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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  BMW X5 with 3rd seatings - 2008 BMW X5
  By Govego Kabbah - November 25 - 5:29 pm

  My is base on this automobile is the luxury it provide from family size.

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  Performance, economy & reliability! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Don Durant - November 23 - 5:27 pm

  Ive owned lots of foreign cars & sporty cars, but never a BMW before & if the Z4 is indicative of all BMWs, Im a convert. In 42,000 miles, the care has only been in the shop for regular maintenance (FREE!) & thats only about every 15,000 miles. The Z4 is hands down the most practical sports car Ive owned. Combined fuel economy is 25.5 mpg. The original tires lasted 40,000 miles. Im 62" & its comfortable, even for long trips. I drive lots on 2 lane country roads & the passing power is excellent. The Steptronic transmission is fun or easy & I love the sport drive feature. My next car will definitely be a BMW if this one ever wears out!

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  Fantastic ride and to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Kirk - November 23 - 10:21 am

  Repair costs when needed are high, but infrequent.

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  Better than I thought! - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By xhype - November 22 - 1:13 pm

  I had heard all about how BMW was a great drive but that the reliability and repairs were to be desired. Thankfully I have a friend who is great with cars and can help with the repairs and maintenance. Tons of aftermarket parts and actually easy to maintain if you can read a manual. This car is an amazing value now. I got mine for only $1500 with 125k miles. The body style is still current looking, but the prices have come down so much! If you are willing to look, get a little dirty once in a while, and read a service manual, this car is a great deal! Great power after 2500 rpm and ride handling is great!

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  The 2006 BMW 330i is FUN - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Suvhasis Mukhopadhya - November 21 - 6:10 pm

  I own a 2006 330i. The car has very pleasing power, and a very linear characteristic: you can get good uniform acceleration at whatever speed you are driving. Engine is an absolute peach. Performance is very good. Could have done with a little bit more torque though - but I am definitely not complaining. Steering is very sharp, but could be heavy for some. The quality of the ride is quite bumpy - and that is mainly due to the compulsory run-flat tires. Also, the stiff tires make the car track all road imperfections rather strongly. Users should be careful. BMW will do a lot of 2006 330i owners a favor by suggesting alternate tires. I definitely am disappointed in the tires.

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  Solid performer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SC owner - November 21 - 4:24 pm

  Wonderful car with a strong luxury feel. Ive owned the car about a year and driven it about 7,000 miles. I did have to replace the thermostat since I kept getting a service engine light. Another problem is missing pixels in my instrument display and radio display. This required replacing the instrument cluster and the MID display. Electronic parts are very expensive ($1600). Since the car was out of warranty, I wrote to BMW to see if they would assist with the repairs and they said they would. Put me in the BMW good will program and agreed to pay for the parts if I paid the labor. Good deal for me, nearly $2000 worth of repairs for less than $175.

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  bmw 5 series - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jtbaer5 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven BMWs since 1985 and this i sby far the best (technology probably is the reason). Handling for a sport sedan remains the best I can imagine. Low end power has always been less then stellar, but I accept that for the high end and sport/comfort/durability/reliability.

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  Best car for the money - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By DREW03 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  BMW 323i Sports Premium - too much power. Too easy to accelerate and pass. Please, slow down when driving this car. 31/24 MPG average for me. Kids under 6 Feet tall? - then back seat is not cramped. With 4 doors - lower insurance & easier entry than 2 door. Optional fold down seats for cargo mode. I dont ski, but bag thingy great for copper pipes & 2x4s.

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  2002 BMW 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By AMAZING - November 21 - 12:35 am

  The most amazing car I have ever owned. Ive done Lexus for years and Ive owned two mercedes S-Classes but nothing is like my 745. It is fun to drive and I love the technology. Ill admit I was nervous when I purchased my used 7 series, but its been months and I have yet to encounter a single problem with this iDrive business, I love the iDrive. Ive never gotten so many turning heads in the lexus or benz either, like my 7!

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  2006 BMW 330i - WOW! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lee - November 20 - 3:13 pm

  I went looking for a sporty four door sedan that was under $50,000.00. I test drove the 2005 Infiniti G35 sedan, the 2005 Mercedes Benz C320 sport sedan, and finally the 2006 BMW 330i sedan with premium and sport packages and a six speed manual transmission. Compared to the Infinity and the Mercedes, the 2006 BMW 330i was in a class by itself. The build quality of this car, both interior and exterior is second to none. The ride quality is superb, with almost zero road noise at speeds of over 100 mph! The redesinged 330i is a very impressive, and I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for this type of vehicle.