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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  Good overall after 1.5 years - 2002 BMW X5
  By BRJoll99 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my 3.0 for 21,000 miles and have had a good experience thus far. Major complaints are the software glitches (fixed at 15k service), terrible cup holder location, various squeeks and rattles. The biggest disappointment is the squeeks and rattles. One in the back cargo area and one in the CD cover shield when down (leave up all the time now). If I wanted to deal with quality issues such as this I would have bought a GM or Ford. This has been a big disappointment.

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  Awesome to drive, but build quality sux - 2001 BMW X5
  By Davil2u - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is without question the most fun SUV to drive on the market. If youve driven a Ford Expedition or the like, take an X5 for a test drive. If you are driving enthusiast, youll never want to drive anything else. The handling is amazing in a vehicle of this type and weight. That being said, it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of build quality. Or let me just say that BMW X5 build quality can be summed up in two words: it sucks. If you buy a new one, do yourself a favor and get the longest extended warranty you can (100k miles, I believe)... thats assuming you plan to keep it that long.

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  BMW 525 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By navyman - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have found the 525 to be a great value in the luxury car class. It does lack some performance, but as a daily driver it is hard to beat.

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  Glad I bought it!! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By earl8 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 1995 Volvo 850 T5R after having it for 4 years... what was I waiting for!! I have always admired BMWs, but never a serious admirer until now!! I looked at the Q45, the GS 300 and the E430, but got a good deal on the BWM w/ relatively low miles for the year. Its as quiet as a cat and I like the overall smooth ride. Not crazy about the dreaded cupholders, the climate controls are a little strange, but minor complaints about a great vehicle. I feel like I finally arrived!!! Thanks BMW!!

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  BMW Brake Noise - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By George - May 14 - 10:16 pm

  This car is very nice and fun to drive until you come to stop and hearing all that brake noise. It makes it sound like an old truck. That really takes away from the joy of driving it. The sad aspect is, BMW informed me that it is a natural for the cars to do that. I believe that that is a defect. The passenger cup holder is an obstruction if you have plus size people using the car.

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW M3
  By Flip - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than a week but I am amazed by its handling and acceleration.The SMG transmission is a nice option (my wife drives it as well) it offers automatic trans. convenience and F-1 style shifting depending on any number of things.It doesnt have the torque or top end of a Viper but it gets you going very fast very quickly.It is everything I want in a car and then some.

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  Satisfied - 2003 BMW M3
  By flip - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than a week but I am amazed by its handling and acceleration.The SMG transmission is a nice option (my wife drives it as well) it offers automatic trans. convenience and F-1 style shifting depending on any number of things.It doesnt have the torque or top end of a Viper but it gets you going very fast very quickly.It is everything I want in a car and then some.

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  Great car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Peterbmw - May 14 - 1:10 am

  The transmission gave me a lot of problems when I hit 4k miles. I was not able to go reverse. It took me about 4 weeks to get a service date. The service was good, but it was another week for them to repalce the transmissoin. Now, I can go into reverse, but i think the guy who did my car must have had a little alignment problem because its difficult to get into 3rd and 4th gear now.

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  As good as it gets ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By itwizard - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after test driving several competing cars from Mercs, Lexus and Audi. I needed something with 4 doors. This 540 is an absolute beauty. It has speed, power and superb handling. Above all it feels real solid and safe while driving. Kids love it and so does the wife.

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  Xtremely Fun - 2003 BMW X5
  By jimmyjames888 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  They made me an offer I could not refuse. Redesign for 2004 is blowing these out the door. The 4.4 is the only way to go unless you are just looking for a "mommy mobile". Still, wish I had gone with the 4.6 but another $10K, ridiculous. A friend got the ML500, turned down my offer to race. The ML500 left him on the side of the road in Athens, GA with a busted radiator hose. Brand new car. I will not own a car that leaves me on the side of the road. Mercedes should be ashamed. If you want a performance german car or SUV, buy BMW. If you want a gimmicky pile of mush, buy a MB. Our 4th BMW in 9 years and they just keep getting better.