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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  A BMW that actually performs like a true BMW - 2014 BMW 2-Series
  By roadburner - April 6 - 9:46 pm

  I picked up a CPO 2014 M235i about two weeks ago. My wife insisted that I check it out; I originally intended to drive it first and then drive a couple of new Mustang GTs in the same general area. As it turned out I ended up making a deal then and there. I was honestly surprised at how good it was. The car is about the same size as an E36, which suits me perfectly(a main sticking point on the Mustang was its size). It has just about every option, and fortunately theres no Helen Keller Package(Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure warning, etc.). Its also an automatic, but being the Sport derivation of the ZF HP8 I can live with it(in any event, I still have the E36/5 Club Sport and Wrangler TJ to keep my left foot in practice). What do I like? The transmission actually does what I want it to do in Sport+/Manual mode- every other BMW automatic I have driven has tried to second-guess me- including the B7 press loaner I tested a while back. Think: electronic full manual valve body, for any older drag racers out there. Durability should be decent as the M235i Racing gets essentially the same transmission, albeit fitted with more aggressive software. The Adaptive M Suspension literally transforms the car when you toggle into Sport or Sport+. Its almost like two different cars. Ive never driven a BMW where the EDC or AMS made such a huge difference. The standard M Performance Power Kit really eliminates the turbo lag; with 330 lb-ft of torque available from 1300 rpm it almost feels like some of the big block Chevys I drove in my misspent street racing youth. Fuel economy is hovering around 25 mpg, which is more than good enough for me. Michelin PSS in a staggered setup are standard. No run flats- hallelujah! The sports seats with adjustable bolsters are excellent as expected. Its no wonder that BMW NA is making them standard fitment in many US models; the base seats in most newer BMWs are only good for generating business for chiropractors. The H-K audio is good enough that I dont feel like I have to tweak it right away. Dislikes? The steering could use a bit more feel. That said, the effort and ratio(s)-Variable Sport Steering is standard-is very good. I agree with Bob Harper from BMW CAR: the IP needs oil and water temperature gauges instead of the "///M 235i" graphic that illuminates as soon as you open the drivers door The brakes are great but the pedal feel is somewhat wooden. No LSD. I will definitely have to add one sooner than later; at half throttle it will light up the rear tires in Comfort mode with DSC fully enabled. Track time will have to wait a few months. The 2ers first outing will be at Putnam Park- which is my "home" track. Im too old to attempt to learn a car and a track at the same time. It will also see at least one night at the local 1/8th mile strip- might as well test the Launch Control... A couple of people asked me to compare it to the E30 M3; the 2er is not as light on its feet and it lacks the "hard-wired to the synapses" experience of the original M3. However, it is very comparable to the E46 M3 in terms of handling and braking. Power in contrast, is more akin to that of the E9x M3- at least from a usability standpoint on public roads. In any event, I can easily see keeping this car for a decade or more. Who knows when/if Munich will build anything RWD in this size class again? So... Is it worthy of an ///M badge? Id say its closer to an "is," but that said, most everyone has forgotten that the first M car based on a production model was the E12 M535i- which boasted the M30 3.5 motor from the E24 635i along with an upgraded suspension, an M body kit, and aggressively bolstered front seats. Sound familiar?

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  POWER... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By makisig - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd BMW (former was a 330ci). Bought a brand new 540i this past weekend, and the increase in power and speed is just well beyond my expectation. The amazing thing is that this 540i cruises at 80 mph with the rpm hovering around 2500. When it accelerates, it does nimbly and with such power and control. I am in my mid 30s, and I think this car is just perfect for that age group. The 540 version asks for a lot of $$$, but I think its worth it if you can afford it. A nice compromise for people who want power but not the price and power in an M version.

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  Celebrating 1 year with my BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By gregnick - April 6 - 10:00 am

  After one year and 28000 miles I could not be happier with this car. I have only had to do one oil change, which was covered under warranty and put gas in the tank. I have had zero problems. Its the best car I have ever owned. I cant beleive I was even considering a Camry when I bought this car.

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  Great Performance AND Luxury ! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By MKTViper - April 5 - 2:00 am

  The 750iL is unlike any car Ive driven. The V12 accelerates so smoothly and quietly it feels like a (very powerful) electric car. And you can select "Sport Mode" on the transmission and dampening control for a high performance rocket that rivals 2+2 sports cars! Luxury features on this "top of the Line Bimmer" are abundant--to include power/heated REAR seats! Only complaint: lots of wind noise with exposed moonroof due to improper windshield fit. About $200+ to fix.

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  STruCs M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By STruC - April 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. I love how fast it takes off. Its not about how fast your car drives, but its about how fast you get to that speed. And I love it.

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  2001 BMW X5 3.0I Excellent Ve - 2001 BMW X5
  By X5Man - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my X5 for over 1 year. In my opinion, the vehicle has excellent handling in heavy rain as well as dry pavement. The car has precision steering and is very stable under emergency turns and maneuvering specially at high speeds much more stable than the Chevy Tahoe, Grand Cherokee & Explorer. The seats are very comfortable and the cabin is quite both attributes induce less fatigue during long trips.

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  BMW 321 Convertible - 1990 - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By n66wxm - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I put 60 (interstate) miles per day.. Wonderful to drive.. Maintenance expensive. Lots of power & performance, biggest problem is staying within the speed limit.. Nothing is more eligant with the top down.. What a ride !!

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  Great car, maintenance nightmare - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats-rule - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, but hate the maintenance. I did not want to have this close a relationship with a service department. The service department is great and they treat you well, but they charge you tons of money and your car is there a lot.

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  So far soooo good - 2002 BMW Z3
  By NU2BMW - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After hearing less than steller reviews of BMW reliability - we bought the Z3 with some caution. However, the car has been just great. It is impossible not to have a grin on your face when youre driving. It is just a blast. I short drive in the Z3 can transform a bad day into a vacation.

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  My Favorite Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Binkley - April 2 - 3:03 am

  This car drives better than any other. It corners especially well. The exterior styling is exceptional, I love it. I just wish I could have order the car, but I had to take the best I could find in dealer stock. I managed to find almost all that I wanted, but I would have preferred the aluminum trim, split-folding rear seats and comfort access, which I dont have. I wish the car had a better MP3 disk player. It doesnt provide track duration, and Im having issues with it strangely adjusting the volume and sound field in the middle of tracks with s-vol set at zero. Im waiting for my first oil change (at 5,200 miles now) to have the sound system checked.