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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  My first BMW - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Usanda - October 23 - 2:00 am

  It is my first BMW and Im planning to keep. Driving is a lot of fun, mileage is about 25 MPG (LA 50/50 street/freeway driving). The only complain that I have is radio, its awful. Most of the time I get a very bad reception. Sometimes even my CD player would get some interference. Other than that, it is a great car.

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  I love the BMW 750Li - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By steve - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive but a little large at times for driveway maneuvers.The seats and interior are very comfortable.The seat massage is something I thought was over the top but on a long drive it is pretty nice. The car puts a smile on your face by just driving it. Expert engineering has made this car unreal. If you step on the gas it goes like a scalded dog. The tectronic shifter makes for some fun times once you get used to it. It made a trip on the Blue-ridge parkway a true pleasure. If I had t to do over I would have bought this car years ago.Of course I work for an oil company so I will suffer the gas pump experiences!

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  330i - The best car Ive ever owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Justin Long - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 330i 6 spd manual with Sports package and navigation in January. This is my first BMW and Im hooked. Its by far the best car Ive ever owned in all aspects. Nothing was sacrificed to give perfect balance of performance and luxury. Plenty of HP and torque without the 335s twin turbos. 35 mpg on interstate and 22- 26 mpg city (depending on how you drive) Ive put 20k miles in 8 months without any problems. There werent run-flat tires on it when I bought it and I kept it that way. More comfortable ride without them. This is a must buy. Navigation is a little dated but was very detailed and only had issues not finding one location. Find a manual and DRIVE.

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  Love It, But Wouldnt Buy It Again. - 2002 BMW X5
  By KAV - October 21 - 2:00 am

  SAV drives and handles awesome. Ive loved it since owning it. It is quick, fast and fun to drive. BUT... it does have its quirks. Speed and weight causes brakes to wear. Electronic issues at times for heat, lights, etc. With 70,000 miles, the real problems have now started (and it looks like Im not alone). CV boots & front axles had to be replaced. One month later, failed transmission with no warning. Dealer quote for transmission of $8,300 to replace. Although I love this vehicle, research tells me I can expect further serious problems and it is time to get rid of. (Contrast my 92 325i with 150,000 miles and still runs like new.) Now, looking at Porsche Cayenne.

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  I Love This Car! - 2010 BMW X5
  By Todd Ramming - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 2010 BMW X5 35d for 10 months and like the car more now than ever. The car is a pleasure to drive and gets very good mileage (about 29 mpg highway for me) for a large vehicle. The low-end torque of the diesel makes it a fun and safe car to drive. Some people like to hate iDrive, but in 2010 BMW fixed the main issue by adding buttons so that many features can be accessed in one step rather than navigating through menus. This is an amazingly clean diesel. Hold your hand behind the exhaust for a while. There is no soot or smell. Great for driving family and dogs around town and on long trips.

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  It IS the "Ultimate Driving Machine"... - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Polluxgold - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Im very pleased with my mew BMW. IÂ’ve owned/driven BMWs before and reliability and performance is kept year after year. This time I gave careful consideration and despite all reviews, my order of preference remained: 328ix, A4 and C350, all of them superb, but BMW handling is unbeatable. Sticks to the road like a shadow (despite of all that you can hear, BMW hugs the road better than A4). 328ix is fast and responsive, no lagging. Interior is classy indeed, though sound system quality was lowered and it can certainly use the alarm as a default option, aside from that, I just look forward to move from places just in order to drive it over and over!

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  European trip with BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Bull1379 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  To drive this car on Autobahn (German Highway) was a joy. Its what its built for. I picked my car up in Munich (through European Delivery Program) and drove for 2 weeks in Europe covering 5,151 km (over 3,000 miles) and 12 different countries. Like an Amazing Race, so 3 of us practically lived in it. Went 143 mph while passing German cops. Drove on Nurburgring (German racing track), great handling of a 143 turns. Crossed Alps via Stelvio Pass. I dont mind driving for 24 hrs and this BMW is one of the joyful and comfortable machines to do it. Its more of a comfort oriented then performance.

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  Fun Drive - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By California - October 20 - 2:00 am

  First German auto and love it! Cant say enough good things about it. If you are considering this vehicle I would go ahead and make the purchase. Love the I-Drive controls and ease of use. Im going to have to buy more miles on my lease its just so fun to drive. Sport seats require a little flexibility when getting in and out but are great for driving hard. Takes a while to learn all the systems but once you do they are fun to play with.

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  335D when can I drive it again - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By erick335 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I purchased a fully loaded used 335d. We have almost every option but most importantly we have the sport suspension. The car is amazing in every aspect. We are coming out of a 2006 Is350. The Is350 was a little faster but not nearly as fun to drive. We have gotten 38-39mpg on the hwy @75-80 mph. The car is problem free unlike the 335i. I know the 335i is faster but for $300 dollars you can chip the 335d. The best part of the experience is seeing other driver faces, as your putting diesel in the car.

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  Get one - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By aerocat - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine in early 2009 with 81,000 miles. ID DO IT AGAIN. Fairly quick, very fast. Handling is athletic and certain. Styling is timeless. Mine is not a daily driver because I hope to have it till I leave for Glory. Color is Morea Green (see it to appreciate it!). Bought this rather than a 2-seater so that my wife and kids (or another couple) could enjoy the ride together!