5 Star Reviews for BMW

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.57/5 Average
11,088 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 1281 through 1290 of 11,088.00
  • Simply The Best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    The best handling, most fun car to drive, period! stick, sports, premium, xenon, cold weather. Purrfect! Goes where you point it. Great performance and gas mileage. Had big ass muscle cars with more ponies but nothing beats this TOTAL package. I look forward to driving to work. This is my second 5 series and before buying my first, I said "overpriced, not worth it, not reliable..." To all the naysayers, go out and drive one!

  • lovin it - 2002 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This is actually my wifes car. The only time she lets me drive it is when she is with me and it is daytime. At night I always drive. I have to think up excuses to go out. Dont we need some bread-or something! The car handles like a dream. It would have been nice to have had a little more room in the trunk, but is ok for us. Test drive it without the salesman!

  • Its worth it - 2007 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Wow - what fun to drive. I wish I had the extra power of the 550 or the 535, but this car has it when you need it. I like to drive it in Drive Sport as it really hugs the road, and gives me the extra boost of speed.

  • Bimmer Family - 2004 BMW X3
    By -

    My husband bought this car for me for X-mas. I have been driving it for a couple years now and we are very pleased. We have made several long trips in it, in sun, rain and snow and had no problems. We have the six speed manual and the only thing I dont like is that its so slow in 1st gear, but once into 2nd, its very zippy and handles great. Even though the gas mileage could be better, we average 22-23 mpgs which I think is great for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The navigation system is great! It always projects correct travel times.

  • Worth the wait! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    My husband and I wanted to buy a fuel efficient car that was safe and fun to drive. Finally the BMW brought the diesels to the US! Once we test drove this car - we both fell for it. This car is a blast to drive and very comfortable. My husband commutes in it the most and we always take the BMW 335d on weekends. We even plan to take it on the next family road trip. Our kids (one booster, one car seat) fit fine in the back seat and we can fit two medium suitcases in the trunk, plus a few more things. Hope they offer the manual option and the Wagon in the future.

  • Why did I wait so long to buy it - 2009 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I cant stop driving it. I want to drive cross country with it. There is nothing I can complain about the vehicle, and trust me if it even had the smallest rattle it would drive me crazy. Nothing but outstanding German build quality. Considering I am comparing it to the Honda/Acura I owned before.

  • Superb automobile - 2009 BMW Z4
    By -

    Only owned this car two days . I am blown away with it already. Had 06 Z4 thought I would never get rid of it. May not be the ultimate sports car but it is exactly what I want. Have had the supercharged hot rods already. This car is fast , classy, and quality built. The nappa white interior is awesome. Top impresses even my Mercedes buds! This is the first car I have owned in my 39 years of marriage my wife likes. What can I say?

  • Very expeneisve RFT - 2009 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This car is so much fun to drive and so expensive to maintain. It has been 8 months. Finally I hit a pot hole in New York City and had a bubble on the side. Our dealer changed the tire and charged $488 for one single tire!!! I had insurance and expected to be reimbursed. However, this is another sign that this is a premium car and it is expensive to drive.

  • The best I ever had - 2009 BMW Z4
    By -

    This car is unbelievable - it is a mans or womans forbidden pleasure. It really looks very unique with its fine lines and very responsive handling and power. I just got it yesterday and already know that I will treasure it for as long as god will allow me to.

  • My 2008 128i Convertible - 2008 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    I just bought a NEW 2008 model from the showroom floor. Its loaded with every conceivable option but I got the car nearly $6,000 off invoice. Still pricey... but definitely worth it! I cant say enough about this little gem! It is the MOST fun Ive ever had driving! I wake up every morning and cannot WAIT to drive my car to work! I love the top down fun with my iPod tunes blasting. The iDrive is a little quirky, but once you figure it out, its fine. The ride is superb, the fit and finish is all BMW... the drive and handling is exactly what you would expect... perfection. Love it, love it, love it... you will NOT be sorry you bought this car! Just do it!

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