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... - 2003 BMW X5
  By J. K. Jackson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and fortunately for me it was an SUV, or rather an SAV. Ive always wanted a BMW and I appreciate the flexibility an SUV offers you. Yet now that I finally own one, Im not quite sure exactly how I feel about it--I just get mixed feelings. I love the sensation of owning a BMW. Theres a distinct difference in the overall handling, performance, roominess, and comfort from my previous SUV-a 94 Nissan Pathfinder. Yet, perhaps I may have expected more than I received. I did not test-drive other luxury SUVs, and perhaps I should have. My only regret may be that I didnt get more options.

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  Would have been great, but... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ChiefBigTalker - December 1 - 7:39 pm

  This is nearly a great car. Fast. Handles well. Looks great. Sounds great. The retracting top is a thing of beauty. But it isnt as reliable as my old Alfa Romeo. Run flat tires are fragile Ive had to replace four of them in two years. I can deal with the somewhat harsh ride, but the huge expense and inconvenience has taught me never to buy another car with run flats. The fuel injection system broke down, taking the car out of commission for several days. Seats rattle. The cable connecting the ipod to the sound system is poor, and despite replacement still cuts out a channel from time to time. iDrive isnt that bad lose the run flats, make it reliable, and it would be great.

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  So far so Good - 2007 BMW X5
  By goodgame2009 - November 30 - 9:56 am

  I didnt want to pay for the premium price for a new X5 so I got a use one. Pro: Good driving overall, great dealer service. Get used to hear people tell you "nice car or suv". Con: little sluggish with V6, I want a V8 now but of course you will have to pay for it (Gas). Back cam broke and dealer replaced it no charge. But the part only lasts three years for a back up cam? I hope BMW does a better job.

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  Cant beat the styling - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 70dave - November 25 - 10:01 pm

  Bought this car for my wife for daily commuter with approx 90k on it. Bought it for the reliability concept since we had bought my daughter a 95 325i and loved it. It has the touring and sport options. Car was in very good condition for the year and serviced regularly. So far replaced water pump, window regulator, washer fluid motor. To me these are things that commonly occur with any vehicle with this mileage and is to be expected. You can get a piece of junk with any manufacturer. This car is a blast to drive and gets 27-29 mpg to boot. Cant beat the styling and when I do get to drive it, its usually too fast.

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  Did anyone at BMW think about the inside - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - November 25 - 11:23 am

  If someone had told me that I would ever be disappointed driving a BMW Id have told them they were nuts. With all of the obvious thought given to the exterior design, the mechanical, electronics, etc. Why would they screw up on such no brainers like climate controls, storage, and the ridiculous cupholder arrangement. Did someone at BMW spill coffee on the plans and so the factory just winged it? Other than those minor irritations, its a great car, quiet, responsive, fun to drive (although nowhere near as fun as my infiniti was), gets decent mileage, and gets a lot of appreciative looks from others.

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  Disappointed - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Eric Morales - November 24 - 2:26 pm

  If you buy these cars, expect to shell out big bucks for repairs. We have an extended warranty which so far has been of no use because of water leakage. The top wouldnt open because of a leak. BMW at least paid for labor, parts still cost us 800.00. Now the wipers stopped working. Some part cracked and water again somehow got in. Going to cost 1100.00 to fix and again, its not covered under the warranty. Great looking and handling car, but poorly built. Will never buy a BMW again.

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  Adios, Bimmer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mariobgoode - November 22 - 9:38 am

  My 1st Bimmer & due to RFTs, my last. I enjoy driving long distances on week-ends & wanted to experience the ultimate driving experience after 20 yrs w/ Audis. I liked the power and pep, but its not my preferred ride in wet or snowy roads. The RFTs are nice but the ride is so rough on less than perfect roads, it outweighs everything else. Dissatisfaction shows: 24K miles after 4 years. I use non-RFTs now w/ a jack & spare, w/c BMW does not offer, until trade-in time. Bottom line: too much money for mediocre design/planning, arrogant & unfriendly customer service.

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  Engine Failure - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer-R - November 21 - 11:16 pm

  This is not the best of BMW, this is my 2nd 5 Series and I expected better. Fuel leak twice, engine failure twice, car stopped once, engine rattling as if it was going to die most often than any used cheap car. Worst production twin turbo of BMW. Engine runs fast if it does not go nuts. I highly recommend people to buy another model with no turbo for now. My first one had the whole seat replaced, whole sun roof replaced, engine barrier replaced...this one had engine failure twice, disaster memory seat program, I hate to say this but I will really have to be convinced to buy another BMW this will go back to them! Do not learn it the hard way... read the other comments and you will know why.

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  Nice car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kurt - November 14 - 6:29 pm

  No major issues with the car in 4 years. Bridgestone run flat tires started "cupping" at 16,000 miles creating more noise. BMW gave 50% discount on new Continental tires which are holding up well. The run flat tires have a harsher ride than I would like. Fun to drive and gets around 22 MPG in the city and around 30 MPG on the highway. Great brakes. BMW free maintenance program works well and oil changes and wipers are replaced without complaint. Only other warranty claim was to replace front door armrest where the plastic was looking tacky.

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  Practical Fun - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Albnyc - November 14 - 5:15 am

  A well-balanced, practical and fun car. Adequate but not generous space, but no significant difference from competitors. Even 5 series wagon has little additional room. The technology is amazing. iDrive much improved.