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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  Mixed Thoughts - 2009 BMW X5
  By PhillyDude - September 10 - 12:11 pm

  The car drives and handles great. From a pure driving perspective, it is probably the best SUV I have ever had. However, it has some serious flaws in the interior. The navigation system is terrible and almost impossible to use. The all in one computer system for using most features in the car is also not easy to use. Something simple like changing the air from your head to your feet takes way too many steps to do. The car just feels over engineered. Also, dont believe the maintenance is included sales pitch. I just got my 10,000 mile done and all it covered was an oil change and not rotating and balancing the tires.

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  14k Miles and TOTAL FAILURE - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By duff - September 7 - 2:46 am

  I like the car overall its my 3rd and so far no big problems until the 2007 version. At 14k miles car starts lurching and dies, total electronic failure?? Checked site to see if anyone else had the same incident I will post an update after my tow trip to the dealership

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  Twice is a charm - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By 2 is a charm - September 5 - 10:20 pm

  I enjoy driving this car, mainly because the horsepower is amazing and the ride is excellent. Had a 1984 733i and loved it. This one is a v8 and man is it like night and day between the two. Had oil change, wiper, air filter, tire rotated and radiator fluid and man you can feel the difference and power. Like the computer. Heated seats, phone and memory seats and lumbar support. Im in heaven and loving it. Worth the time and effort to fix whatever is wrong with it. Last a very long time.

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  14 Years old and still smokes em! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Eric - September 5 - 3:20 pm

  What can I say? Fast, luxurious, ergonomic, loads of technology such as OBC (On-Board Computer) that tells you MPG and other stuff, pretty good handling for a sedan, and all around a great car to have. To this day, as soon as people step in the car the first thing they ask is, "what year is this car?" I tell them 1995 and jaws hit the floor. Ample rear space not to mention the ridiculous trunk space. Awesome stock sound system, comfortable leather seat and leather upholstery. Did I mention the V8 power? Haha!

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  Solid Fun to Drive Small SUV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Al - September 5 - 12:46 pm

  Fun to drive, great handling (for a SUV) with the 19" and sport package, a little rough riding at times though. Comfortable and decent fuel economy (premium fuel uhh). No issues to date, Nice sound system, nav is just ok, but the bluetooth rocks. An overlooked small SUV that competes very well all around, careful price jumps with options! Good Value if you buy 1 year old.

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  Interior design - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Shirley Lawver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my BMW except for the completely uncomfortable front passenger seat and nearly unusable console. Additionally the seat belts are difficult to use and are positioned so that the belt sits across your neck and continues to tighten as you move. Except for the cup holders, I find no way to use the console compartments. The interior design will have to be significantly improved before I purchase anothe BMW 3 series coupe.

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  Great exterior, dodgey interior......... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steven Zimbelman - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the exterior styling of my 325 CI! Unfortunately the interior stylists were not as talented. Power window controlsa are place uncomfortably. Passenger powerseat controls are inconveniantly places for the driver to operate and the seatbelts constantly get hungup on the seat release levers. A subtle reshaping of the sunvisors would allow them more upward movement. The coin holder is a rediculous and ill- located design. The armrest covers one of the cupholders unless lifted up.... Not well designer on the whole. The Japanese have it better thought out.

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  Engine Gasket Problem - 2002 BMW X5
  By Pedro - September 3 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased a lightly used 2002 X5 which runs well except When the coolant light came on, $2000 dollars to replace gasket at 70K miles. Watch out BMW not taking responsibility for poor engineering. Found out this is a common problem with all of the 4.4L. BE CAREFUL!! OIL LEAKS TOO. Buy it cheap or stay away - learn from my mistake!

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  335i First 3 months - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By autopal - September 3 - 10:14 am

  I have just completed my first 3 months of owning a BMW. The performance of the car on the road is as advertised. Stupidly fast!! Steering a little tight in the parking lot, but exceptional as you get going. I absolutely love the sound of the twin turbo charged engine, and the effortless ease at which the car accelerates. My only major gripe with the car is the interior. Whilst the quality of the material is ok, its way too plain and dull for a $50,000 sports sedan. I think it is the worst interior off all the cars competing in this segment. The interior of the Audi, Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac is a lot better. BMW, take note!

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  Sweet ride that costs to drive - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Greg - September 3 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car used with 32000 miles on it in 2004. I now have 69000 miles on it. Fast for a large car and stylish. Lots of interior space!! Had to replace the radiator 3 times. Replaced the ABS module - $$$$$.