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 501 through 510 of 11,088.00-
Am I reliving 2002? - 2010 BMW 7-Series
By mws - March 5 - 8:06 pmI have been leasing the BMW 7s since 2002 and just leased a 2010 750i x. Already neither my Blackberry storm nor the LG chocolate phone can communicate with the car. Lame excuses from customer service and no pre sale disclosure by the dealership. I cannot disclose any problems with the 2002 model as I was paid not to do so. How many are being paid now not to so? Have to agree that the 2005 and 2008 models I had served me very well. Having vowed never to try a new model after the 2002 experience I think I am back to square 1. My advice: do not get into the new 750 until all problems are corrected . Give it at least one more year to improve.
-
Love/Hate - 2002 BMW 7-Series
By DD - March 2 - 2:46 pmI love/hate this car. The love portion comes with it being one of the most exhilarating cars to drive - until a malfunction light registers in your dashboard (which is an every other month occurrence). The medical bills on this car are unreal. It still has a clicking noise that no one can seem to cure not even the dealer. Mine has over 125k on it now and is almost paid off but I dont know how much more I can take with these outrageous medical bills she bears.
-
Still an Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW 7-Series
By Ezzyme - February 28 - 9:46 pmI just bought this with 115,000 miles on it. The paint is a 7 - swirl marks and a couple of minor dings. But the interior is a 9, even after 11 years and 115,000 miles. The back seat looks like no one has sat their. The driving experience is exceptional.
-
Glad I leased and didnt buy- be careful - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By djl - February 28 - 6:08 pmThis was my first BMW and likely my last. Was initially excited about the ride, performance, and interior (except cup holders) until it stranded me twice. One engine failure at 75 mph! Have been through 3 thermostats, computer reprogramming, and more. Had hoped to buy it initially after lease end, now Im glad I leased so I can walk away.
-
MORE COMPLEXITY - 2009 BMW 3-Series
By DL - February 27 - 2:28 pmLooks great, AWD with winter tires makes it unstoppable in snow. Standard seats not good for long trips. Recent 1200 mile trip in 09 accord=much more comfortable in a car costing 1/2 of my 3 series. This is my third BMW, all electronics get more complex and inscrutable with each new model: bluetooth phone not well thought out, and my ipod becomes more difficult to use with BMW controls. If you like making a hobby out of learning how to use a car, BMW controls may appeal to you. Minimal storage space in passenger compartment. Lots of unfixable noises in very cold weather. On the plus side, great handling, nice ride (16 inch tires). Fold down rear seats very useful, esp with small trunk.
-
Never Again - 2005 BMW X5
By Infiniti G - February 26 - 11:35 pmCreature comforts are very nice and fun to drive but horribly unreliable. At 42,000 miles started to sound like a diesel, alternator bearings bad and then completely failed. Cheap oem crimp style hose clamp on transmission recovery bottle failed which is also positioned directly above alternator.Dealer service technicians incorrectly diagnosed as having a bad high pressure power steering hose.Found out they wanted 1500 for repair and I towed it back home to fix myself for $150.Eats break pads and rotors for lunch,repld with better aftermarket.Brake pad sensor is poor design and you must replace sensor at pad change or your brake pad warning light will stay illuminated.
-
Been a great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Susie - February 20 - 4:56 pmI have had my 540 for almost 5 years now. I love the car, fun to drive, fast, reliable. Gas mileage is poor but it is a big V8 under the hood. Have only done routine mileage related repairs that any car would need, only at a much higher cost and we do all our own repairs. Hate to say it has been hit twice and is the only 10+ year old car I know of that was totally covered for a combined 10k of body repairs. My only re-occurring complaint is the need of new tires, alignments more often then most cars, I only put 20k on it in 5 years and I am on my 3rd set of tires. Oh and for winter driving, this car stinks, which is why my next auto, later this year, is the X5!! I do love my 540 though!
-
Fun but only with a warranty folks - 2004 BMW X3
By BMW X3 3.0 - February 20 - 1:00 pmBought ours used with 84k CPO from a private dealer for $17.5K, we just love the handling & performance. Its like a 3 series but then again an X5, no worries about weather conditions-very safe for the family. Drives/looks like new even with near 100k mileage. Panoramic roof is awesome until the panels didnt close- dealer replaced roof cassette under warranty ($3900 repair) Windshield chips easily ($900 repair) Heated steering wheel & seats are a must. Rain sensing wipers are cool. Please understand the need for a warranty, BMWs are great cars and very reliable (if cared for) but have a maintenance fund/credit card set aside if you purchase w/o warranty
-
THIS CAR IS MY SOUL!!!!!!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
By WILLIAMS38 - February 19 - 10:27 pmI Have loved this car since day one since I bought it. The girls love it, my family love it, everybody loves it. I bought it salvage for $10,000 and so far so good. I get about 250 miles full tank. my car is v6 2.5 automatic with xenon lights.
-
So for so good - 2007 BMW 5-Series
By vicanam - February 19 - 5:11 pmBought my first CPO with low mileage nearly six months ago. The 5-series is perfect size for a family of 4 2 are in the teens. Added feature is the AWD for Northeast winters. The car performance is excellent: eager firm predictable. Braking reliability is phenomenon. The look and feel of the car is wonderful. Now, for the improvement needs: several controls need easier access/feedback to driver: door lock, steering heater, lights, climate controls, ... ashtrays and cup holders are everywhere, but lack of room for sun glass, cellphones. Overall control panel, dashboard: their layouts and lightnings are unimpressive. Radio/CD and sound systems are below average.
-
BMW 1-Series 166 Reviews
-
BMW 2-Series 12 Reviews
-
BMW 3-Series 3,778 Reviews
-
BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo 24 Reviews
-
BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon 1 Reviews
-
BMW 4-Series 13 Reviews
-
BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe 4 Reviews
-
BMW 5-Series 2,190 Reviews
-
BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo 19 Reviews
-
BMW 6-Series 227 Reviews
-
BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe 1 Reviews
-
BMW 7-Series 906 Reviews
-
BMW 8-Series 27 Reviews
-
BMW Alpina B7 14 Reviews
-
BMW i3 21 Reviews
-
BMW i8 1 Reviews
-
BMW M3 573 Reviews
-
BMW M4 10 Reviews
-
BMW M5 213 Reviews
-
BMW M6 38 Reviews
-
BMW X1 103 Reviews
-
BMW X3 616 Reviews
-
BMW X4 9 Reviews
-
BMW X5 1,143 Reviews
-
BMW X6 64 Reviews
-
BMW Z3 224 Reviews
-
BMW Z4 630 Reviews
-
BMW Z4 M 20 Reviews
-
BMW Z8 41 Reviews