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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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Heather - September 7 - 5:46 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year. I traded in my 2001 325i model for this when the re-design first came out (I owned a 318is prior to the 325i). This is the best 3-series model I have owned and I have yet to get bored with it. I still feel the same thrill as I had the day I drove it home. The aux input for my iPod was a very nice feature and the engine purrs quietly. I love the acceleration on this car. Car does run only on premium gas so beware of that. The only thing I wasnt impressed with was the audio system. Premium sound system was a better option, but I choose instead to buy a better system aftermarket.

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  Great for long drives - 2009 BMW X5
  By FLBMWDriver - September 6 - 10:22 pm

  I just picked up my brand new X5 last month and I am very impressed with it so far. I drive 100+ miles per day so a comfortable ride is very important to me. I had my X5 built and I chose the ventilated seat package which was well worth it. The seats adjust in so many ways and the massage feature for the driver is great! My black sapphire X5 turns heads when its clean and the interior is impressive with the brushed aluminum trim giving it a sporty look. The driving position is great and the car is pretty quiet at 70-80mph on the highway. Also, the premium sound system upgrade sounds great and I also like the iPod interface. I would highly recommend this SUV.

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  My fifth BMW - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ecsail - September 6 - 7:10 am

  Yes, thats right. This is my fifth BMW. I buy these cars because they have excellent design inside and out, they are built well, and they are a lot of fun to drive. This car has been a little disappointing, however. Unlike every other BMW I have owned, this one has given me a little trouble. It cost me about $1100 so far. Hopefully,the problem is fixed. I have 121,000 miles on this car and not a rattle or vibration anywhere. Still rides and drives like new! I cant help it - I love these cars! This is the first one ever to give me a problem.

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  iDrive is not the problem - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By ray cutler - September 6 - 2:50 am

  I purchased my 2004 530i after trading in my 99 328 convertible. I had test driven a Z4, but wanted to move to something a little more refined an quiet. The 530i is, as you would expect, a driving pleasure. I have the sports option, which is highly effective in this generation, and includes the "drive by wire" steering, popularly known as racing steering, and yes, iDrive. I have enjoyed the entire experience thoroughly, and have not been disappointed except in the reliability and consistency of the iDrive computer and the run flat tires. Also, the steering wheel was delivered off center to the right about 15 degrees. First service is coming up and I will asking them to center it.

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  Artie, my fiery red beamer - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By " Artie Beamer " - September 5 - 10:59 am

  I just purchased my 1991 BMW 318is coupe. I was looking for a car to replace my 1994 Volvo 850 I loved my Volvo but it was literally falling apart. I wanted to purchase a Land Rover Discovery Series SUV, but read so many bad reviews on this vehicle. My son and I were looking at cars at my favorite car lot my son spotted the BMW at the back of the lot. It caught our eye. It was a one owner car in excellent condition one look and we were hooked. I made an offer and the car was mine. My son and I waxed Artie and scented him with air freshener. Everywhere we go people ask where did you get that car. It is definitely an eye capturer. My son says, arent you glad I made you give up the Volvo.

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  BWM X6 35i - 2009 BMW X6
  By Joe D, PA - September 5 - 6:48 am

  Between my wife and I, we have owned every BMW except a Z and this vehicle is by far the most fun to drive. Love the space and neat style. One friend after seeing it called it the batmobile. Just picked it up yesterday and cant wait to go for a ride today. I cant image how fast the 50i must be.

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  Very pleased so far with 2010 535i - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ron - September 4 - 11:29 pm

  Special ordered it with premium package, Logix 7 audio and active steering. Been driving it a little more than a month and extremely happy. Its simply the smoothest car Ive ever driven. It feels so light and nimble, yet a very comfortable ride. This may sound corny, but I have a "melting" feeling whenever I drive it! And its so quiet, like driving an electric car, even when stomping the gas. Active steering adds a whole new dimension to driving, both at low and high speeds Im very glad I went for it. Its at its best doing 80 MPH on a moderately crowded freeway, zipping around other cars. And whats all this fuss about idrive and the cup holders? No problems here!

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  Sport, yet refined - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By james - September 4 - 11:25 am

  Went from a Honda civic, so naturally am impressed with the handling of this well made auto. It has plenty of power, with excellent cornering and braking. Everyone in the family says it makes me look younger!

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  tony review own car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By warthogdriver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best all around sports car I have ever driven. Z cars make vettes look like log wagons. Mine is confortable, responsive, has great fuel economy, and all the prestige a person could want, if you are into that. I am a private pilot and compare airplanes I fly to my Z.

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  a super automobile - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hamilton - September 4 - 10:00 am

  the 540i 6M i bought just a few months ago is a marvellous car to drive --peppy, quiet, and comfortable. it is also very safe. it is probably the best car i have ever owned.