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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  Stellar Performance - 2001 BMW M5
  By rsims - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. The only complaint is the horn is a bit weak. By far the best car BMW makes...

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  4.6L- Unbelievable - 2002 BMW X5
  By Buckeye - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up the X5 4.6L about a week ago. The only word to describe it is unbelievable. The 20 inch rear tires are quite a sight from a trailing vehicles perspective, and that is the most likely view the majority of other vehicles are going to get. Incredible handling and acceleration. Interior finish is also superb.

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  4th 5-series, and counting - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By abaco mike - April 14 - 4:40 am

  Ive owned 5-series BMWs for 4 years (a new one every year) and this one is by far the best yet. It accelerates like an 8-cylinder would with same quietness and "kick" one would expect from a V-8. Handling remains outstanding and the interior comfort and fit continue to impress me. The fuel economy is not as good as my 2007 530i, but good enough to warrant a second look considering the power and smoothness. The new interior features make this one the best yet.

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  Shoud Have Been Better - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By fcc - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Door window rattles other door window stuck and had to be repaired, breaks wine, wear out at 20k, and leave black dust on wheels. Hesitation in hot weather almost got me killed several times. Driver seat cover replaced under warranty at 20k. Im getting the full Euro-car experience :-), Ill get a Japanise one next time.

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  H_ll of a car!!! - 2000 BMW Z8
  By andjelo_miklic - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is really a car. The time it is passing, and im still more and more in love with it. Beautyfull. Totaly diferent from other BMWs that I dont like much. Excellent.

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  Bucket List Item Checked! - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Doc - April 12 - 2:04 am

  This is one powerful car. If you have a lead foot like I, it may only be a matter of time before you are a bit carried away, and you find yourself with a ticket. I have only driven this car for about a month and I couldnt be more pleased. I waited over a year for any dealer to find a manual transmission! What a rare find...and the color is great, and the leg room is even better, and....and....and.....Such fun, especially for a wild and crazy ol lady. I guess you get what you pay for.....! Thanks Edmunds for the gas card.

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  Fun to drive when not in the shop - 2001 BMW X5
  By Lynn11 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My X5 is comfortable and has plenty of power, even though it is the 6 cylinder. I have had it back and forth to the local dealership at least 15 times while I have owned it with various problems. Some of the problems, from a faulty security system to a steering wheel that was replaced and still didnt function properly were repetitious. I will be trading this vehicle in immediately. Bad mistake.

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  COOL CAR - 1996 BMW Z3
  By flako87 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Well the BMW Z3 is the best car I have ever seen, this is the car i would only drive. If you are going to buy a car buy the BMW Z3.

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  Good Choice - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Nasty - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly fun to drive for a 4000+ pound sedan, no problems so far, friendly dealers

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  My Baby - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Annakia - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I am 16 years old and my daddy bought me this car on the 14th of October. I absolutly love my car, and so does everyone else. My only problem is the amount of space in the car, yet it isnt enough of an issue to tarnish the way I feel about my car. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a well made, sporty car.