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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  FACTORY DEFECTS - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MURRAY - July 18 - 2:00 am

  POOR QUALITY OF IGNITION COILS THAT WERE INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION AND VERY POOR SERVICE ANALYSIS ( SO FAR TOOK 3 TIMES TO CORRECT) BY PRESTIGE MOTORS IN RAMSEY NJ MADE THE OWNERSHIP OF THIS 525I LESS THAN SATISFACTORY. IN SHORT THE SERVICING DEALER COULD NOT CARE LESS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. THIS WELL KNOWN IGNITION PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND CORRECTED PRIOR TO DELIVERY.

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  most bang for your dollars - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mike92876 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is built like a jewelers safe. when you drive it..you have a very safe feeling..altoughit is no rocket.. it has surprising performance from such a small displacement straight six. wind and road noise are minimal..Im 61 and the car has plenty of leg room

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  My 2011 BMW 528i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bill H - June 24 - 1:44 pm

  Good upscale transportation. Very comfortable and dependable ride. Have had some trouble having recalls performed as do not have a relationship with a dealer. None in close proximity to me and this is a seasonal car.

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  BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By roburt - June 18 - 10:00 am

  No problems with this vehicle. Rides and handles well. Comfortable on long trips

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  Still in Love - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JAM - June 16 - 9:13 am

  Ive owned 4 3-series in 3 different countries. Traded in my 01 330ci which I owned longer than any other because it was so perfect. The 335i coupe is even better looking, even more powerful, even more comfortable. Only niggle is interaction between the turbo charged engine and auto/manual transmission. I drive almost exclusively in manual mode because the shift points dont seem to work for me in regular automatic. Run flat tires are also harsher than the Pilot Sports on my 330ci - BUT the suspension is better, which compensates.

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  Its OK - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By angie - June 14 - 6:10 pm

  Rides rough, but is fun to drive after 75 or 80 mph. The seats are not really comfortable especially on a long trip. It does get good gas mileage and it will get you out in traffic without a problem. I really dont know if I will get another BMW. We always wanted one and now that we can afford one, Im not as impressed as I thought I would be.

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  Almost perfect - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By socalh2oskier - June 5 - 11:00 pm

  This car is nearly perfect...it has the perfect combination of sport and luxury. My only quibble--the navigation system--it is absolutely the worst I have ever seen--the NAV on my 2000 Jag is vastly superior--and it is 5 years older. The interface for the NAV is not user friendly--worse even than the much maligned I-drive. SKip the NAV, and the car gives enjoyment and exhiliration every time you drive it. Highly recommended.

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  Great Car but Expensive to Maintain - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BimmerMan1000 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  While I love driving this car I cant recommend it due to the expense of maintaining the vehicle. Shortly after the warranty expired the vehicle needed $2,000 in repairs.

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  great fun sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jinni - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had this BMW for about 9 months. It replaced a Camry -- much more fun to drive, more comfortable, great front end look. I live in LA and this car makes me love driving!

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  530i good mid size sedan - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By karen Pollock - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This BMW is the best value os all the 5 series. It hugs the road like a Porsche yet can easily take the family from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in style and comfort it also handles the freeways as well as the canyons.