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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  Bad to the Bone - 2011 BMW M3
  By imforgvn - May 9 - 5:09 pm

  Ive had my 2011 M3 for about 6 months. It is actually a dual clutch 7 speed. Its fast. Its sexy. It handles like its on rails. A real fun car to drive. Gets a lot of attention. Blast it straight or bend it around a country road and you just wont want to put it away. Im a big fan of late 60s muscle cars and this reminds me a lot of the Chevelle with its deep exhaust note and off the line g force. Biggest difference is that it will handle the road like nothing else. The stereo is absolutely tight, even at ear splitting volume. Ive never felt so safe or confident in a car like I do in the M. A touch of the wheel and it goes where you want. Brakes are HUGE and smooth. I am a lucky man!

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  Can NOT go back - 2008 BMW M5
  By blackm5_owner - May 9 - 12:35 pm

  I have owned an M-5 for about 6 months now. I can say, I cannot go back to an "ordinary" BMW. The car is the most fun thing one can do with shoes on. It does drive a bit jerky at slow speeds, but I will say, it was not meant to go at slow speeds!. On a serios note, the SMG takes a little bit getting used to. I find manual to be a lot smoother. The only down side it gas milage, I am aroung 14.6-15 mpg. But it makes a statement, and turns heads whereever it goes. I love the growl it makes when I downshift. For all the folks who want an M experience, once you drive one, you cannot go back!

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  Fantastic Car So Far - 2011 BMW X5
  By iowabp - May 7 - 7:18 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in November 2010 after a six month new car search. I previously owned a 2003 Nissan XTerra and was searching for a vehicle that provided the space I was used to, as well as a feeling of comfort and fun. Im still surprised by how much I have enjoyed this BMW. The SUV is fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Im constantly finding new things that make life easier. From sending Google Maps directions directly to my Navigation to the impressive music hard drive, its just an easy vehicle to love.

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  Ultimate driving machine - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By ec1024 - May 4 - 5:38 pm

  Best first car Ive ever owned! Always reliable! People complain of the price to maintain BMWs sometimes. Yes, it is just a little bit more, but Id rather pay that extra bit to have a vehicle that drives and looks great. Of course its not a higher end BMW, but it is a BMW and a great starter BMW to have!

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  Love my 528i so far.. - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By kalicat - May 3 - 5:26 pm

  After reading all of the reviews, I opted for the 528i instead of the 535i. Bought certified pre-owned (not impressed - had a couple of issues that should have been caught by this supposed 180 point inspection) The car is a blast to drive, luxury and performance at a reasonable price- at least for the pre-owned. I look forward to every drive! I wanted a bigger car for safety and cause I have a young child - but with this car you dont have to compromise style and performace for a practical family sedan. Love the 30 mph on road trips too.

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  So far great car. 85k miles - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By solarwind63 - May 1 - 9:08 pm

  I stoped in a local BMW dealer and they sold me on a 325xi it is the most comfortable car I looked at. The sport seats give alot of comfort and are big. For 11k less 1500 for my old car and 200.00 OTD a month I think I did pretty good, for an all wheel drive sports sedan. My first mpg was 29 mostly hwy city. 100 miles a day and see 25 to 28 mpg. This is a car I feel good in and got lots of compliments. 120 mph is like doing 75. I think this car will do 35 mpg all hwy. This car is far ahead of any new honda or toyota. So far I have 85k and will post back at 100 or 125k and will see how well it holds up. Hope I can get 5years of low cost driving. So far love the car. This is a real car tryIt

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  Most enjoyable car Ive owned - 2007 BMW Z4
  By aquila163 - May 1 - 9:51 am

  This is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. I got my 07 Z4 Si on a 2 year lease. After 18 months I had a lot of miles left because I also owned my last Corvette and can only drive so much. My wife and I took a 2100 mile road trip to Disney World to use up some miles. When we got back, I sold the Vette and bought this car off lease. I now have just over 4 years in the car and now that the original warranty has expired I have made an extensive search for a replacement. I CANT find anything I like better so Im keeping it. It gets over 30 mpg on the highway and the sports car ride is tight but never abusive. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a genuine sports car.

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  Ive fallen in love with my BMW. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By petrolheaded - April 30 - 4:20 am

  The steering is perfectly weighted. It is simply sublime to drive around any sort of bend. The car is reasonably powerful. More power from a 335i or an M3 is almost completely useless unless one plans on breaking the law on a consistent basis. The gas mileage can be quite reasonable if the car is driven with care (which is difficult to do because its just so much fun). Lateral stability at high speed is incredible. The suspension is stiff yet forgiving. The "fit and finish" of the interior is astounding. Ive put 10,000 miles on the car (starting from 27,000) and Ive had absolutely no problems with it. This car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Buy this car.

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  A True 4 door sport car!! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By rmorin1249 - April 26 - 9:06 pm

  I have been driving BMWs for over 30 years and when the 335d was released I waited for a couple years and then pulled the trigger. I couldnt be more pleased. I use this car as a daily driver on a 60 mile round trip commute. I am averaging between 32 and 34 mpg. The acceleration is on par with my 335i convertible but the low end torque is awesome. The car handles very well and does provide comfortable seating for 4 adults. My wife cannot believe it is a diesel. There is almost no diesel noise inside the car except at idle with the radio and HVAC off. At highway speeds you would never know you are driving a diesel. There is absolutely no smoke and no smell. Awesome car!!

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  LOVE my 135I...but - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By di4uk - April 19 - 12:27 pm

  Ive had my 135I convertible since 6/2008. It drives great and I love the car but Ive had to take it back to the dealership SIX times because the convertible top continues to leak. Today makes the second time Ive filed the Lemon Law on the car. And, to make matters worse, the dealership has a totally rude attitude about trying to fix the car.