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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  BMWs Swiss Army Knife - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By brianwad - December 31 - 7:31 pm

  Performance, utility, economy and comfort in a compact package but only after the Run Flat Tires are replaced with real tires. It even handles Michigan winters without all-wheel drive.This car inspires complete confidence on the road. This is my third BMW and the most competent all-round car I have owned in 40 years. I am now a total BMW convert.

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  Not the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By samsride - December 31 - 6:47 pm

  Thought I got the ultimate driving machine this spring. At 5K miles, check engine light came on 3 times! Fixed 3 times (software update, fuel injector replacement, new fuel pump). At 7500 miles, light came on again, lost power and car shut off! Had to be towed to dealer as fuel injector and cylinder blown to smithereens. Dealer has been responsive in replacing parts under warranty, but car is not reliable and not safe at this point. Filed for reimbursement through Lemon Law since 4th occurrence. No response from BMW after 30 days. Have found lots of others having same issues on many blogs. Stay away from turbo models!

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  Much better ride over 330i - 2007 BMW X3
  By Louis Bailey, DC - December 31 - 7:48 am

  Seventh BMW I have owned. I tried to take trips in my former BMW330i, however always felt like I was beat up. Now the good stuff, the X3 has just returned from our first 1,200 mile trip, comfort, power over mountains, 10% ethanol fuel in 3 states didnt produce a change in power but did drop fuel economy by one or so miles per gallon, average at 80mph and up to 90mph at times it creeps up there with ease, just under 21 mpg. I think this is a long term relationship, easier to get into and out of, the giant moon roof, Xdrive must be felt to appreciate the grip that is there. Screaming RED color tipped to this vehicle over another. Certified and 6yr~100,000m service and oil changes.

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  Best Buy EVER - 2007 BMW X3
  By Michele - December 30 - 5:16 pm

  What youve heard is true. Once you drive a BMW, you will be hooked for life. I love driving the X3, so does my husband. His Acura MDX now gets very little action. He prefers the X3. Lots of power. Handles beautifully on Seattles wet roads and in heavy traffic. Nice size to parallel park downtown.

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  BMW X 5 diesel - 2010 BMW X5
  By Ken Kaiser - December 30 - 3:15 pm

  Really like the vehicle but hate the Navigation system. Not only can it not find an address that has been there for 30 years, but it wont let you enter an address if it doesnt recognize it. You can go to the developers web site if you know the latitude and longitude of the address and they will verify it and enter it in the update. Not good. Overall quality of the vehicle was excellent so far and the dealer was very good to me.

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  Amazing car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By VB - December 30 - 1:55 pm

  Ive been driving sporty Japanese cars all my life through my 20s and 30s. Now that I am approaching my 40s (whew!) and have a wife, a couple of kids, etc. I decided to buy a car of my dreams, a BMW 3-series convertible. So, when the time was right I went ahead and purchased a beautiful E46 325Ci Convertible with sport package, premium package, cold weather package, and 5- speed. I’ve had it for over a year now and obsession doesn’t stop (just ask my wife). It does everything very well. It is a pure joy to drive and I still wake up in the morning with the thought that I am going to drive it and leave work looking forward to hugging corners on the way home. It is an amazing car!

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  Awesome Diesel - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Ollie - December 29 - 11:22 pm

  Quiet, fast and stays on the road like glue, and effortlessly goes where you aim it. This car will destroy any negative ideas one might have of a diesel powered auto. Instant response and no turbo lag thanks to two computer controlled turbos - a small one at low RPM and a larger one at higher RPM. Ride is firm but not hard, and suspension is comfortably competent.

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  Good but with questions - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By edmowl - December 29 - 11:15 pm

  Door handles had to be replaced. My 6- speed manual has a 4th gear that disengages between 60 and 75km/hr. No good for Prairie winters, even with new snow tires - xdrive might be better. Vehicle is generally too light for snowy climes and icy roads. Fun in the sun, though. Great handling. Good warranty and servicing support and dealerships offer very good customer service.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Michael in Florida - December 29 - 10:53 pm

  Ive owned Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, Porshe, to name a few, but never had a BMW until I bought the new 525i 8 weeks ago. I was, and continue to be, totally awed by the vehicle. This is a well-built, eye-catching and unbelievably performing machine in every way. The styling is unparalleled; the interior is roomy and erognomically satisfying; the trunk is spacious and can hold 4 sets of golf clubs; the horsepower is deceiving, only 184, but it responds assertively and appropriately to any demand I place on it. I recommend the xenon package with adaptive headlights, the premium package, and the satellite radio. Great surprise and highly satisfying - best of over 40 cars Ive owned.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ironbird0 - December 29 - 2:44 pm

  I bought my 2006 530XI AWD Wagon used in August 2009. I love it, although I have had one issue regarding one of the ignition coils which broke on Christmas Eve morning. Luckily, my Greenwich CT dealer has been top-notch so far and took it in immediately and had me back on the road and home in time for the holiday. I just would like to see the Manufacturer use better coils in this car as Ive heard this is a common issue for this car. Otherwise, this car is AWESOME! Acceleration is great once you are up to speed-but I find a little sluggish from 0-60 mph.