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:

• 

  Disappointment - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Ty - July 16 - 10:05 am

  This is a great looking car. Fast, and comfortable, but that is it. Having owned many luxury cars, like Mercedes, Audi, Lincoln, Cadillac, and SAAB, I was very disappointed in the repairs for this car. Having owned it for about a year, I have spent over $8000.00 in various repairs, some routine. The car looks good, but have deep pockets before you buy it.

• 

  Not worth the money - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By flying car - July 15 - 8:58 pm

  The car is too heavy. It is a pain to drive in a "stop and go" traffic situation that we face in DC. Car hesitates to move from full stop. Once it is mobile, it takes off like a rocket and then it is fun to drive. The interior is poorly designed particularly location of controls. Placement of coffee mug holders is terrible. Inside console compartment is lousy. Technologically, no car can match it - just great car. Gas mileage is excellent. Steering is excellent and handling is superb. Ride is excellent and cabin noise is very low. Stereo is excellent. VOB service is good. BMW North America never responds to e-mails.

• 

  The Bomb - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Buba - July 15 - 2:35 am

  I test drove it on the Autobahn and it is the bomb! Really fast. There is a slight lag in the throttle response during highway (Autobahn) overtaking, but I can live with that. Probably from the turbos. Using the sequential manual transmission is a blast. However, the gas mileage is really poor in that mode. I drove a total of 29 miles all in the SMT mode and used a quarter of a tank. Assuming a full tank is 16 gallons, I used 4-gallons, or about 7-miles to the gallon. Too bad. If you really like sporty driving then get a manual transmission. That said from a performance perspective, it is almost a perfect car.

• 

  Zed 4 3.0i - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Kipper - July 12 - 12:58 pm

  I bought this car after test driving SLKs, Miatas, Z300s, Boxsters and S2000s. The Zed 4 3.0i, although not the highest performing Zed 4, seems to be more refined than the other cars I tested. The handling is crisp and throttle response is quick. The 3.0i is not particularly quick for this class, but does provide a 0-60 mph time under six seconds. It is a good highway cruiser but a bit bumpy on the backroads. However, I never lost any confidence in handling while on bumpy roads. Im averaging 24 miles per gallon, driving in both highway and city. The body style is a real head turner and the interior seems to fit the body style.

• 

  Two great cars in one! - 2008 BMW M6
  By Wayne - July 12 - 11:44 am

  This is a great car for the money! I traded a 911 Porsche Cab and a 2005 Aston Martin DB9 coupe - the M6 Convertible delivers the best of both of these cars. The V10 engine has plenty of power matched by electronics and a finely tuned suspension to create a great driving experience on any road. It has the toss-around feel and open sky fun of the Porsche with the size, comfort and presence of the DB9 - but it accommodates 4 riders. This is my first BMW, and Ive found the professional reviewers concerns with iDrive to be somewhat exaggerated. The SMG transmission, also scorned, is easy and engaging to drive. The cock pit ergonomics, including seat comfort are unmatched by any car.

• 

  Hot stuff - 1998 BMW Z3
  By les benson - July 10 - 4:33 pm

  This is a jazzy car. It looks more like a cartoon car from Roger Rabbit, than a street vehicle. Lows, fuel economy, tired back window. Highs, ride, look, reliability.

• 

  Best Car Ive Owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By johnny e - July 7 - 7:46 pm

  This 330xi is amazing. Quality is superb. I know not all folks have had good experience but this car handles out of this world. Suspension, brakes, etc. Highly recommend this jewel! RFTs? Hmm, still not sure Im a fan but so far, so good!

• 

  Great car, insanely bad radio quality - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW Man - July 7 - 10:44 am

  I just purchased this beautiful car. The seats are luxurious with tons of settings and it even has a driver side massage. The car drives great and is ultra luxurious. However, even with the premium sound $1800 upgrade with 13 speakers, the quality of the radio is horrible. It sounds tinny and when you adjust the base, you lose the midrange and can not adjust that. The feature to give stereophonic sound (Logic 7) sounds terrible and echoes all around when you turn it on. Its amazing that with such an awesome car they would put in this kind of sound system.

• 

  Fun to Ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By speedster - July 4 - 10:50 pm

  This is car is a pleasure to drive. It handles well in the corners. Get the 330. If you have the extra cash then spend it on the best automobile. This car inspires confidence in the corner.

• 

  Nice blend of sporty and practical - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By ATLplayax - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  I originally bought the 530 when my daughter was born (traded in my 04 Infiniti G35 coupe). I needed a car that was sporty but could also be used as a family vehicle, the 530 did not disappoint. This is my second 530, the first was an 05 which was totaled in an accident, I was so impressed with the way the BMW safety that I bought the 06 530 to replace it. This car is awesome, the BMW free maintenance that comes with the car is also amazing since any issue within the first 50000 miles are covered at no out of pocket cost, including the cost of the loaner car. I have had a lot of issues with break squeaking and brake dust, BMW needs to address this.