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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  BMW 7 Quality Horrible! - 2010 BMW 7-Series
  By Rick Tanden - March 16 - 10:18 am

  5300 miles and rear end was rattling over any road imperfections. Dealer tore apart rear end, then had been dealing with suspension bushings? R u kidding me BMW? 7 Series sunroof was even loud, allowing in air passage.

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  535i Sportwagon - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By MichiganMike1 - March 15 - 5:04 pm

  This 535i wagon replaced my beloved 2003 BMW 530i. The wagon provides the additional rear seat leg room and cargo space I was seeking but handles much like a BMW sedan. The additional weight of the wagon and xDrive is hardly noticeable with the turbocharged engine. I also prefer the appearance of the rear of the wagon to the 5 series sedan. The interior is finished to a higher standard, the seats are more comfortable and the panoramic sunroof provides a sensation of openness relative to my old 530i. The i-Drive linked to the navigation screen is much more user friendly than in previous versions. The standard audio system with Sirius sounds very good.

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  Delightful - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By SD - March 15 - 1:44 am

  The car is simply a delight for me to drive - every time I get back in it, I remember how much fun it is. Couldnt ask for better steering, acceleration, visibility, or interior appointment. The iDrive is well-integrated into the vehicle and the controls are easy to learn.

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  Okay, not great! - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron - March 14 - 8:41 pm

  Cabin is very quiet and comfortable. Acceleration and handling are good. Some people have trouble entering because of low overhead. Windshield sticker warns run flat tires get about 20 miles - expensive. Requires premium gas, but regular seems to run OK. Cabin interior storage is terrible. Owners materials & CDs have to store in trunk. Speedometer is about 4 mph too fast.

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  First and Last BMW - 2008 BMW X3
  By Gary - March 14 - 4:47 pm

  Well German engineering aside this SUV has been the worst new car I have ever owned in 30 years of driving. It lives at the dealer. So far still cannot fix the hesitation issue which is severe in normal "D" moon roof significant issues: needed new exhaust at 40K miles: blower motor issues navigation system is major piece of junk: now satellite radio is defective and no parts to fix it X drive is lousy in the snow not really a true AWD system etc. Horrible vehicle trying to get out of the lease early. When get loaner car usually a 3 series love it. X3 is just a BMW fiasco stay far far away from any of these until they redesign it. Oh love heating steering wheel.

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  Radiator Issues - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ptm323 - March 13 - 9:09 pm

  70k-100k radiator troubles..HVAC Problems. Super Fun To Drive. No Complaints. Keep an eye out for all Radiator Issues. Driven many well built vehicles, this has been the most solid and fun.

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  My favorite car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By JamesE - March 13 - 1:53 pm

  This is my third BMW, my first was a 320i in college. My last car was a 2001 325CI. I found the 325 the antithesis of the 320, it was bloated. I was hoping that this car would be a modern 320. Its not, its still too heavy. But honestly with this engine, I could care less. I didnt think that I "needed" a 135, but a got a great deal on one and took it. I still dont need this much power but it is a blast to have. The handling blows everything I have ever driven away, a lot of my friends have M3s and honestly I think this handles better and it rides way way better. The iPod, Bluetooth, all the goodies are well designed and work perfectly. Im waiting for a disappointment but havent found it yet.

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  Transmission failure - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By NKadi - March 12 - 4:21 pm

  Took my 750LI 2006 to the dealership for a "kick" in the transmission while shifting. They recommended and did a software update. Took it for a test drive and within the 1st few minutes, I noticed that the kick has gotten rougher then the warning light came on indicating a fault in the transmission & went in a safe mode. Took it back in & after running a scan, they said it needed a new transmission. I asked them to clear the fault code, and drove off. Surprisingly the car ran normal for the next few days which compelled me to consult other technicians. Some believe it could be a sensor problem misreading data which caused it to go in safe mode. nothing wrong with Transmission. BMW NO ethics!

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  BMW 535i is a wonder machine - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - March 12 - 3:07 pm

  I was bit concerned with cost of this vehicle as it is more pricy than competitors. After driving it for 2 months and doing test drive for other competitors (Lexus, Audi, Infiniti) it is worth it! Solid handling and performance. The car challenges sharp turns and does not lean. 535i is a rocket on wheels,Turbo engine is a piece of art, excellent fuel consumption despite the engine size and power. Too early for reliability feedback but no issues so far

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  Update after 6500 miles - 2010 BMW X5
  By Rick - March 12 - 8:29 am

  After 6500 miles this car has not had a single problem. Average fuel economy is 26.3 mpg. Most of my trips have been 300-400 miles of highway at 80- 85 mph with 60 or so miles of urban driving. For me, this is such a perfect vehicle as it handles long open stretches effortlessly but handles like a sports car in cities and mountains. To those who have rated this car low I can only suggest either they are an anomaly or they have an agenda.