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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  Fun to drive - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Oldgoat912 - November 30 - 4:55 pm

  Replacement for 1998 540i six speed. Although smaller my 335i is faster and more nimble. GREAT FUN to drive and comfortable for an old man (66!). My only problem is the tire ware. I dont spin out at every stop sign but had to replace the rear tires at 13,300 miles. I also think it would take one hell of a driver to accelerate faster with the six speed than with the auto trans. I love the shift paddles, the stereo and blue tooth.

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  BMW X5 Diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Colin - November 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought the car 10 days ago. Love it so far (never spent this much on a car). Engine is fantastic, seems really solid, and the gas mileage appears legit so far. We have 3 kids under 11, and it probably isnt the best family car in terms of space (compared to a minivan), but we did it anyway since its so much fun.

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  BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Eye Catcher Plus! - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Criticfilm - November 30 - 9:54 am

  Always wanted a convertible, never enjoyed softtops. Always loved BMWs, owned a 325i, so I watched with anticipation when they released the new BMW Z4. The car is totally impractical, overpriced, but when my local dealer offered me a killer lease, $500/loaded SDrive35 and BMW finance also kicked in a rebate, I said,"You only live once." and drove off in my first convertible. The car is stunning, a true beauty in the Deep Sea Blue Metallic and Ivory White Nappa Leather, just like in the ads. I get looks and compliments constantly and I have only seen a red SD30 once on the road in the months Ive owned it. In this economy, the car is rare eye-catcher. Anyone with a BMW knows, driving is #1.

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  The best yet - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lacy - November 28 - 11:30 am

  After owning 3 3-series I thought of changing. I test drove the Lexus IS350, Audi A4 and Infiniti G35. The Lexus is faster than the BMW, but none of them compared to the total driving experience of a bimmer. I purchased a 330i and this is the best 3 series yet. Performance, handling and braking are superb. The car is loaded with safety features and I am getting a suprisingly 30+ mpg on the highway.

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  Finally a High Performance Diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Rick - November 28 - 10:34 am

  What a great road machine. Typically amazing BMW handling with an torquey (425 ft. lb.) diesel to slice through traffic and pull you down the open road. This machine not only has great performance and luxury, it also is a very low emission (check the white glove tail pipe test) high efficiency engine that exceeds 25 mpg on the highway. I can start this vehicle in my garage with the door closed and have literally NO diesel odor after warming up for several minutes. The engine has a nice growl at idle that fades to barely perceptible at highway speeds. The fit and finish are perfect and with the technology package the is little left to ask for in terms of amenities. Many 1,000 mile trips ahead.

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  Fun car... - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mrjohnnycat - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The car handles unbelievable, power is fantastic. This car is going to be hard to improve on.

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  My BMW Z4 is a pure joy - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Al & Jen - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my BMW Z4 for about 5 months now and I can say that is has been more fun than I thought it would be! I realize there is this difference of opinion out there between the Z3 and Z4 fans... Mind you, I could have purchased either or, any car for that matter. The new Z4 in my opinion blows them all away! Sleek and far sexier looking than the bubble styling of Z3. Performance is AWESOME to say the least. Just to start her up is exciting - That low growl. She handles beautifully! Under the hood is perfection! This car is truly pure joy.

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  X5 best SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By MS - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Well-made, handles like a dream. Much more practical than my Range Rover. Exterior looks compact, but it has a lot of interior room, especially rear passenger leg room.

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  good - 2003 BMW X5
  By digital - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Just a daily driver.

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  Terrific all-around car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Brians01 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My 330Ci was purchased BMW Certified w/16,000 miles and it flawless shape. Dealer service is superb and is always "no questions asked" WRT my requests. The car is very quick, handles well (sport package), looks very sharp, and has numerous luxury features. The car has few faults. The steering wheel positioning (even w/tilt/telescope) takes some getting used to. Body roll is slightly excessive, given the sport suspension. I have owned an Audi TT and Lexus IS300 and I can say w/certainty that this car is a significant step above both of these cars, dealer service included.