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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  Bring Back the Drivers Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By wanger - April 26 - 9:23 pm

  After having a 528 and a 330 convertible, I purchased the new 530. It is so stiff that you do not feel you are driving a BMW...more like a Lexus. The former model felt like you were truly driving a sports sedan. This has no feeling to it. No life. BMW also made the door panels too tall, hence smaller windows like the Chrysler. The back seat passenger can hardly see out of the window. I also miss having the 6 buttons to get a specific radio channel. The iDrive radio just does not cut it. Bottom line: rock solid care with no excitement.

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  Classic Styling - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Kyle - April 26 - 1:21 pm

  The 1992 7 series gives the owner classic styling that still looks good after 14 years. A little heavy on the gas, more than Id like. The 6 cyl. auto seems reliable. Very solid, well put together car. Seems like it would protect you in a collision. Nimble, for such a large vehicle. Some people complain about the high price of repairs, but have they checked the price of repairs on any vehicle these days? Still, there are several things you can DIY to save a little money.

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  After one year... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Vesuvius - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Okay, so after one year of having driven this vehicle, I can truthfully say that its the best car Ive ever owned. Still looks "showroom", solid build, handles well, excellent interior materials, etc. I too had the fan replacement, then ANOTHER just 6 weeks later! BUT, they were very courteous and had my vehicle back to me in less than one day on both occasions. The Sports Package would have been a nice addition for the lowered suspension and bolstered seats. I find that my center of gravity is simply too high to perform some of the driving I like/attempt. I just felt that I had to chime-in to offset that previous, completely bad review.

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  Looks can be decieving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Melina - April 25 - 6:54 am

  I bought the car in Germany and couldnt wait to get it back to the states. The same week it arrived I had to turn it into the dealership because, the monitor said I was out of oil. They fixed that problem. A couple of months past and one night the car went crazy. Windshield wipers wouldnt turn off, headlights, radio, interior lights were all flashing. BMW claimed to fix the problem. 2 weeks later I was at the dealership again for another "software" issue. My vehicle had been in the shop 7 times and was less than a year old. I was really disappointed with the way BMW Corporate handled the situation. I could have purchased a Neon and had less problems. I wont be purchasing another BMW.

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  New to me! Elegant and fun A+ - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Xclent - April 21 - 10:48 pm

  Having just recently purchased my first BMW 530iA, although used, I can honestly say I am not disappointed with my decision. This car is superb. Sport, convenience and premium package with 17 inch wheels. I did order new headlights from an aftermaket internet wholesaler and that did the trick. The front looks new again. Getting rid of yellow and cracked lights will give your BMW or any car for that matter a new look again. If you decide to purchase a clean title BMW 530i you will be pleased every morning when you turn the key to go to work. :)

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  First time BMW owner impressed - 2005 BMW X3
  By BMW Virgin - April 21 - 4:33 am

  Ive been driving Mercedes-Benz for over 9 years and decided to test BMW mainly because of the full warranty and the special lease promotion. I was impressed with the X3 due because its not a massive SUV, has more space than a sedan and is all wheel drive. I was suprised at how comfortable and easy to operate all the little things. Im really impressed with the acceleration from a complete stop. The ride is really smooth as well. Impressive safty features, and getting used to driving a SAV took about 3-5 days. Get one... you wont be sorry!

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  X 3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Bob t - April 19 - 6:23 pm

  Nice SAV ride could be a little softer, great handling, good traction interior dash could use some improvement (looks) gas mileage ok. This is a performance SUV.

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  Mistake? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Stuck in RI - April 18 - 9:27 pm

  Bought a 2002 BMW 325i just a week ago. The few times Ive been able to drive it have been a treat. Battery issue when I picked it up - it ended up back at the non-BMW dealer a few days later. Anyways, it ran great for a day - the Steptronic transmission is fun for me and the automatic allows my wife to drive it, too. The car is a sweet metallic gray and rides as nice. Im hoping the problem can be resolved - two days in the shop and they say the fuel pump needs to be replaced before they can begin to diagnose the charging problem. For now, my 94 318is is keeping me consoled while the drama continues

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  Certified PreOwned Means Nothing - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BallJointsNsuch - April 16 - 2:52 pm

  Bought it two years ago Certified Pre-Owned from a dealership in NY. They did 0 work to the vehicle to Certify it, except charge roughly $1000 for the warranty which covers jack squat. I have replaced window regulators, ball joints ($2000), Brakes and Rotors, Tires and a long list of other items. This car rides great but is completely unreliable. My radio and On Board Computer are currently malfunctioning but ive lost patience to go fix it. Go buy a Consumer reports magazine ....then go buy a Lexus. My Tacoma TRD has roughly the same mileage and 0 problems.

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  Lots of Repairs - 2001 BMW X5
  By Expeditiondrivernow - April 16 - 10:50 am

  First, this truck was fun to drive. But......This truck needed dealer service about 20 times in three years, beginning the day I brought it home new. Battery discharged in the winter. Goofy electronics problems. Trailer towing was no problem for the drivetrain, but the subframe bent from the tongue load towing a trailer supposedly within the rated load. The cupholders would only hold one at a time due to the intersecting circles-- an aftermarket cupholder corrected this. Due to the frequent dealer visits and lack of confidence I wouldnt drive it to Canada or any remote places like I had intended...I bought a used Jeep for the trips far away from a BMW dealer.