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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  3 series review - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve - October 5 - 6:00 pm

  Always look forward to driving to and from work because of this vehicle. Great balance and tossability along with good power, brakes and fuel economy. A little pricey to service and may not have the reliabilty of a Honda. Makes me feel young again.

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  BMW 530i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By florian - October 5 - 6:46 am

  The car is unbelievably well engineered and offers a fabulous ride. Holds the road very good, and you do not feel the speed. Brakes are swift and smooth. To make a long story short: best car I ever drove (compared to Mercedes, Acura, Mazda, Lexus)

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  Ultimate driving machine! Buy it ! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By robotech - October 5 - 1:10 am

  I absolutely love this car. I find myself making excuses just to go for a drive in this car. This car will truely put a smile on your face every time you take it out. I drove the 525, 528, 530 and 540 as well as MB E320, Lexus GS300 & GS400 and even Volvo S80 models before settling on the 530i. In my opinion the 530i is the best choice in this series for power and fuel economy. Regular maintenance is expensive but I expected that with BMW. No problems, except for the lousy cup holders. They break easily and are practically useless. Trunk could be bigger (height wise). Buy a good used 530i and you will never look back! By far the best car that I have ever driven.

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  Pathetic quality - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Mayer Rud - October 4 - 8:40 am

  The total of 10(!) window regulators have been replaced in just 21,000 miles. In addition, had to be repaired: electric sunroof, A/C fan speed regulator, windshild (replaced due to bubbles in glass), engine RPM sensor (car began stalling), MPG sensor. Also noticed a leak (on a rainy day) on the floor by the driver side (front). I am not a lawer, but in my book Ive got a lemon. BMW must recall all the cars with substandard power window regulators and replace them with the re- engineered ones since the replaced regulators are failing as well. While I like the performance and the look of my car, I am not buying another BMW any time soon. A car is more than just a smooth drivetrain!

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  Ugly! - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By BettyH - October 4 - 7:36 am

  This Car is the perfect example of a love/hate relationship. The interior is flawless, its simply gorgeous, handles good, But what was the designer thinking! Its the ugliest car in the world! It must have been beaten with the ugly wand! Ugh!

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  X5, The Other Side Of SUV`s - 2006 BMW X5
  By Diego - October 4 - 3:50 am

  I love driving, and I mean driving, searching for the limits of my car in a twisty road that I have to take to go to work everyday, but I have never driven something like my brand new BMW X5is. It is powerful enough to climb any place I want, and it can go offroad with style too, but that`s not what this car is about. This thing is just perfect for those who seek true sports car performance and need a little more room in the rear seat plus go offroad some times.

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  Very happy - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BPTBOB - October 4 - 2:06 am

  My previous car was a 2001 AUDI A6 4.2 pearl color. I loved it and thought there was no match. I was wrong. The BMW 335xi is a great car with plenty of power and looks. I settled for a Titanium Silver with all of the trimmings. (Premium, Sport, etc.) Good MPG 26-27 highway will be saving me a little cash too. For those shopping, dont short change yourself, be sure to get the premium package at minimum, youll want to sleep in your car.

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  not a great bimmer but a bimmer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Carlover - October 3 - 11:52 pm

  We have owned it for 4 years.I now have it at college. Looks are nice yet little to understated for me. Handling is awsome! Much better looking then E- class. Interior is fitting of a 40k german luxery sedan.We havent had any reliability issues at all, just regular maintenance. Good for starting business person. However it lacks the power (which is the ultimate luxury) and prestige of an M5 or 760i. Which I know cost more. Also decent gas mileage.

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  Good- net yet great! - 2006 BMW X5
  By boop in SI - October 3 - 11:38 pm

  This vehicle could use a bigger trani. In 2000 when the 1st one rolled off the floor there was a different and better transmission used. However, BMW still has not yet learned to LISTEN to their consumers. And, hense, will not be great, until such time that they do!!! BMW still has not figured out how to provide an in dash CD player with the navigation system... Who needs a cd player in their trunk anyway? Sure--we traveled 11 hrs to NC and loved emptying the car to change disks... WAKE UP BMW AND LISTEN TO US WOMEN AND WHAT WE WANT ...WE HAVE BEGUN DRIVING THE GREAT CARS AND THEY DRIVE THE CRUMMY CAR TO THE TRAIN OR BUS EACH DAY!!!!!

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  Best value on the used market - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By pdxg - October 3 - 2:18 pm

  Ive owned the 750 for over 5 years. Its been an exceptional car. The v-12 power and handling is awsome. Around town I get 16mpg 23 highway. This is great highway car. Fully loaded it climbs hills and passes with no effort. Ive had minor repairs such as brakes, radiator belts. If you do your own repairs there is a lot of informaiton on the web and an extensive manual by Bentley.