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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  Best Sports Car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By John - August 6 - 4:50 pm

  This by far is best sports car for the money! looked at lexus acura benz and audi, the BMW outshines on all accounts. Very fun to drive.

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  Instant classic - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Bill in AZ - August 6 - 12:45 pm

  Bought my Z3 in December 2009 - have owned it for 8 months. Love the styling, performance, ride & handling. Purchased extended warranty & glad I did. It has already paid for itself. Issue with emissions, front bushings & ball joints, motor mount replaced, 1 window lift, fan clutch, alt tensioner, & water pump. All this would have cost $4500 - only $500 with warr. Key remote has been flaky - will not fail when at dealership. Having said that - it always starts and I drive it every day on my 70 mile commute. Love the car, gets lots of comments - a real head turner. Getting close to 25 mpg with mostly highway driving, some local (80/20).

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  Amazing Car - 2011 BMW X6
  By dkresse - August 5 - 7:14 am

  This is my first BMW and wont be my last. Coming from a 2010 GS Vette I went with the twin turbo V-8, must say it is as fun to drive as the vette but can take both of my kids with me now. I also love that you dont see too many of these on the road. If you are looking at this car segment...you must test drive this car. I had a 2011 550XI on order, but took the Hybrid X6 the dealer had on the lot for a drive and was sold on the car.

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  Better than I ever Thought - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Markymarc - August 4 - 2:21 pm

  So, Ive only had my 535i for about a week, But so far its been amazing! The finish and quality are beyond anything Ive seen before, and Ive had many E and S class sedans! Also considered the new E and the new M, and after driving the new 5, there was no question. The E is over a full second slower and interior felt cheap with too many hard angles. The M couldnt touch the flawless ride of the BMW (but it does have a better stereo!) In the end, the new 5 was the fastest, handled the best, and had the richest interior. You HAVE to see the anthracite wood. I REALLY regret not getting the sport package. For $2k, the wheels are much nicer, adjustable ride amazing, and seats are way better!

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  The best car Ive ever owned! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By #1 Fan - August 4 - 1:32 pm

  This car really lives up to the BMW reputation! It is the ultimate driving machine. I bought it at 50,000 miles and now its up to 77,000 miles. I love the GPS, bluetooth and all the amazing features of this car! It drives so smooth and the brakes are amazing, you tap on it and it stops. Many who have driven this car has commented on how great the brakes work. The only draw backs are cost to maintain this car. Oil changes will run you about $100, but you only change the oil every 10,000 miles. You have to use premium gas or it will affect the performance of the car. Do NOT go cheap on maintenance of this vehicle because it will come back to bite you! New set of tires will be expensive.

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  A great bimmer - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Jimmy - August 3 - 6:43 pm

  I love my BMW so far! Its so fast and so smooth. Love the idrive. Drove it from Pittsburgh pa to Naples Fl. Not one problem. Was more of a pleasure to drive than a chore. I will keep my bimmer for a long long time.

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  Everything I wanted and More - 2011 BMW X5
  By AX5 - August 3 - 1:11 pm

  The X5 is a great Sport Activity Vehicle. It is a bit on the expensive side compared to Ford, Chevy and other big named SUV manufacturers, but they arent as thrilling to drive as the X5. Performance is spot on, like many other BMWs, and the new Twin-Scroll Turbo provides even more thrills. Coming from a 335xi (Twin Turbo) the X5 provides the same excitement during driving that the 335 did. Also the interior space is massive, and provides enough comfort for me and my occasional passengers. I do not regret this purchase.

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  Lucky - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike - August 2 - 9:40 pm

  Well I have had a lot of great cars, Lexus, Mercedes this is my 5th BMW first 7 series. I had 3 3 series and 1 528 All very nice and great cars in their own right. But by far this is the best car I have ever owned. I never kept a car more than 3 or 4 years. I have now had my 7 for 9 years. 205K and still running strong. Same feel as the day I bought it. I did replace the alternator and the radiator. Also had the trans rebuilt. But with two kids in college and this economy 100K for a new one is a bit on the back burner. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat. My 13 year old son and I were on a trip recently and he said to me Dad this car is great. Well he did grow up in it!

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  Solid purchase - 2007 BMW X3
  By Pleased - August 2 - 8:51 pm

  Bought a CPO with premium and sport package in May. Have driven approximately 5200 miles since without real complaint. The Nevada leather seats are great and I love the huge moonroof. I commute ~50 miles/day mostly highway and enjoy every bit of my drive. Handles like a dream. Gas mileage has been fair averaging ~22.5 mpg (65/35 highway). Did have to take in for a solenoid issue but service experience was excellent. Havent had any transmission issues reported in other posts.

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  Mixed Bag -- But Still Love It - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By cjprof2 - August 1 - 2:36 pm

  Have put ~6K on the car in just two months and have had no problems. The 135i handles like a go-kart, has a silky smooth manual, is comfortable on long hauls, and oh, the sound of 300, 300 when the "go" pedal is mashed! MPG just about 23 overall.