can find one in good shape get it..The car is gonna be a classic!!!!!

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  Classy Sport - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By tango - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 180,000 kms appeared to be in mint condition and fully serviced. Performance is better than I was led to believe with this car in automatic and the six cyl.. Handing is superb with 17 TSW wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE730s. Only problem is the lack of a cup holder. Gas mileage is great - motor runs like a sewing machine. Model looks sportier (more aggressive) than current version. No regrets buying this one and will be upgrading with engine and transmission chip and a Dinan High Flow Throttle Body. Considerably more luxurious than my other BMW (84 533i).

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  Wagon is the way to go - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ferko - September 2 - 1:10 am

  I just came back from Europe where a large percentage of cars is wagon. I was looking for something different than a sedan, and definitely not an SUV. (I own one). I was leaning toward an A4 Avant with the sweet 2.0 l turbo engine. When I saw the 530xi I bought it the same day afternoon. The balance of the car is so unique that I dont know of anything else in this price range. It has been a pure delight.

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  A very practical and fun car to drive. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By isodose - September 2 - 12:43 am

  I traded in my 2004 Porsche 911 for this 335xi, needed a car for all the weather as I live in the upper midwest. This car is not a sports car like the porsche but it can hold its own on the road ( I have not taken this car to the track yet). I customed ordered this car with manual and navigation. The overall build quality of this car is excellent. I have driven the car for 6 months and 10,000 miles, no problems so far. The acceleration is there when you need it, can pass 95% care with ease on any road. The four wheel drive is very competent in any weather. Average duel mileage with 70% freeway is about 23 mpg. The iDrive was easy to use and very intuitive. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Awesome car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By D Whit - September 1 - 3:37 pm

  What a fun car to drive! After 5 years I still love it!

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  An Excellent Machine - 2004 BMW X3
  By Drew Manitou - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Will wait to see how this handles in the northern Michigan winter, but so far this is just a wonderful car that is fun to drive. The automatic is very smooth and quiet and the car handles beautifully. The gas mileage is really good--better than I expected. One issue: the sun roof drain tubes were defective and am waiting for the dealership to get replacement parts.

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  Keeps on Going... - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By JoggerDude - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Owned car 8 years now. 190k miles. The car still looks and runs great. Ive only spent $2,400 to maintain it (includes 3 sets of Michelin tires! Oil has been changed every 5K miles. Engine is still tight and very smooth. Ive gotten 36 mpg on the highway. 4 cyl motor(140 HP) with a 5-spd is fine on power. Im still using the original clutch. Handling and looks are what caused me to buy this car. My black 2 door is beautiful and rare! Im curious to see how long this car will last. I have no plans to trade. It still looks good and is fun to drive. Very reliable.

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  Not your Soccer Moms SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By Cinvinman - August 30 - 1:20 pm

  Not wanting to sacrifice driving experience (Ive driven a 1997 BMW 5 series for the past 8 years) but needing to buy a 6,000+ lb. vehicle for my business, I settled on an X5 with the sport suspension. It has been a great vehicle. If you werent up so high, youd hardly know that you werent in a sport sedan. In addition, despite the extra weight, I average a shade less than 19.5 mpg, a mere 1 mpg short of what I was getting from my 528! The panoramic moonroof is excellent as are the sport seats. The only things I dont like are the body molding that runs under the doors - it is a dirt trap and my pant legs seem to always rub it and the lack of a super large cargo area.

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  The 328xi 6 speed is worth the money! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - August 30 - 12:10 pm

  I live in a small town in Texas and I was unsure which model to purchase at 48 years old. I settled on the 328xi coupe with 6 speed manual. My dilemmas: 1. Does the 328xi have enough power? Yes, and with the extra safety of the xi it came in handy during last weeks downpour. 2. Will the Sport package with 18s and run flats be rough? Smooth, even on my bumpy road. 3. Will the 6 speed manual be fun or in the way? A blast to drive and the Bluetooth works great for hands free phone. 4. Will the coupe be large enough? I have a 10 year old I take to school and Im in sales and I have to travel with a few extra bags. I believe that this is the best car for the money with a good size trunk.

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  Beemer - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By abe - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The five speed is very responsive and the power curve in the upper gears is thrilling to use on the open highway and interstates. Need to be sure and have a radar detector installed or the insurance costs could be prohibitive. Ride is excellent and we were amazed at the fuel economy with the amount of power.