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:
Showing 411 through 420 of 11,088.00-
Fast, economic, luxurious, but... - 2011 BMW X5
By Polren - August 9 - 3:29 pmGreat vehicle overall, with really nice handling (xDrive), good braking, comfortable. The third row seats are for small children or for short distance, pretty much anybody.
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Good Step Up for Me - 2009 BMW M3
By Nawaaz Ismail - August 8 - 3:08 pmOverall, I am happy with my decision of choosing the current M3 Sedan. I have had it for a good year now, and I have learned a lot from owning and driving it. Previously, I used to own a 06 Evo IX MR, and I sold it so that I could get into an M3. Its not really a step up in performance for me, but its a much stronger built car, all the way from its tranny, to how the car feels so planted during higher speeds. Ive had the opportunity to take my M3 to the track 5 times so far, and I expect to continue taking part in Drivers Education events every month. The M3 is not the perfect car out there, but it is the perfect car for me at this stage of my life.
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Not the best 5 - 2011 BMW 5-Series
By mike - August 7 - 10:31 pmRunflat tires ride harsh noisy and blowout. Had 750i with 20 inch tires the ride and handling much better. Steering feel is more like Lexus then BMW. Rear suspension hits bumps very harsh. Not what I expected from BMW. Rattles inside over bumps.
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Fun Car! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
By Jay from Jersey - August 5 - 7:38 amTraded in 04 Lexus ES330 for a used 08 328xi. Lexus is definitely more comfortable with better build quality. BMW is much more fun to drive. Driving in Sport mode is fun, driving in Manual is ridiculously fun. Havent had to do any repairs, but 4 new Continental Pros cost over $1,000. Seats are okay, can get uncomfortable over a long drive. Complaints: cup holders are useless if you have a large front seat passenger, headlights arent that bright, side view mirrors are too small, brake dust. If Lexus made a more competitive, sportier car (IS models dont cut it for me) I would go with them, but for now Im enjoying the BMW experience.
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Becoming harder to love - 2007 BMW 3-Series
By DarkKnight335 - August 4 - 6:45 pmFully loaded, w/manual trans. Very fun to drive, nice features, looks great. My main complaint I have is about the tires. Had to replace all 4 tires within a year because of bubbles on the sidewall. At $400+ a pop, this is very expensive. Plus, the summer run flat tires are no good in the winter (they dont make all season run flats yet as I soon learned). Also had a couple of cracked rims, which was easily fixed, but still very annoying. I swapped for regular all season tires and bought a spare tire kit. The car handles so much better and is even smoother. However, wasnt able to avoid another cracked rim :/ if you dont live in a town with well paved roads, beware of this vehicle!
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Expensive to OWN - 2001 BMW 7-Series
By mwreid22 - July 31 - 9:46 pmDo not purchase this car if you dont have A LOT of cash for all of the repairs you will have at high mileage. Window motors $1000 / computer $2800, power steering $3000, timing chain $4000, etc. I could not get rid of the car fast enough. Took a total bath and lost a lot of money! Run run run from this car!
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For show NOT off road - 2011 BMW X5
By sokunroath - July 29 - 9:55 pmPRO: Great Saving by order through manufacture and took 4 weeks to get the wagon Xdrive 35i. MSRP $61,925, bought for $56,250. Luxury richness is there. CON: Nav & temp systems are rather difficult to navigate. Rear camera noise would not turn when need it to be off.
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Dont buy this SUV - 2002 BMW X5
By Tony - July 26 - 6:28 pmFew months after driving this car with 42k miles the warning check engine light came on, had to change the whole electrical harness $700 out of my pocket few months later both front axles had to be change $1500 battery sensor $300 fuel tank sensor $300. Finally two years later had to sell it was driving me broke.
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Fun car! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
By Gregor78 - July 25 - 3:24 amThis is one amazing car! It was passed down to the wife and I from her step father. It has about 145,000 miles on it. The only thing that was replaced due to failure was the water pump. The muffler is completely shot, the radio stopped working, it has pinging issues even with premium fuel, with that aside, it is alot of fun to drive! I take it for mountain drives once in a while, and is very impressive. I can throw it hard into corners and it just sticks to the ground without any feeling of understeer OR oversteer. Very well balanced and solid car.
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Everything is going wrong at 60k plus - 2004 BMW X3
By Michelle - July 21 - 9:43 pmI have had the X3 for nearly two years. I am now having all sorts of issue about to have to replace the compressor at 67k already had to replace front brakes need rear brakes now. Have problems with the locking system. Also rear lighter cover wont stay closed. Overall I have enjoyed driving the SUV still with a sports car feel. Wish I would have bought the extended warranty,
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