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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  Bimmer screamer - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Nathan - January 12 - 11:45 pm

  Car just looks stunning. The sport package and blacked out chrome is really beautiful. Went from a Passat to the 335i and wont look back. The car handles like a go-cart and just is so smooth to operate. People looking for a soft cushy ride should avoid the sport package as it is a bit more stout. A true drivers car if there ever was, pure fun! Ive driven some fast cars, but this blends performance and comfort in a great package. The 4/50l maintainance plan is great as well.

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  THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE M6 - 2007 BMW M6
  By Philip - January 12 - 1:13 am

  My M6 developed a thirst for oil at just 1,800 kilometres and used an average of 1 litre of oil per 1,000 kilometres until BMW agreed to replace the engine. A combination of having to stop every 1,000 kilometres to top up the oil and a faulty tyre pressure indicator made BMWs fastest convertible actually slower on trips than my daughters Smart ForTwo. Add to this the fact that BMW Australia apparently dont stock parts and the fact that you cant buy tyres for them and youve got a car that reminds me of the old Jaguar joke that you need to buy 2 of them so youll always have 1 to drive while the other one is in being fixed.

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  love and pain - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By RS - January 10 - 3:07 pm

  Over the last 12 years Ive owned a 528i and then briefly owned a 2004 M3 (what a machine that was) and for the last couple years Ive owned a 98 740i with a Dinan package. Amazing deep blue car that is a joy to drive. The problems just started after about 106K miles...oil leak, spark plug issue, heater quit working, power steering leak...ugh. Just got a call from the shop wanting more than $4K to fix it all. I feel the car is a beautiful car but freaky to spend this much all at once. I just put brand new tires and brakes 6 months ago as well. All in all...I havent driven a car I like better except for the M3...another story...just make sure you are aware that the big 8 cost more to fix.

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  Smoke under the hood - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By pepper - January 10 - 8:06 am

  I have only had this car 5 month, the car smokes under the hood. I was told they couldnt find anything wrong with it. They put quart of oil in and that didnt help. The BMW only had 9308 miles when purchased, now only 14528. I paid about 36000 with warranty. I assumed I was getting a good deal. Never had a car to be in the shop that soon. Beautiful car but...

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  Not Worth for the Price - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By First Time Buyer - January 8 - 1:47 pm

  This is my first BMW I love this car for its front appearance and the superb handling. Clean and accessible cockpit but when you look at the whole package, the hefty price is not justified in terms of the interior space and leg room. Especially in the back row seat my son can’t easily buckle his booster seat. We use the standard booster seat, but there is not enough space for it, often the seat belt clip will end up under the booster seat and I need to often help him to buckle up, this is really annoying. One other major issue is with the Navigation, I paid around $2100.00 for this navigation option which doesn’t says the street names instead says “turn right” and “turn left”.

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  This is the best- handling SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By RAW - January 7 - 12:43 am

  Still driving this 2005 in 2010, and intend on keeping it. This is the best- handling SUV - perfect size, balance, pick-up. I like it better than the 2006 model, which is wider and feels less nimble. If the seats are too hard for you, buy a Buick. They are just right for a sporty drive. And personally, I love the sound and feel of the heavy clunk of the doors. Heavy they are, safe they are, also. Yet the X5 4.4i never makes you think youre driving a tank (hello Range Rover!). Ive never driven any other SUV that had the handling characteristic of this X5. BMW got that one just right.

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  The Good and the Bad - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jason Y. - January 3 - 12:49 pm

  Shortly after purchasing it used at 59,200 miles, the coolant light came on so I filled it up when the engine was cold and it continues to leak whenever the coolant expands with a hot engine. Im guessing the coolant expansion tank is cracked. Other than the above mechanical issue this car draws a lot of semi-truck drivers attention and praises and other people on the road also. It feels like this car has sticky glue on the tires during fast turns. Manual 6-speed transmission shifts wonderfully. Not the fastest car on the road against say a Ford 500GT or any other hot rods but this Z4 has the right balance between styling and performance.

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  Just average - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Just average... - January 3 - 9:15 am

  I purchased a 2008 328i coupe in 7/09, and immediately had buyers remorse. The car is fun to drive, but not very practical. I used this as my daily car and felt I was always dodging potholes. The Run Flat Tires are very noisy on the highway. Also, apparently BMW has a problem with motors "ticking". I could only use the Super from my local gas station, anywhere else the car would tick when idling. The car looks great, but is not a comfortable ride. The interior space is tiny, and there is no place for storage. As you can see I was not happy with this car, so I cut my losses and traded it in after only 5 months.

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  Its Great Driving a BMW - 2007 BMW X3
  By mfpeters1 - January 3 - 12:39 am

  Purchased this CPO 2007 model to move my wife out of mini vans. She instantly appreciated the sensation of driving a BMW. Acceleration is smooth and powerful and handling is exceptional. The cabin fits her well and gives her a great view of the road. The automatic transmission does take some getting used to it shifts a little differently than most. Weve had some some issues (for example, had to get the cylinder head replaced) but all were covered under warranty and included a 3 Series loaner car. Going the CPO route saves a lot of money while still getting great warranty. This is an excellent vehicle and a blast to drive.

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  Not the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By samsride - December 31 - 6:47 pm

  Thought I got the ultimate driving machine this spring. At 5K miles, check engine light came on 3 times! Fixed 3 times (software update, fuel injector replacement, new fuel pump). At 7500 miles, light came on again, lost power and car shut off! Had to be towed to dealer as fuel injector and cylinder blown to smithereens. Dealer has been responsive in replacing parts under warranty, but car is not reliable and not safe at this point. Filed for reimbursement through Lemon Law since 4th occurrence. No response from BMW after 30 days. Have found lots of others having same issues on many blogs. Stay away from turbo models!