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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  Ouch Ride - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Disappointed - July 8 - 5:57 pm

  I had the car less than a month when I hit a pot hole on the Long Beach Freeway popping one tire and bending two rims. The ride is horrible when going over small bumps and it bottoms out on small speed bumps. I had to replace both rear tires at 20,000 miles as they were completely worn through on the inside. The dealer helped with this due to the earlier problem, but the tires should last much longer. There is no window switch in the back seat! The rear seat passengers have to ask the driver to lower or raise the window. The car is beautiful, but Im glad Im leasing it because its going back at the end of the lease!

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  excellent vehicleTs ruin this car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By mike4444 - July 8 - 5:39 pm

  Fun car to drive...glad I went with the manual transmission..corners perfect and had up to 110mph with still pedal left...convertible has very good acoustics with top up...Id buy it again and I looked and drove all of the competitors...buy it.

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  An extension of the driver - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ms limey - July 8 - 3:30 am

  This car has soul and style, personality and performance, comfort and class. For someone like myself who loves to drive, its hard to imagine anything better unless you spend twice as much. When Im at the wheel and in the mood to have some fun, the car feels like an extension of myself. It is that good.

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  ONE Whiny BMW 328i - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By SpencerB - July 8 - 2:21 am

  Overall car is fun to drive, the performance is what you would expect from a BMW car. The appointments in the car are first class, but there is one thing that I see lately, which has frustrated me, and many other people on the Bimmerfest forums...that is a terrible whining noise coming from the transmission or differential....drives people crazy !!! I seen the same issue now on 5 Series and 7 Series cars, and BMW doesnt seem to care about this, but it totally frustrates many people that have spent a lot of CASH!!!

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  Great value great running condition - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Mal - July 7 - 4:00 pm

  I know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best

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  RFTs ruin this car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By JRMACH1 - July 7 - 8:07 am

  Recently bought 09 328I coupe with Premium and Sporkts pkg. The car is outstanding in every aspect except for the Run Flat Tires (RFT) which come on the car. The tires produce so much road noise that they totally ruin the BMW experience. If you dont mind a sports/luxury car that has the road noise of a 4 wheel drive truck/suv then you will love this car. Wish I could get my 02 325CIc back.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2006 BMW M6
  By Cristian Azcarate - July 6 - 9:21 pm

  My interlagos blue M6 is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Its truly a drivers car and I enjoy taking it for all sorts of rides (fast and slow!).

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  AWD Fun - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer man - July 6 - 2:52 pm

  Traded a 2003 325I for the 328 X Drive to help w/ the midwestern winter. Love the car, more refined than the 2003. A tad quicker, a tad bigger. Little concerned about a front end noise when entering parking lots or the driveway. We also have a 2004 G35X, stronger engine, more interior space but not nearly as refined as the BMW overall.

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  Best Auto Ever - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By chuck - July 6 - 11:16 am

  I bought this car new. I cant believe its 15 years old... still has power, fun to drive has never missed a beat and has 219000 miles on it... only had to change a water gasket and an instrument pod... still has original shocks exhaust head lights... have knocked out a couple of fog lights down thru the years... it gets 30+ mpg on the interstate... great fun... hate to think of trying to replace it... a truly great automobile.

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  My baby! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mikayla98 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My husband just bought me thi car and I am so much more in love with it than him! Just kidding! When I am driving this car it is like nothing else I have every experienced. I know ive only owned this car for about 3 months but my bimmer still gives me goosebumps when I drive her around. Now I can feel the "cheapness" when I drive other non-BMW cars. I know this car is pricey but you will get what you pay for. Just awesome! I love it!