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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  Great SAV - 2007 BMW X3
  By harley - March 10 - 1:42 am

  This is my second X3. Traded in a 2005. This is one of the best handling cars/SAVs out there. You just can not do better then the X-drive system. Get the 18" wheels and Premium Pkge. The Xenon headlamps are great. I get 19 to 20 mpg driving to work, but if you drive around 70 mph you wont get 26 mpg.

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  Like it almost as much as my 88 535is - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric - March 8 - 1:00 pm

  This is a great car, it handles like a go cart, is quick above 4000 rpms, great gas mileage, cool looks, easy to work on,g et good comments from non bimmerphiles, it is a very fun car to drive.

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  I love this car - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Brian - March 8 - 9:34 am

  I have a red 5-speed and it is a blast to drive. Terrific at responding to the drivers intentions. Mirrors and car shape allow for very easy viewing of other cars around you which can really make a driving experience. Driver is truly in complete control. CLASSIC body style. Car looks incredible when clean. Very tight steering and VERY impressive handling for a sedan. Car loves to be pushed. Built to be driven. I average about 24 mpg and can go well over 400 mi on a tank. Trunk space is a-plenty. Back seat leg room a little tight. Nothing better than taking this baby out on a warm sunny day with the windows down and the music up.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sparky2708 - March 7 - 11:24 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years now. Last year my transmission had to be replaced and this year both front axles needed to be replaced because the boot leaked. Car is definitely fun to drive but the problems it is starting to have are serious but strange since I only have 44000 miles on the car. Havent had any accidents so not sure why all these problems started. My advice, if you buy the car consider getting one with an extended warranty - mine paid off big time!

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  SAV - 2007 BMW X3
  By ko - March 7 - 2:41 pm

  I purchased the X3 in Germany and have had the pleasure of driving 100+ mph on the autobahn for the last 3 months... sooo fun!! Handles like a dream, both in snow and on dry pavement. Steering is quick and responsive. The inside is roomy and quite comfortable. The size is perfect... large enough to pack everything I need and more, yet small enough that parking (even in Germany) is no problem. I didnt get the navigation system because I already had a Tomtom. I ordered a side dash mount from ProClip so the GPS doesnt take up space on the windscreen and the placement is excellent. Top quality vehicle!!

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  Wonderful - 2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By maxozrotic - March 7 - 4:25 am

  As close to the perfect car as anyone has created. I know there is no such thing, but, the GT is nearest the bullseye. Nice combination of luxury/comfort, utility, decent MPGs (for what it is), and being a drivers car. Im an ex SAAB guy so I realy appreciate the GTs SAABness but with more luxury. And New England snow cant stop it. I love this car!

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  Best Yet! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Jack C. - March 6 - 10:33 am

  This is my second BMW. It doesnt get any better than this! Wonderful ride, muscle and luxury in one beautiful package.

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  Great BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Keith - March 6 - 7:47 am

  What can you say- it has the awesome BMW 6 cylinder engine that combines performance with fuel economy. And they last forever. My 530i is a 2007 model & I know I should getter a newer BMW, but the idea of going to a 4 cylinder stop/start engine is not inspiring in the least. I look at consumer reports reliability of this year and 5 series in general & it scares me to death, but honestly, Ive owned this car for 5 years and only had a bad spark plug wire. And yes, the BMW dealers are notorious for being overpriced and value challenged, but the drive is unlike anything else out there! Hopefully we will just be able to buy cars on the internet & the whole dealer nightmare will become obsolete- let me dream!!

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  What a change! - 2007 BMW X3
  By T Duck - March 4 - 8:46 pm

  I owned 3 Ford Explorers back to back. I test drove 2 BMWs, an Acura and Lexus. I found myself going back to BMW for a second test drive. I could not believe the handling and drive. I find myself amazed after 2 months each time I get into the car. I find myself uncomfortable when I drive any other car now as in maneuverability.

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  Great Summer fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Dave - March 3 - 4:26 pm

  Really have enjoyed the Z4. Lightweight but feels rock solid on the road. Outstanding handling, steering feedback. Acceleration is very good, though of course I always want more. Very firm ride, can border on jarring on bad roads, but much better than M3 convertible. Actually very comfortable for distances on reasonable smooth roads. Only significant complaint pertains to most of BMW lineup: runflat tires. They are more firm, dont help performance, are stocked by very few local shops, and are VERY expensive. Cheapest local quote: >$1,000 for 2 tires w/ installation. Ordered from Tirerack.com but even then was >$700 w/ installation. Not great given many folks had treadlife issues.