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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  I love it! - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Christa - August 19 - 8:52 am

  It took me 8 months to find the vehicle I really wanted. So there was nothing stopping me from flying to Florida and driving back to Georgia. I had the top down 80% of the way and loved every minute of it. This car is so much fun to drive! It zips in and out of traffic, plenty of get-up-and-go, grips the road and handles smoothly. More comfortable then I anticipated even after the 8 hour and 45 minute drive back.

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  The Perfect Middle Aged Car? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By 1Cannuck - August 18 - 2:40 am

  Had the 08 535i for over a month. Took me an hour to configure the iDrive. Other than the climate module, it is actually real easy to use. The car is solid, quite luxurious and now actually looks great. I am driving this like a 50 yr old because I am babying this car and also the higher level of luxury and insulation from the raw elements. By comparison, I am Mr. Hyde behind my M Coupe. The couple of occassion when I had to make more energetic manoeuvre, the car was very stable and responsive. Mind you, I swapped out the OEM tire with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S which in my opinion, the best (Z rated tire with a 400 treadwear and can be driven all year round in Toronto).

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  Transmission Problems - 2007 BMW X3
  By Tahoe07 - August 16 - 9:05 pm

  Reporting back after 4500 miles driven. This X3 has a faulty transmission. It causes hesistation on acceleration from a stop, in curves, on hills, and in turns. The transmission needs to be reprogrammed (reference SB 24-08-07). Even after reprogramming the transmission is erratic. Would be very careful before purchasing.

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  Outstanding ride - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By frank Muschetto - August 16 - 8:37 pm

  Probably the finest car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, great engineering and outstanding performance. Highly recommend to anyone.

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  540i great LA to SF transportation - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Kendall - August 16 - 8:17 pm

  Not as sports car feeling as the 335

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  Fantastic - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Miller - August 16 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this car for two and one half years and still love to drive it. The fuel economy is great for a V8 20 city and 26 hwy (actual). Handling is superb! I have sports package (highly recommended) which includes wide 18 inch wheels, which I highly recommend! Quality is top notch and fit is superior! If you can afford it, buy the 8 cylinder as there is nothing finer than a BMW 8 cylinder. Also the car retains more value as the 8 cylinder is in fewer numbers!

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  iDrive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By vetconstruction - August 16 - 4:18 pm

  We picked up our low mileage unit a few months ago. It basically has every option aside from the active cruise control. We love this car, we also love the iDrive system. We researched the car to death and wonder why iDrive is so hated. If you can answer an e-mail and actually take the time to read the manual, this system is something to adore. The prologic 7 sound system is the best audio system on the planet. Smooth acceleration and gorgeous styling. We have clocked a few thousand miles and could not be any happier. The nav system is very nice as well.

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  Always wanted one - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By hueston69 - August 16 - 2:46 pm

  Always wanted a 5 series wagon, but when this came available I couldnt help myself. Other than being very slow off the line this is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned. This car is so smooth at highway speeds (and faster!!), that I cant wait to take long road trips. Have only had it for a few months, so cant say much about reliability other than I am not afraid to drive this car long distances.

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  Great ride, but... - 2006 BMW X3
  By Vera - August 16 - 12:39 pm

  I have the X3 now for one year and love the way it handles. It does have a light hesitation, which is rather annoying (automatic transmission). My beef is with the electronics: the in-dash MP3 player is very touchy. My newer MP3 CDs didnt play at all (but they played in another BMW). Now I only get the "CD Check" 1/3 of the time, which means it cant read the CD. I had it looked at but they couldnt find anything wrong with it. Then the telephone function disappeared from my display. Also, the navigation is always off. Sometimes Im 50 feet in the boonies off the road, and the list goes on.

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  The Greatest Car Ever - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By shmoop - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Cant get enough of this great machine! Will never drive anyting else but a BMW. Too fun too drive.