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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  Love the Styling - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By Aerodog - October 5 - 12:25 am

  Not a big car guy...just know what I like...and what I have experienced...YMMV. Traded in a 2014 Honda Accord Coupe, loved it and would have bought a 2016 but Honda gussied it up, added chrome and lost the clean lines I prefer. Also, took delivery of a new Colorado last year (worst purchase ever), just replaced it with a new Tacoma (a great truck). For me, the comparison between the Japanese products with which I am familiar and the German offering is quite interesting. While I would not trade my BMW coupe for anything, I think the Japanese are a bit ahead in a couple of areas. The 2 Series coupe auto shift is not nearly as smooth as what I am used to in the Tacoma or Honda. In fact, I sometimes think I could manual shift smoother. It was not a deal breaker but my 2014 Honda had perforated leather seat inserts, just like i used to spec out when I sold new business jets. It makes the leather softer to sit on and cooler in the summer. The leather on my new 2 Series did not come perforated which I would have preferred. In spite of BMWs very clever use of computer technology, the main gages are what we in the aircraft industry call steam gages. I would have preferred to have digital read outs. After all, this is 2016!!! While there is a bit of wind noise, it provides a great driving experience.

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  Amazing Car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By ANM - October 4 - 6:00 pm

  This car is amazing. I have had it for 9 months and love it just as much as the first day I bought it. The build quality is the best I have ever seen in a new car. Acceleration is good in Drive mode and great in Sport Mode. On the highway it is as stable at 75 mph as it was at 25 mph. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Love this car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Marc Saunders - October 4 - 3:43 pm

  We had a Camry. This rides so much better and is more comfortable. FREE maintenance. Dual zone air conditioning. VERY adjustable seats and steering column. On Board computer--NO DIPSTICK---run flats

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  Outstanding for all around use. - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By BobM - October 4 - 8:41 am

  Rear headroom is great due to roofline. Cargo capacity is good with rear seats up, great with rear seats down. Wish I had the all around video and lane warning features.

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  Slice of Heaven - 2004 BMW Z4
  By TerpsFan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Had a Z3, but was hesitant to buy the new Z4. Well, I should have. The new rear suspension makes the Z4 an entirely different car. The ride is smooth, tight. The new glass rear window contributes to a very quiet ride. The automatic top is a must, and the built in tonneau cover is great. 5 speed is a little slow off the line, not lots of low end tourque, but once you hit the open road, pure delight. Trunk space is a massive 9 cu ft, awesome for a two seat roadster. There is enough room for a golf bag and luggage for those weekend getaways. I would highly recommend - Enjoy!

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  The best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jean2004 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st. BMW and I LOVE IT!!!!

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  Great vehicle to own - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ferni - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle less than three weeks and loving it. My car came with the Premium Package. You feel one with this vehicle.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw5xi - October 4 - 12:31 am

  Waited 22000 miles before my first review. Before I test drove this car, I did not quite understand all the hype about this being the ultimate driving machine. After 22000 miles and many hours driving this car there is only one thing I can say- this car dives like no other!! I test drove the lexus GS and LS, mercedes E class, Infinity G35, M45 and Jaguar XF. This car blows them all away. Some evenings even after a tired day after work, I still look forward to taking the car out for a spin. Have had 2 minor issues with the car (faulty seat belt sensor and check engine light)-both fixed by dealer at no cost. Now I see why people fall in love with this car despite occasional minor issues!

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  It really is the Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Tim in Charlotte, NC - October 3 - 4:53 pm

  I have loved it since day 1. Now has 203,000 miles and still love it. Love taking it to the mountains and pushing it to its limits. Very comfortable and easy to drive. With newer tires it rides like a dream. Only have had three issues...rear wheel sensor--$1,000 in 2005. In 2007 AC went and the repair bill was $2,500....ABS Module went...cost is going to $1,000-1,500....unfortunately repair/maintenance is starting to cost too much. Did well for several years...guess mileage is starting to show. Think I have reached my return on my investment.

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  Thanks Consumer Reports - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwfan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I was really close to buying a Mercedes CLK until I read Consumer Reports review on the 530i. This car is a dream come true - fun to drive, comfortable, fabulous looking and fast with decent fuel economy. The sport package adds icing to the cake. The 5-speed can be challenging at first, but it is so responsive that it is fun to shift. The buying experience was great. I cant say enough good about this car.