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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  powerful and solid - 2010 BMW X5
  By slmdds - January 25 - 7:47 pm

  Ive only had the car for 1 week, I did spend more than I was planning but the engine and interior made the extra worth it. I enjoy the solid ride and am impressed with the power and responsive handling. I like the safety ratings and fuel mileage and hope to have this car for a long time. I give it a 5 star rating at this time.

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  Great in the snow - 2004 BMW X3
  By Snow girl - January 24 - 10:36 pm

  We live in area of heavy snowfall and call this car "snow leopard". Its handling in the ice and snow is the best. It is much better in the deep snow than my Toyota Landcruiser.

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  BMW Fan Disappointed - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - January 24 - 7:22 pm

  This is my third BMW. The car handles as expected and offers the joy and experience BMW owners have come to expect. However, the reliability on this vehicle is unacceptable. First, I had a fuel pump failure. I noticed several slow starts, took it in and they found a fault with the fuel pump. Next, I was accelerating hard when the engine lost power and the message "Engine Malfunction: Reduced Power" displayed. So far, the dealer things its a software issue. I love these cars, but reliability is sub-par. If BMW doesnt resolve their reliability issues, I purchased my last one.

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  What a car! - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By Don - January 24 - 4:15 pm

  After owning many marques, finally bought a BMW. The car handles like a slot car, is quiet and good-riding, and has fantastic brakes. Wish Id bought one years ago.

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  Snow Cat Surf Car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Skeep - January 24 - 12:26 pm

  Absolutely the best. I wanted a surf car, dog car, with the 3.0 sport package to race down the autobahn and this wagon rocks. Tiptronic transmission provides everything. Paddle shifters just add that much more capability for driving fast and low. Sport Package a must. Love this wagon. Snow will not stop this car. Cant wait to drive it in the USA on the beach at Cape Hatteras. You win when you buy this car!

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  Remake this Classic - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Skeep - January 24 - 12:19 pm

  The BMW Z4 Classic. Lines are right. The sport edition roars. I live in Germany and this Classic gets stares all the time--drove her to Paris and they simply stared...

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  335i Coupe Rox - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By 335 Coupe Rox - January 24 - 8:24 am

  Got this car about 2 months ago and love it more every time I drive it. The acceleration is soo smooth and seamless. Truly a very quick car. The turbos have no lag at all. The road feel is typical BMW and the faster the turn the better you feel!

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  Sounds funny - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Joel - January 23 - 9:29 am

  Ive just jumped out of my 07 328I lease and opted for the 010 IX model due to its excellent winter handling ability. How was I to know the sound quality is so awful. I dont know whos right ten speaker count mentioned on the Spec. sheet for Edmunds site, or Joseph Wierda, claiming to be from BMWNA, who asserts that the vehicles now come standard w/6 speakers. Hows this for "Ultimate Driving Machine?" Ewww, 6 speakers, really. I shouldve stuck with my 07, it had a Great ride and Great sound. My vehicle, does only have six speakers, no Tweeters. I had it checked.

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  Green Performance - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Cheesehead - January 23 - 4:47 am

  For years I compromised on having a performance vehicle as my commute to work would consume a lot of fuel. Couple that with the hurricanes of 2004 teaching me that you need at least 400 miles of range from a car in stop and go driving when no fuel will be available for a week. Then BMW brings us the 335d and the barriers are gone. A true performance vehicle in acceleration and handling, one that actually makes me look forward to the drive and amazes me at its capability. But then I look down at the fuel mileage reading where Im getting 33.1 mpg in the city and realize that there is no compromise in this car.

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  Excellent, highly refined sports sedan. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By PK - January 22 - 8:20 pm

  This BMW is faster than most cars (got the 6 speed), excellent acceleration. I drove a 7 series before this, so the Sport Package and short wheelbase on the 3 ride pretty rough for my taste. The car feels like its glued to the road though. Stunning looks, very fun, Bluetooth is awesome,Sport seats too, Stock base stereo jams.