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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  Sweet car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Manny - November 2 - 5:59 pm

  Interesting to see all of the problems with the twins 535i. On BMW number 3, first 528i after two 3 series a 99 and a 06. Traded up from the 06 325i with 16" run flats, and could not stand the ride anymore, although it cornered like it was on rails. Chose the 528i because I did not want run flats tires on the next bimmer. Car runs great and has only needed one oil change thus far. Drove a 1200 miles round trip averaging 30 mpg at 80 mph. If not sure, stick with the aspirated inline 6s they are bullet prove. Ask any service center mechanic and they will tell you that the 5s are the most trouble free BMWs in the line up. Good solid car.

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  Amazing 2010 X6 5.0 - 2010 BMW X6
  By Low Note - November 2 - 8:10 am

  My 2010 X6 5.0 is amazing. Fast, plenty of room inside, and something that will challenge a good driver’s skills every day. Perhaps the best compliment I can pay to the BMW X6 5.0 is that it is like playing on a great musical instrument. Know how to play it, and it will reward you with an experience that cannot be described in words.

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  Powerfull, small but big enough - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Larry - November 1 - 2:29 pm

  Made a switch from Audi because we wanted a small coupe. We have a TT and it is wonderful but does not have usable back seat. We got the M package of the 135i. This car has a very smooth powerful engine. Turbo lag is hardly noticeable. Took it on a 1100 mile trip and found it to be a very nice drive. Quiet, comfortable seats, small and maneuverable. It is a great car. Run flat tires have not been a problem so far with only 4000 mi. I would buy again only I would not buy jet black paint. It shows everything and scratches easily.

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  X5 - M5! - 2005 BMW X5
  By BillS100 - October 31 - 7:10 pm

  This car delivers the goods in spades. Comfort, speed, quiet, handling, looks, and fun. Youd swear you were driving an automatic M5 SUV. Estimated MPG 16/21 isnt bad for this big cousin of the M5 beast either. Love it.

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  Great Diesel SUV - 2010 BMW X5
  By Anita - October 31 - 10:20 am

  A great car with very good handling. Do not feel like driving a big vehicle. Awesome performance. The iDrive is good. The parking feature is fantastic. Mileage is good so far. We just ordered and got it a week ago. The panoramic moon roof is cool. The dashboard and the new Navigation system (hard drive based) are very user friendly. Very sharp steering and fantastic brakes!!! Definitely a very nice car and worth the price we paid for it.

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  Great Car - 2010 BMW X5
  By N VA BMW owner - October 30 - 8:44 pm

  This is a brand new 2010 X5 35D and it is awesome. The handling is very good. iDrive is fantastic and the navigation panel is very user friendly. There is nothing to complain about this car. Definitely a good purchase for the price. The parking feature is extremely good. When you press the parking switch when you are driving all the cameras around the car would turn and it clearly shows you whether you parked on the side line etc., it is cool, pick up is very good, brakes are very sharp.

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  550i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BRokicki - October 30 - 11:49 am

  I purchased a CPO 06 550i 6 months ago with 46K miles. This car is amazing, it already has over 53K on it and there isnt one rattle, this car really has held up over the years. I drove a new 535i and could hardly tell the difference, so I decided to save $30K and buy it used. This car is such a joy to drive, it begs to be tossed around. Every seat is comfortable, and there is tons of cargo room. The only thing that bothers me is that I only average 9 mpg in the city driving normally, but much better than expected on the highway, about 25. You really need to watch the pot holes, I had to replace 2 tires at $500 a piece, dont get the sport package if you live in an area with bad roads!

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  Love the X5! - 2009 BMW X5
  By mikehell - October 29 - 5:55 pm

  Just traded a 2008 Lexus LS460 sedan for my first SUV. I love it so far! Loaded with sport package, nav, comfort access, 20 inch wheels, you name it. I have owned 2 BMW 5 series a few years back and frankly missed the German engineering... especially when compared to Lexuss poor engineering. Sorry Lexus fans, but they just are not BMWs. I actually look forward to getting up in the mornings just to drive my X5... that is how much i love it! Let alone, the service and BMW assist is included for 4 years/50 K miles... that definitely helps with the ownership costs of a luxury SUV.

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  BMW for life - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Correy - October 29 - 4:37 pm

  Just bought my 2nd BMW, first 5 series. Was planning on sticking with the 3 series coupe, but after testing a 5 series, was sold. Love it. Love the Service texts that the iDrive provides, love the MP3 capability, love the fact that for just a bit more for a payment and everything is covered for the next 100,000 mi. or 6 years. Living in Mn, the xi was an option I could not do without and was thrilled after making the purchase to find the "REST" button, (keeping the car warm when its shut off). Immaculately beautiful, inside and out. That being said, two small gripes that everyone else had already said: storage -not so great and gas mileage. But I drive fast and knew what I was getting into.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWOwner - October 29 - 1:44 pm

  I have had four Audi A4 sedans for the last six years. I purchased a BMW, hoping for the same or better performance. Im not impressed. The transmission is sluggish, jerking around corners when accelerating (tech says its normal), run-flat tires and NO SPARE and the tires are not good, the value for the money isnt there and not sure what the buzz about BMW is. I cant wait to trade this one for another Audi!