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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  Just got one - 2009 BMW M6
  By stv - August 2 - 1:55 am

  Just bought one and the reviews are right, the transmission is herky jerky. Other than that, is it a real head turner

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  Fun car. Nice well-rounded vehicle - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan - August 2 - 12:28 am

  Could use a little more power, but handling is excellent and corners like its own rails. Very smooth and gets decent gas mileage (25 mpg combined @ 70% highway). Fun to drive on rolling hills and winding roads. Not great in snow, but not terrible either (if you know what youre doing). Cup holders arent that bad. No major problems, but an occasional slight whistle from driver window (I think) and, separately, from climate system. BMW couldnt identify the former and the latter started after warranty expired. Neither occurs often, but a bit annoying when they do. It was in a accident before I bought it though,so all things considered, Im satisfied. Not perfect, but well-rounded and fun.

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  3 series - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Georgia - August 1 - 1:38 pm

  I got this car used for my sixteenth birthday. I have been driving it for four years and couldnt have asked for a more reliable vehicle! Minor problems include a reverse light that is easy to fix, a/c with a mind of its own, and temperature readings are never right for whatever reason. Also, I have had people steal the BMW stickers off my rims..but they are cheap and easy to replace. Great vehicle overall!!!

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  love my 540 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By love my 540 - August 1 - 1:30 pm

  love my 540 It is the 5th BMW i have owned I still like the classic BMW look of the 540 It is a 6 speed manual fun to drive on the high way Veary techno for 2001 model(heated seats leather) Sport seats are comfortable except back seat passengers do not have much leg room

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  The Ride - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Donbl - August 1 - 1:17 pm

  Car has all the toys: premium, sport, GPS, Logic7, HD, iPOD and etc. Really scoots but it is also somewhat harsh to ride in. Could be the RFT or just the way it is designed with sport suspension. The iDrive is OK but the location is right where I rest my hand and that tends to cause phone calls and etc. 96 pages in electronics operation guide. Got the extended warranty and tire warranty. The difference between standard and Logic7 is much more than three speakers. Standard has 180 watts and Logic7 has 420 watts plus two additional front tweeters, front center speaker, higher quality speakers and surround sound. Much bigger sound.

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  Our First Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By pedalian - August 1 - 1:06 pm

  Purchased this as a demo vehicle, have put over 4000 miles on it so far. The diesel is amazing. This thing has power! My wife drives it to work every day on the freeway, getting about 28mpg on the highway. Our combined average is 24.5 (according to the computer). Very comfortable to drive. We do have the 3rd row seats and they are pretty useless except for kids under 12. We checked out the VW Tourareg TDI as well and liked it too, very much. Almost got it instead, but we got better financing through BMW Financial. No regrets. Engine can use B5 biodiesel according to the manual, and I have been using that as well. No issues. (I mix 100% biodiesel at 20:1 ratio with regular diesel).

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  BEST BMW YET! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW QUEEN - August 1 - 8:28 am

  I traded in my 1997 BMW 528i for a beautiful Alpine White 750Li. When I bought my 5 series back in 97 i wanted a 7 series but they where unavailable at the time, so i got the 5. Finally I have a 7 series and it was absolutely worth the wait. Best car I ever had. The Interior is flawless. I looked at the new model 2009 750Lis but I didnt like them, they seemed too sporty. That is why I ended up with The 06 (alot cheaper too!!!) The exterior is just stunning, I had so many complements on this car, i cant count them. The I-Drive feature is new but Im getting used to it. My Son figured it out in about 2 hours (hes 14), but Im getting at it slowly... I can use the Nav so i guess thats a start

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  Driving it beats sleep - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW=Life - July 30 - 5:13 pm

  I landed a new job, I wanted something fun that could turn heads, I chose the perfect car. I got the 335i, grey on red leather. Fast, agile, sleek, what is there not to love? Because I traded in the 10 year-old Mercedes Benz diesel, I would never look at anything else. I get compliments almost every single day because of the lines this car has, I now get parked in front of the restaurant by valet. If you are looking at it, buy it.

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  16 Months and Im Still in Love - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By SleepTight - July 30 - 2:41 pm

  The best car Ive ever owned! (And Ive owned many.) The performance from the twin turbo inline 6 is simply amazing--great fuel economy too. Road feel and drive is great on optional sport wheels with aftermarket Bridgestone Potenzas. X-Drive and BMW handling makes this car a champion in bad weather. Incredibly comfortable on long drives thanks to contour seat package. Real-time traffic routing is a great addition to navigation. Logic 7 turns your car into a rolling concert hall. iPod and Bluetooth interface work flawlessly. Six speed auto is great once it gets warmed up. This is the car I take for long road trips. Im always sorry when the trip is over because I have to stop driving.

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  Run flat tires ruined this car for me - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mrkay - July 30 - 11:49 am

  I leased this car in February 07 and have about 6 months left on a 36 month lease. I have just put on my third set of run flat tires (at 30,000 miles). I wish I had checked the reviews of this problem before I purchased the car. There are thousands of people who swear they will never buy or lease another bmw because of these miserable tires. They are expensive, and ride like a truck.