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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  Just plain fun - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jr - February 9 - 5:30 pm

  A great looking car. Its a blast to drive. Unlimited acceleration. Almost feels like a go cart. Love the ability to unlock the car and start it w/o taking keys out of my pocket. Seats not great for the bigger body as they are heavily bolstered. Dont buy this car if you drive almost exclusively in heavy traffic. When you cant enjoy its potential, its just another car.

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  Best 4door car ever made - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By shakaeagle - February 9 - 4:16 am

  I traded in my 2006 530i, which I thought was the best handling sedan Id ever driven, for the 530Xi. The 530Xis handling is beyond description, it goes around turns as if on rails, irrespective of road surface, rain, snow or gravel. The combination of X drive with Dynamic Stability Control is brilliant - as you enter turns, power balance is to the rear, then near apex it is 50/50 and then as you exit, it seamlessly shifts forward pulling you around the turn. The N52 engine hauls like a grand prix engine, generating breathtaking g-forces as you rocket around the corners. I dont find any acceleration deficit vs the 530i - bottomline - the 530Xi is awesome!!! Porsche/Ferrari drivers take note.

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  Bigger than it looks Driving Dynamics Control with - 2017 BMW X1
  By RIchard - February 7 - 11:31 pm

  I recently purchased a 2017 BMW X1 Xdrive. I have previously owned (2) 3 series and (1) 5 series. IMO, the 2017 X1 is the best value for the money of all the other BMWs I have owned. It is not the best handling or planted to the road BMW Ive owned, actually it is the least. But, for its class, its absolutely the best handling and value for money. For this class(small CUV), I actually prefer the front drive platform to give it the best overall use of space. This little CUV(I consider it a cuv instead of SUV), because its actually more like a slightly raised hatchback or wagon but looks like a SUV. The 2017 is slightly revised from the complete remodel in 2016. The 2016 has a standard sport suspension but for 2017 they changed suspensions and made the sport or M suspension available as an option with the M sport package only. I assumed I would like the 2016 better but after test driving the 2016 and 2017 models, I actually preferred the 2017 suspension better. IMO, the 2016 is a little harsh and hard. I think the 2016 having a sport suspension and awd the handling is amazing but a little hard for many people interested in a suv. The 2017 has a more comfortable feeling but still offers terrific handling, especially for its class. I really enjoy the std "Driving Dynamics control" with Eco, comfort and sport settings. In sport it changes the heft and feel of the steering and even though it probably doesnt effect the suspension, some how it does effect the over all feeling of the handling and seems to improve it. I drive all the time in sport setting. I have not driven the FWD only model but I am pretty sure the AWD model provides better handling and a more planted feeling. For those of you that dont want to purchase the M sports package that includes sport suspension, the standard suspension with sport setting and awd still offers great handling in the 2017. This car zips around and goes into tight spots pretty easy. Its actually a small car but feels very big inside and thats because of the front wheel drive platform it offers a much better use of space. The back seats offer plenty room. The cargo space in back is plenty big and also there is space underneath the floor on the back that provides even more storage. There is also plenty of head room in the X1. The quality of the plastics are good, typical Teutonic German simple look but a luxury look and feel to dash. The std front seat probably needs a little more cushion but the standard vinyl seats look good. If you are looking for a small suv(cuv) I think the BMW x1 is clearly the best in its class.

• 

  Rock Solid - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By YankeeFan - February 7 - 10:00 am

  You will not know what the word "The Ultimate Driving Machine" really mean until you step into this car and feel the responsiveness. The turns are tight and well taken with a cool feature called Dynamic Stability Control. If you want to experience it to the utmost dont skimp out on the Sport Package - its well worth it.

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  Fun to drive! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Dave - February 6 - 5:15 pm

  Wow. Let me say it again. Wow. At first I thought the interior was a bit gaudy, but I got used to it in about 30 minutes. Most of the controls make sense. Only control I have trouble with is the back hatch -- its placed underneath an overhang next to the hill decsent and at night you cant see it -- but you can see the hill descent (hint: I dont need to see that at night with the interior lights on). Luxury feel, but sporty ride. Very quick & nimble with very little "float". Accelerates quickly, fantastic headlights, I can actually see the road and the brights are BRIGHT. Windshield washer, computer and everything else makes sense. Accessories galore! Stuff I never thought of!!!

• 

  great car - 2006 BMW X5
  By emtadam22 - February 6 - 2:35 am

  I love this car. Traded in a 2000 ford expedition and I do not miss it. This car has power and speed and just looks great. The only improvement BMW could do is get rid of the tape player with the navigation system. Who uses a tape player? We are in the age of MP3 players and BMW should take a serious look at improving to this technology. Also please update your whole audio system. Your upgrade Harmon audio system should be compatible to the navigation system. With these concerns I still do love to drive it. BMW is truly the ultimate driving machine.

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  PIERO ORIOLO - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By 4 dr 745 li - February 5 - 8:24 pm

  Im a driver, I love cars, and I love quality and performance, this is one of the best sedan that i had, has better performance, excellent comfort, beautiful seats, holds road in curve. The only thing, I would like more space for cup holder, better navigation system, and definitely move the stick shift back to the console. I like the 0 maintenance.

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  Improved in many ways, but not as exciting - 2018 BMW X3
  By bmwfan2002 - February 5 - 11:00 am

  The 2018 X3 is much improved in many ways over the previous model. The question is, are the improvements ones that BMW drivers were looking for? The new X3 is much quieter, smoother, and is very comfortable. But BMWs, at least in the past, were known for being fun to drive. The new X3 is not bad to drive. Acceleration is great and steering feedback is not terrible. However, the suspension is certainly more soft than previous versions. The suspension seems to waft and sway and upon braking the nose of the car pitches and dives. Not exactly something Id expect from a German sports activity vehicle - more from a 1970s Detroit car. The technology improvements are apparent, and the Harmon Kardon stereo also sounds terrific. Im disappointed that despite this X3 being bigger than the previous model, cargo capacity is actually less. This is a great car for a technology guru, all-around family vehicle or road trip vehicle, but if you are looking for that classic BMW handling feel, look elsewhere.

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  Muscle car for adults - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By dg - February 5 - 10:50 am

  This is the best balance of a pure performace car and respectable sedan available. It is a blast to drive, the 365HP engine is quiet and refined during normal driving, but hit the gas and it will nail you to the seat. The active suspension keeps it flat and traction control keeps the rear end in line. This car will make you take the long way home and send you looking for twisty roads. If you have to stick to the highway it will give you a smooth quiet ride and 26MPG.

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  Disappointing - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Anonymous - February 5 - 3:08 am

  Given the uniformly positive reviews on the e39 body 5-series, I was prepared to love this car. But it has been so disappointing that Im considering selling it after five months of ownership. The problem is simple -- and no its not the cupholders, which I agree are flimsy but they dont bother me. Its the constant and apparently unfixable creaks, squeaks, and rattles from the doors, the rear hatch, the seats, etc. (Ive had it in at the dealer several times.) Also disappointing is the junky sound of the doors when slammed closed. Of the about 10 cars Ive owned, this is one of the biggest bucket of bolts of the lot. If I could go back in time, I would NOT have bought this car.