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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  BMW 330i (Performance Pkg, xenon) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By shark1 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  BMW has responded swiftly to the performance threats the G35 and others pose to the 3 series with this incredible package (235 hp,18"wheels, 6 manual (short throw),sport suspension, sport tuned exhaust, alcantara interior, etc). This is an M3, without the pricetag (and some horsepower). This is a fast and aggressive car (0-60 in 5.9 seconds) that you will buy if you test drive it.

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  X5 Best In Class - 2003 BMW X5
  By ZoeBeemer - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent sound, acceleration and status appeal. Handling is outstanding, incredible cornering, never slides out of the turn line, sticks to the road. AWD computer safety feature saved me from a crash, hydroplaned, and the computer took over, cut the engine and applied proper braking to straighten out the car. I was so amazed, I called my wife to tell her the car saved me from the divider. This technology is awsome, check it out if you have snow conditions or on lose pavement, the car will correct itself. Only tech problem was the rear door latch fires at will and results in open status. Dealer said this was unusal and is scheduled for repair.

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  Brilliant BMW 328i convertible - 2012 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Vaughan - August 22 - 1:54 am

  Check rear shocks.

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  Fantastic Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dadennis - August 17 - 10:00 am

  THE luxury sports sedan that sets the standard. Awesome throttle response; incredible handling. Tremendous braking. 4 years / 50,000 miles of included service! Outstanding build quality; far better than my last car: Acura TL (not to mention the horrible Acura customer service). The BMW is wonderful. Forget cupholder complaints. Who wants to drink or eat in this machine? Enjoy the driving. Far more satisfying than some drink.

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  Fantastic 340xi - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Billmcp - August 14 - 7:39 pm

  I have just had my 340xi a couple of days. Estoril blue, beige interior. The manual transmission is like butter. I even like the rev matching after getting used to it. New I drive is much better than previous versions. Only slight negative is the steering, the feel of my old 2009 328 was better. Every thing else is a definite upgrade. I will update later after more time with the vehicle. Now after 3000 plus miles, the car seems better than ever. I am using the sport mode more that causes the car to respond more like my old 2009. The gas mileage is pretty good at 27 combined. The only negative I have found is sometimes the trunk seems to open by itself, I do not know if it has to do with the sensor for the hands free trunk release or accidentally going off in pocket.

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  For Someone Special - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By For Someone Special - August 14 - 2:10 am

  Pamper yourself with this car, it is worth it! A 2007 BMW 328i convertible is the gift that keeps on giving. It may not be the most practical vehicle choice but it sure has been the most fun! A Mothers Day gift for my wife, the thrill and joy of this open-air baby just keeps on rewarding her as I have never seen her happier. Exceptionally comfortable and luxurious. The 3.0 liter in-line six with 230-hp is adequate. Surprisingly smooth on the road, quiet, and fuel economical.

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  In its own class - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Richard Wilson - August 11 - 10:19 pm

  Practical aspects of a SUV while still as sleek as a sedan. Cofortable and quiet. Lots of rear seat leg room and flexible storage space. Fun to drive. Lots to learn with all the gadgets. If you dont get the various packages built to your specifications (2-3 months), then have to compromise on whats available - not a lot of these around - in its niche class.

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  Tons of Repairs - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lexas_p - August 11 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is, expect to pay twice what you pay monthly for maintenance and repairs.

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  BMW 330I - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RNG55 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is the ultimate driving machine. Performance/aaceleration is great. Safety is also outstanding. Only bad thing is it needs more interior storage area.

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  Great Car Overall - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By LarryKL - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, wish it had a little more horsepower to shorten the gap between its 3.0 liter 225 HP engine and the 3.2 liter 333 HP engine in the M3!! Had a bizarre warning light come on at 6000 miles that went away. BMW was able to hook the car up to the computer and found the cause and replaced a defective part. Other than that, no problems!