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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  Like it so far - 2011 BMW X5
  By Dr. G - July 12 - 8:40 pm

  Test drove both the premium and diesel versions. Diesel felt heavy and did not have the quickness the premium X5 had. Overall, ride is firm, handles well, and gas mileage early on is not bad, about 17 mpg in city driving. Like the punch the turbo delivers when you press the accelerator. Had some issues with the power windows but since have corrected. I-drive is fairly easy to use and like the fact that you can store music. Power liftgate is a nice option. Plenty of other good suvs out there but this one is one of the best inside and out.

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  Awesome 740LI - 2011 BMW 7-Series
  By TheTitan PI - July 12 - 3:42 pm

  My ownership experience was great at Riverside BMW. The Sales and Finance team were great in making the best deal happen. Driving the car is exciting. The 6 twin turbo puts out max power with lots of horsepower to give. Car is quiet and runs like a 7 series with the comfort and sport I expected with this type of car.

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  The Charro to heaven - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW550iSport - July 12 - 2:25 pm

  This car is amazing, so different from previous one yet better overall. Now you no longer need to compromise the practicality for the performance of BMW 5 series. Test drove the M37, E350, XF and Cayenne S, this one standout as overall winner. Sport package is absolutely needed to complete the car.

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  I become more impressed each passing day - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Gene - July 12 - 6:56 am

  In order to validate BMWs trademark cliche, The Ultimate Driving Machine, you need to sit yourself behind the wheel. The BMW brand is a timeless vehicle that always seem to stay in style much longer than its competitors. I am impressed how easy the 3 series is to drive. The vehicle is so balanced and follows your commands so effortlessly. I have heard some negative remarks about the 3 series. Preventive maintenance is necessary for a vehicle that offers so much. If you do not take care of it than you cant expect excellent reliability. Take care of it and it will not let you down.

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  I love this car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Destiny - July 12 - 6:27 am

  I was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee before this, so I am used to well made cars with power, but this car I must gives a driving experience far better than the rest. Take good care of it though because every time my boyfriend is rough on it, it seems like something need to be repaired. Cup holders piss me off!! But other then that I looooovvvvveee this car soooooo much!

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  First BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Hugh - July 10 - 8:21 am

  Love this car after trading in runflats for AAA and can of flat fixer. Mixed driving get 25 mpg, at 72k miles still feels new, minimal problems after tires (ac needed work and peeling door handles replaced at 25 k) best mileage when averaging 80 mph. Need radar detector as I cant tell how fast Im going due to smooth ride. Will definitely buy another BMW in 2016.

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  Best Sport Utility Vehicle Ever Made - 2004 BMW X3
  By MH - July 9 - 9:25 pm

  The old (2004) BMW X3 has the best road feel of any car I have ever driven, that includes, BMW 528, 525i, 540i, 740 iL, GMC Yukon, Jeeps, Cadillac CTS. The X3 is a great car. One feels the tightness of the four wheel drive under all conditions. Do not believe those who criticize the steering and handling of this car, they are off base. The gas mileage is outstanding for continuous four wheel drive.

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  100k hard miles in Arizona - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Scott - July 9 - 1:58 pm

  Ive had the car for 5 years and 75,000 miles. In terms of maintenance and parts failures this car has been very very easy. Total invested in non routine maint: not more than $1,000, and considering what the AZ heat does to rubber components, that isnt bad! I love this little car, and based on the really low trade in value, Im probably going to keep it for fun and get a new sedan. If youre looking for fun at a low cost, and the pricing on Edmunds is accurate, this is a great deal! My only complaint is this is a very heavy car for only 175hp under the hood. It doesnt accelerate fast, but handles great and feels comfortable even at excessive speeds (with the top down or up).

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  Awesome car - 2011 BMW X6
  By Noza - July 9 - 11:39 am

  This is most rare car in town or city and I hope keep this way for long time. I am from 325is, 325i, M3, 740il and latest, X6. This is most amazing car ever bought compared to previous cars. Dont think as X5 but PURE 4dr Coupe Sports car! I LOVE the Design and that is all I needed it even though I have to give my wife and 2 children everyday. Still getting used to X6.

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  Big Mistake - 2007 BMW X3
  By Regretful - July 9 - 1:08 am

  The X3 with premium and sport package looks good in a parking lot or a garage. Ride is hard. Back seat is hard. Nothing happens smoothly or refined. Choppy ride, confused transmission, not enough cup holders or console storage. Its just not worth $44k. Its in the shop, again, for warranty repairs. They tried to tell me it was ready to pick up a few days ago. Hadnt fixed either of the 2 main things it was there for. (Crazy wipers and rattling tailpipe) Still in the shop with no updates. The loaner is wonderful, 2011 328i sedan. It does everything better than the X3. Its like they learned how to build a vehicle, but dont want to do anything with a warranty repair of their past mistakes.