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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  Fun when you need it - 2011 BMW M3
  By kis - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many great cars in the last 25 years including Porsches, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, and Lexus. Without a doubt the 2011 M3 is one of my best purchases because it combines fun with comfort and (hopefully) reliability. The dual clutch is amazing and the engine strikes just the right note when you put your foot in it. Handling is superior and the brakes have been great for street use. I have also enjoyed the navigation, Sirius radio, and bluetooth features on my vehicle. To date (albeit brief) this car has been a pleasure. I decided on the M3 over the C63 because while the Merc is more entertaining on the street (great torque), the bimmer is the better balanced auto.

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  X5 50is - 2011 BMW X5
  By mm-etech - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Spacious interior and roomy. Drives great. Excellent handling and very quite despite sports package and large 315 20” tires. Lots of power and torque one of the fastest SUVs you can get. Good gas millage for 5300+ lb vehicle (depending on driving style). On long trip we averaged 20-21 MPG fully loaded with 5 adults.

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  Fantastic German Design and Engineering - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By edwardsf - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This review is for the wagon. I like putting my bikes and camping gear in a fun car but dont like SUVs for many reasons, so sport wagons are perfect. I had leased a 2007 A4 and really liked it but the 328i is simply a better car. It handles much better (except in rain of course), has better interior ergonomics for a tall guy, is faster in most scenarios, is quieter, more reliable and gets better highway mpg. Both are great looking in and out. The A4 seats however have much nicer, softer leather. I average about 23 mpg, maybe 1 mpg better than the A4. But I do much of my driving on the highway where the 328 gets 29 mpg while averaging 72 mph! Overall, a fantastic car.

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  Topless wheels - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Value driver - September 26 - 2:00 am

  First time BMW driver. The steering and handing is different from my old Accord, feels heavier and more sure. Best option is the motorized hard top. Driving top down brings a smile to the face and all passengers. I seem to be a favorite designated driver. Found lease too expansive with fees, I was offered a BMW select finance package, with 5 year lease-like payments and a lump sum at the end. Interest 1.9% and no fees.

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  Everything written is true - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Trapped in Germany - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for a good bit now. Custom order - M Sport package, cold weather, and comfort access is all. I live in Germany so I get to "put it through its paces" when I get the chance. This car is fantastic. It is comfortable, solidly built, austerely luxurious, and drives like no other. I still cannot get over how smooth it is...the engine, the steering, the clutch, the acceleration, even the suspension absorbs most bumps without undue issue. The steering and engine are otherworldly. I have driven some great cars and there are many great cars out there. This ranks right up there with some of the great cars in production at the moment.

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  Vroom diesel (update) - 2011 BMW X5
  By chuck1969 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Ok. So this is an update so see the other first if you have not. The door panel is squeaking after 1500 miles. I have an appointment with BMW on Wednesday. I still dislike the iDrive. I can put in Nav Directions at 100 MPH if I wanted to but, the seat belt nanny beeps constantly if I take my belt off to get better range of motion to see to park at 2 MPH or less. Not only that the screen that is supposed to help me is now blocked by the fasten seat belt warning giving me no sight at the front of the X5. I havent figured out how to turn of the screen if I want to still and I dont consider myself technology challenged. Also I hate the automatic wipers. see below.

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  Great Sports Car Alternative - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this car for 2 years and have nothing but accolades for it. the 335i is a fantastic looking car with compliments galore. Having owned a Honda s2000 sports car, I know the difference between a blue blood and a true blood. What the 335i offers is power with flat-out speed and agility to make the quick dodge or turn if you need it. The comfort for two is plush with every convenience. This is a car you drive cross-country to an art show in SF and feel you are a part of the rich and famous. Of course, with a new $ tag of close to $70k with all the do- dads, you are. However, it is not a ultra nimble S2000, so sticking to a super tight turn with the peddle to the metal is not advised.

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  Its a keeper! - 2011 BMW X5
  By tinfoil - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a X5 4.4 for little over ten years (one of the very first). It still looks and drives like brand new at 7ok, so I didnt want to sell it to a stranger who wouldnt appreciate its condition and gave it to my daughter. I replaced it with a 5.0 which I feel Ill be happy with for another ten years or so. Performance is great, ride is firm with the M sport package and 20" wheels, but thats how I like it. Build quality is excellent.Transmission is smooth and fun in manual mode, though with eight gears you cant take your hand off the shift knob, youre constantly busy. It is very forgiving though if you get lazy, as it has lots of torque almost regardless of the gear you are in.

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  So far so good - 2011 BMW X5
  By bodox5 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I just got this about a couple of weeks ago and already went to a trip out of town and put in over 1500 miles. So far, so good. I am very concerned about reliability with my previous experiences with BMWs but hopefully this one will be much better. The fit and finish seems good and i do love the panoramic roof. It is a nice car to take on a road-trip, I really enjoy it, we will see about reliability.

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  Strong, Stylish and Sophisticated - 2011 BMW X5
  By Wally Joomblot - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Proud of myself for buying this versatile and seriously designed machine.