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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  Exceptional in everyway - 2006 BMW Z4
  By KVK - November 3 - 8:57 pm

  This car has the most road feel of all the cars I test drove. When I first got behind the wheel of an 05 3.0 I knew this was the car to get in the first ten minutes. So fun to drive and the quality of workmanship and materials are great. This car handles like a slot car with nice power. M-seats are a must. The stereo is awesome. I am 60 tall and fit comfortably inside. This is my first BMW and now I know what the buzz is about!

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  Buyer beware - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By john samson - November 3 - 8:38 am

  I would recommend this car to no one, I bought mine last year with 40,000 miles. It was like it was brand new, then I heard a banging noise under the car. The frame of the car had come apart itÂ’s a little known design flaw. I ended up paying $4700 to get it fixed. The car has always run great, handles great, but you would expect more from BMW then for it to fall a apart at 50000 miles. So buyer beware.

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  325i Great Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Snap - November 2 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased this car as a service model, with about 5K miles on it. Although Id love to have an M3, the 325i is a good performing car for the money. It has good pick-up and handles great. Its fun to drive and looks good while doing it. I havent had any problems with the car.

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  Its great new, but what about after 50k? - 2002 BMW M3
  By used M3 - November 2 - 5:46 pm

  Got mine used w/ 49k mi on it. Would not buy brand new - not worth 55k+ (w/options). The car is very well-balanced in terms of power, handling, comfort, and luxury (mine is loaded - heated seats, nav, park sensors, etc.). Dont worry about all this rod bearing talk - its a RECALL! (ie. get it done for free) and you wont have to worry because it will have new warranty (motor ONLY). The disappointment is the trans/differential. Gearbox is inconsistent - sometimes its fine but othertimes it grinds from 1-2 at slow speeds. The diff is noticably clunky w/excessive lash-feels like it will fail. Maybe the newer car owners dont feel it but after the car hits 50k be aware. The warranty ends.

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  Upscale SUV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Alan - November 2 - 5:40 pm

  Exceptional upscale SUV. Handles like a fine car but has all the advantages of an SUV. Just purchased this SUV in late October but it has been a dream to drive. Interior has many improvements over previous years. Higher quality materials used. Also larger engine but with better mileage.

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  Love My Z - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Laurence - November 2 - 3:55 pm

  The 2006 Z4 is a great ride! Not only great looking (I get compliments several times a week), but a great drive. It rockets off the line with the 6 speed SMG paddles providing visions of F1 dancing through my head. It eats up curves, I have had it +70 mph on highway exit ramps and is very roomy for a 2 seater. All that and I use it as my daily driver too. It gets me to and from work, and has even hauled the groceries in a pinch with its very usable trunk space. Overall it is just plain fun... a practical car that you can race in a pinch, take a nice Sunday drive or go shopping in.

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  2006 530i Disappointment - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By helodrive - November 1 - 6:55 pm

  I have taken the car back 7 times in a little over a year for repairs. I am very disappointed with BMW and will not buy another. The day I picked the car up I had to return it because the SOS system was not working, iDrive went out, the sunroof had to be repaired to work correctly, warning for high battery drain (2 times), window anti-trap warning, rough idle.

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  Love this car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By JW - November 1 - 6:02 pm

  This car is amazing, which, for the price, it should be. It is however living up to every expectation. I dont know how I ever drove anything else

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  A Bad Year - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - November 1 - 11:53 am

  Amid the favorable reviews I must interject some objective facts. We purchased our 525IA on a lease turn-in and spent $9,000 repairing and maintaining it over the course of 3.7 years. Reliability was awful, having stranded my family four times. Once each for fuel pump, A/C compressor seizure, self-destructing water pump, and seized belt idler pulley. When asking BMW of North America, they apologized for my model year being one of the "Dark Ages" vehicles where they outsourced the offending parts and/or labor. When the question of service came up, they sent me a standard form letter. Stay away.

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  Juicy - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bob the builder3dafa - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Awesome totally perfect top speed of 200 320 watt sound system and 400 horse power.