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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  Better than expected - 2011 BMW X5
  By bgm - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We have always been Volvo owners. My wife wanted a SUV we tested Volvo, Mercedes and BMW. The BMW handled much better than the Mercedes. I thought the ride would be harsh but it is not. We took delivery at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina. Excellent program and an excellent vehicle. I have never owned BMW but now I am considering purchasing another one for myself next year. We are averaging 22 mpg. Handles like my old Volvo S80 V8.

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  Bought Used - 2006 BMW X5
  By Kyle Z - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second BMW and my first second hand car. I was worried about the reliability of the X5 but its been two years, 44,000 km and the car has been solid. I love the V8 in this bad boy. I just want anyone that may be second guessing about the reliability of the X5 to just go out and get it! No disappointments! I get great mileage on the car, around 600-650 km a tank. I drive about 65% HWY and 35% city.

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  This is my 2nd 128i convertible - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By OM76RPH - October 17 - 2:00 am

  There is no other vehicle with this combination of fun and convenience. I previously had two Z4s and loved them but this car provides the fun with a back seat and room for two sets of golf clubs in the trunk with the top down. For the money there is no rival. A comparable Audi is $10,000 more and you still cannot get a 6 cylinder. One negative is the satellite radio. There is a software problem that causes problems with acquiring stations. Two years and still not fixed. Shame on you BMW.

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  BMW X5 Rocks! - 2006 BMW X5
  By snife77 - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and after 3 months of research I bought this used X5 with almost all bells and whistles. Lot of heads turn when you drive around the town. The ride is phenomenal and feel the comfort immediately. Excellent safety features and you can see it immediately when you open the door which is HEAVY with plenty of steel bars inside. Though its a SUV it rides like a car and the performance is awesome and never felt this on any other SUV like ML or Lexus. BMW is a BMW and its King on the road!

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  325xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By 325xi - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute delight to drive. Mileage has been excellent with 20 mpg town and 32 highway. Long trips seem more tolerable due to comfortable, supportive seats. AWD does an exemplary job in snow and rain. We live in a rural area with very rough roads and the car is still reliable and tight at 108,000 miles. This is our second BMW.

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  I lover my BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By nelson Martinez - October 16 - 2:00 am

  My first German car and the moment I test drove this car i felt how the handling was so tight. On a open highway I feel free as a bird. Cold weather pkg makes this care a breeze to use on those cold days. Heated seats, steering wheel dual zones meant no fighting between me and my wife who is always cold no matter what type of weather it is in New York. I purchased this car as an early retirement gift but I keep getting in it despite own 2 other vehicles for commuter cars. All I can say over all this BMW is off the hook and a attention getter on the road or parked.

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  2011 5 Series Car of the Year - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By EL - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This post Bangle-era 5 Series is the best so far from BMW! Definitely fun to drive and has adequate power for most drivers. Interior space is very nice. It doesnt come with a BOSE system but the improved 12-speaker stereo system from Harmon Kardon is decent. Bluetooth is standard for this car.

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  First BMW - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Charley Thomas - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic driving machine. But, there are some issues that trouble me. Check out all the standard features prior to purchase. Many items standard on a much less expensive car are not there. No security system, not even a beep from the horn when locking vehicle. One outlet for GPS, lighter, or any other electronic stuff you might have. No pocket on back seats. Cup holders flimsy. Run flat tires. Picked up a screw. Had to patch inside of tire. No tire warranty, . And some other items I feel should be standard. My fault, was so excited after test drive did not think of small things that should be there. For forty grand one EXPECTS them. However, the car is one helluva driving machine.

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  M3 - top down baby - 2002 BMW M3
  By Heather5586 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car without ever test driving it. I owned 2 Audi TTs and was ready for a back seat so I decided on the 3 series. I fell in love with the Ms because of the sport package, performance and overall look! The car is fun and a real eye catcher. If you own the conv and have long hair you MUST invest in the windscreen! Its a must have and does wonders! I can be cruising on the highway at 80 mph and my hair doesnt flinch! I love it~

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  2011 BMW 5 Series - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By John - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This post-Bangle era 5 Series is much improved in almost ever category. The new 5 series has added horsepower than previous models, look much better, and has a roomy interior.