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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  My 2nd 2007 335i Sedan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - July 18 - 11:24 am

  Traded my 07 335 with 50k miles about a year ago for $24k, bought a M35 and hated it, then bought a Prius and loved the gas mileage but hated the build quality, so I found a deal on an 07 335i sport/premium/comfort with 63k miles, paid $20,500. the bumper has been repainted but the car feels solid, more solid than my last 335 that was a demo when I bought it. My new 335 has black leather and blue metallic paint. The steptronic/paddle shifters shift smoother than my last 335i for some reason. I love the tight feel when I steer around corners. Definitely a 4 door sports car. Although it can be tough to turn the wheel at low speeds without active steering.

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  lemon x5 4.8is - 2005 BMW X5
  By ak - July 18 - 10:01 am

  This is my third BMW and I would not go for BMW again. Sometime the back door locks wont open and we cannot open the back door from inside or outside. Kids can be trap inside the car unless they climb to the front seat. The steering wheel get stiff from time to time. Self leveling light is always on. In the winter the lock freeze easily thus impossible to open or close. The motor rattles too much on a cold days. I went to the dealers many times and they have no clue what is going on. The computer cant pick anything up. This is a 80 k truck and it made like crap. I certainly wouldnt try another BMW again. All German car dont seem to know how to design electronic properly.

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  Design Defect - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Regina Wofford - July 17 - 11:32 am

  I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. Its very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my cars electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue

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  The wait is over - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By greysworld - July 17 - 8:20 am

  Just had this car for a week after a long time of research and test drives among German cars. I am gratified to have chosen this one, handling and dynamics at its best on this solid compact car! I am a daily commuter in the DC and NOVA area and it never fails to put a smile in my face regardless of what traffic I am in. The new version of i drive is so much better and easy to use. Finally, they caught up with the Japanese delivery of easy to use technology. This car is a testament to BMWs claim as the ultimate driving machine.

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  First BMW - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By Mcon18 - July 16 - 2:32 pm

  Have owned the car 2 weeks, no major complaints. It is very quiet with the top up, except for the nice sound of the engine, which sounds even nicer with the top down. I thought the cheap added cup holder would be annoying since the navigation buttons take away one of the real cup holders, but it really isnt bad. There is a pretty big blind spot behind the rear side window, but I guess its just something to get used to. Happy with the gas mileage too, averaging 24 so far. Overall the car is very fun to drive, my only worries are with the run flat tires, and the fact that the top had to be "re- programed" since I kept getting an alert that the "hydraulics overheated".

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  Lack of quality - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By cw - July 16 - 1:06 pm

  Bought and sold my last BMW! Purchased a 2007 335i in May 2007 and have been disappointed ever since! The following problems ensued: transmission failure, large amounts of brake noise, fuel pump failure, and fuel injector failure. All were fixed under warranty but who has the time to continually go back to the dealership! Run flats are a joke! Very expensive, dont last long and are hard to find. Sold my car last week and purchased a Lexus!

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  X5 Rules the fun-to-drive SUV Market - 2004 BMW X5
  By elstone - July 16 - 12:15 pm

  The X5 is a joy to drive! Fun, fast, agile, and driver-intuitive. All the reasons you buy a BMW to begin with. But, you also get the benefits of an SUV - more space (though its not a huge cargo area) and solid off-road capabilities. A perfect marriage, in my book. If you are looking for an SUV and dont want to compromise in the driving department, this is a great fit. Looks great too!

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  Love My 5-series Touring - 1993 BMW 5-Series
  By Maggio Slooter - July 14 - 5:16 pm

  This car was super-clean at the time of purchase, and had close to 80,000 miles on her. I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a vehicle with that many miles, but this car has been the most reliable we have ever owned, and now has over 180,000 miles. I replaced the 15" wheels with M-series 17" of that era, replaced the springs with M springs, and added a performance chip. I never tire of driving her and continue to admire the styling, which to my eye, is timeless. For a car which is now 18 years old, it very much holds its own in looks and performance. Its also damn practical. Ive hauled all kinds of heavy stuff, and the self-leveling system works brilliantly. I give BMW an A+

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  2011 528i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By fmc - July 14 - 1:56 pm

  Have had our new 2011 5 series about one week. Had a 2008 model & the 2011 is much improved. Many improvements. This is our third BMW & is a great car with outstanding handling, comfort, styling, performance & unbelievable gas mileage. Also our BMW dealership gives great service.

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  Simply Epic - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - July 13 - 7:54 pm

  Just recently purchased this car for a replacement my 2007 Jetta, and all i have to say is "WOW" The power of the engine as you accelerate down the road is exhilarating. It car looks amazing and the looks it receives as you drive down the road is justified. The gas mileage is better in this then my Jetta, i am getting about 30 mpg. The 10 logic speaker system sounds outstanding and the bluetooth that is incorporated in works very well. Overall, the car is a finely tuned car that is put together and in in my opinion, the best car on the market.