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 Car I Ever Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Alan10899 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Not the fastest, or the best handling, but the total package is perfect.

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  Needs Service - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom Hert - December 21 - 12:17 am

  I am 76 years old, have owned many new cars and this is by far the worst car I have ever owned. It is constantly in need of service. Purchased used with 19k miles. At 45k the carbon build up removal cost at $ 2500 was considered "normal". The particulate filter $ 3000 was considered "normal maintenance". The defective DEF tank, $ 1600, not normal and the list goes on and on. Dumped this car at 120k and never a BMW again!

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  Road Warrior - 2007 BMW X5
  By Doug Johnson - December 20 - 12:00 pm

  This is the Ultimate Driving Machine in so many respects. I bought this car new in 2007 and still drive it today. It is a fine vehicle and enjoy driving from Southeast Louisiana to the Florida Gulf Coast. It is a dream to drive. The only negative elements thus far is that the touch coating on the steering wheel and on the console bubbled and pealed off. The dealership and BMW should have replaced it in my opinion. Just outside of the extended warranty the all wheel drive on the right front failed. Fortunately I had purchased a second extended warranty from The Good Sams Club and after my deductable of $500.00 they paid out $1762.00. This was a major job for a failed gasket. Should not have happened at 115,000.00 miles in my opinion. The tailgate fold down plastic piece broke. poor design with plastic rather than metal. Plastic doesnt hold up in southern heat. All factors considered the best car that I have ever owned, hands down!

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  New and improved for 2016 - 2016 BMW X1
  By MH - December 19 - 8:30 pm

  The 2016 is roomier and drives much smoother than my previous 2013. The seats are more comfortable as well. Love the updates!

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  Read My Review - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bizm - December 16 - 3:06 pm

  My friend said it great "BMW drives as if its on rails, other cars just swim all over the place". This is so true. I test drove Benz CLS550, E350, Infiniti M35, Lexus GS350. No car can compare to the overall performance of BMW 5 series. On a turn that I took with Lexus GS350 while it was squicking and felt as if it was about to skid, BMW didnt even lean. Amazing car. If you want a couch on wheels buy a Lexus. If you want comfort and at the same time an "Ultimate Driving Machine" go with BMW 5 series. Dont waste money on Logic7 sound . We compared standard sound system to Logic7. There was very little difference in sound. Dont waste money there.

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  High priced sportsedan. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By edhchoe - December 14 - 4:36 pm

  The list of standard features do not include leather, powerseats, or even center armrest. However, this is the ultimate driving machine with the utmost finish quality. Get one if you can afford one.

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  Nice Car! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By strawberries - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used in January 2004. Engine is really smooth. Dont worry about the power of this car because it has lots of power. Fuel economy is excellent too. I Highly recommend this BMW!

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  BMWs owners appreciate it. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWBEST - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I appreciate how BMW never lets me down. I love the 3 sieres! The handling is unbeatable. Traction control to safty........this is a superior car for the money.

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  NICE BEAMER - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Mr. Cow - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a great little toy car. FAST, NIMBLE, and fun to look at.

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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gary - December 10 - 10:13 am

  Ive only had the car for a week but I am already in love! I went from a Mercedes to this absolute rocket. Looks, performance, it has it all. The total experience is what one would expect from buying a luxury sports sedan from Germany. I will never go back to Mercedes.