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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  Above expectations - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ShortyLove - May 1 - 5:13 pm

  I have been contemplating buying a BMW for over seven years. I am glad tht I waited. I wanted a vehicle that had performance but I live in the snow belt. I need something so that I can get to work on time. BMW answered my prayers with the 330XI. I have a vehicle that I can drive all year long. This vehicle is just right for me. This vehicle has speed, power, smoothness, and looks. I was thinking about adding some Dinan modifications to it. At this point, I do not think that I need them. I thought at first that I would need more power because I was going from a Chevy truck with a V8. I do not miss the torque of my truck at all.

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  Smaller SUV - 2008 BMW X3
  By Jeff - May 1 - 11:47 am

  I was looking for better fuel mileage in a well built SUV with many of the features from my previous vehicle. The X3 has more room than it looks. It is well finished inside and out. I like the engine but the 6 sp auto trans. seems to hold onto gears too long and down shift easily. Mileage is only about 21 in a mostly highway commute. The ride is very firm and it handles well for an SUV. The X3 reminds me of my wifes old 2003 530 in many of the interior operation components.

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  MPG - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Jan - April 30 - 6:39 pm

  Awful cup holders with AC blowing on them. Mine has 94,000 and just performs more gracefully with age. Recommend you absolutely find a local garage that you trust and you will save at least half of dealer repairs. My MPG indicates 5.9 miles per gallon (not, not on liter scale). But I seem to be getting about 16 MPG, which is not great. For first time this week, I used 89 instead of 91 at the pump and car is running beautifully.

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  Great SUV - 2008 BMW X5
  By kg - April 30 - 9:54 am

  This is a great family vehicle. It has the get up and go that you would expect from a sports car, the luxury you would expect from a Lexus and the utility you would expect from a small truck. All in all it is just a great vehicle.

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  Sweet - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Nadim - April 28 - 1:01 pm

  Ive driven my car for 2 years. Its pretty nice. I changed the serpentine belt/tensioner, and keep refilling the steering fluid. Aside from that, its sweet. I added an mp3 deck. Does anyone else get that humming sound after driving an hour ont he highway and returning to normal speeds? I feel like after 200 k miles my car doesnt drive as well as it used to, but overall its pretty amazing

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  My Favorite SUV - 2008 BMW X5
  By Lisa - April 28 - 8:06 am

  This is my 3rd x5. The other 2 had the 4.4 engine and this has the 4.8. I love this truck. We also have the BMW 645 convertable. My husband and I like the x5 better. It is fast, handles like a sports car, never been in the shop for any repairs. It is alot of fun to drive. It has all the bells and whistles and is great on long trips. very comfortable for everyone. I even like the looks. I plan on getting another one when the lease is over or maybe Ill get the x 6. I recomend it to everyone. It sucks gas like most SUVs.

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  BMW 325Ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Tonto - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 525i for the past 9 years and didnt know if I would like a 3 series. Boy was I wrong. Better performance & better handling. A great car and fun to drive.

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  beamer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By manman - April 28 - 2:00 am

  it is so fun to ride in. when you have a drop top you do not want to get out of it. i love my drop top

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  Beautiful Car - Inside & Out - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By circuitboy84 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a wonderful machine to drive. I havent owned this car for very long but so far it has proved its BMW name.

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  WOW! 4.8 is amazing - 2008 BMW X5
  By bpseattle - April 27 - 8:10 pm

  I have owned many makes and models of european cars and this SUV got me to switch from sedan owner to SUV owner. The 8 cylinder is a blast to drive and has a very solid feel. The iDrive is very easy to use and fairy intuitive. If you can afford the extra $$$ buy the 4.8 you will not regret it.