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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  Fun to drive - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Bill - January 30 - 4:55 pm

  I bought my 2001 Z3 3.0 a month ago & have loved every minute of it. Very nice ride & comfort for a roadster. The I6 is very quick & responsive. Very tight and solid ride with no rattles. Averaging about 24 mpg mixed highway and city. Very quiet for a convertible. Top is very tight.

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  Just Beautiful - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By A.M - January 30 - 4:52 pm

  I have driven my 328i coupe for over a year and I still love every moment I spend driving it. The car is beautiful from the outside - perfect in every way. The ride after more than a year is sporty, comfortable and precise. I have active steering which is a another level of driving pleasure. I took it on a road trip across the country last year and it performed very well - extremely good fuel consumption on long trips - 27mpg. The interior cabin is silent with only a gentle hum from the engine. I have the audio package - its brilliant!! From classical to hip-hop it never disappoints. Bottom line - solid car with great performance. I absolutely love it.

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  High milage 528I - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By K.L.Denham - January 30 - 2:24 pm

  We bought this car in 2004 for its styling and performance. Its the wifes primary driver and she puts on a lot of miles. All was well until about 120K. Both rear window regulators have been replaced, $160 ea. The water pump went out. The alternator went out and we replaced with a low mile used one for half the $260 for a new one. Three weeks after the alternator the radiator sprung a leak, $550 to have it replaced. Added with the expensive oil changes $60-$70 and the sport suspension that wears the inside of tire out in 25,000 miles if not constantly rotated and lack of good certified BMW mechanics outside of big city areas, you might think twice about a higher mileage beemer.

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  Long time Mac user loves iDrive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By ebenson - January 30 - 11:36 am

  Not sure what all the gripping is about the 5-Series (circa 2008) iDrive. With NAV, very easy to use while driving. As easy as a Mac to learn and use! Some issues with comfort access misfires and turbo lag at lower speeds.

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  Top of its class! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By RLo - January 30 - 1:47 am

  The car is great, loaded with all the features (premium, sport, cold-weather, navigation, etc) although rather pricey. The car is an absolute joy to drive, and handles like a dream. The performance isnt the greatest, i recommend not getting 530 because the 530i isnt such a great investment. If you want power, just go with the V8, its not much difference the 530 with 525. However, the quality of the car is great, and it is a real head turner. The leather has great quality, as well as the dash, real wood, and other things. What I dont like is the cost to own, but I guess you should expect it since you own a BMW. Also bothers me that everything is optional. (htd. seats, mp3, cd changer, etc)

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  My Second 530i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Frank A - January 29 - 10:54 pm

  This 2006 530i is my fourth BMW, and the best yet. The combination of performance, comfort and excellent fuel mileage is unmatched in other vehicles. Like many others, I had concerns about the iDrive, but it has proven relatively easy to use and get used to managing. Interior comfort and quiet is exceptional, and those who complain about the cup holders in the 2006 must not have owned a BMW from the early 2000s, or they would appreciate the engineers efforts to improve them. I have only owned the vehicle a short time, but it is delivering 23+ mpg in primarily city commuting. Highway touring is smooth, quiet and comfortable. Overall, this is the nicest all around vehicle Ive owned.

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  BMW 530 past 60,000 miles - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TonyH - January 29 - 8:51 am

  The 530 corners as if it is on rails and it accelerates very quickly and smoothly. I also own a E350 Benz and the BMW kills it in terms of performance (and the Benz is no slouch). The difference with the Benz is that the quality of the interior is hugely superior to the 530 - indeed the 530 is pretty basic in comparison. The BIG problem with the Beemer is reliability. Since hitting about 60k its been own thing after another. First the door locks stopped working, then the doors started leaking, then the AC started acting up, then the alternator died, then, then.....the dollars just keep flowing out the door. For a car that is competing in the luxury space this is just BAD

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  disappointment - 2008 BMW X5
  By carol fries - January 28 - 8:33 pm

  Beginning May 15th 2009 the battery went dead 9 times, always when I needed it most, until Nov 13th & the service dept was no help at all. They actually had the salesman deliver it to us on Saturday night Nov 14th saying it was our problem! It was our 3rd X5 & wed had with no trouble with the others but I fixed the problem myself by buying a Mercedes GL450. bye bye bmw!

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  A few issues with the M5 - 2000 BMW M5
  By Craig - January 28 - 7:36 pm

  Well, I got the M5 in 2009 on a dealer trade with 160k. The car runs a drives great. A few problems for future owners to look out for. Almost All E39 M5 have vanos knock. It sounds like "rattles in a can" on start up. BMW WANTED $4000 to change the VANOS units. Next, CARBON BUILD UP is a huge issue with this car. If the previous owners did not take care of the car, there will be carbon deposits in the engine with will lead to a secondary airflow low code. Sometimes the transmission would not shift into gears easily when it was colder outside. REAR LSD was also leaking. NOTE: Trans fluid and LSD fluid is not lifetime fluid like BMW claims. CHANGE the fluids out. Also car began to smoke

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  I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BMW! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Coleman - January 28 - 1:38 pm

  The BMW X5 is my second BMW and my last. I have nothing but issues since about month 6 of ownership. I have experienced faulty transmission, engine, brake, DSC errors. The dealership was very pleasant, when I brought the vehicle in for service. Yes, I have a lot of miles on my vehicle, but a luxury vehicle should last longer than 10,000 miles. If could turn back the clock, I would have kept my 525i. This vehicle is not fun to drive because the errors occur while driving.