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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  WOW My First BMW - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Jack Snyder - September 16 - 2:03 pm

  In my younger days I owned two MGs and 2 Vettes, those cars dont hold a candle to the Z4. I have had the car a little less than a week, unfortunately I cant drive it everyday because I need my Prius to get into the HOV. The car handles superbly and is very comfortable. The 30i auto is still fast and saves some money. Amazingly the car looks as good with the top up as with it down. Upgraded stereo, it rocks. I have all of the packages except the convenience package, car brought from another dealer and did not have the package. I guess BMW has really improved the iDrive, it is fun to use coupled with voice commands, it will only take a couple of years to learn how to operate.

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  550i with M-Sport Package - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By New BMW Guy - September 16 - 1:53 am

  There is no other way to buy a 550i. The M-sport package is a must. The wheels and more aggressive styling gets everyones attention when you drive by. The Logic 7 system is the best sound system I have ever heard in a car. The growl when you take off on the highway is euphoric. The heads up display is awesome especially when you get the nav directions on the windshield. I now know why everyone who owns a BMW will never own another car. The hard drive lets you burn your CDs and lets you hear your favorite music instantly - no waiting for tracks to pull up and better than my Infiniti hard drive system. The updated iDrive is very quick and intuitive. Bluetooth phone connection is impeccable.

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  Other SUVs should make one too.. - 2003 BMW X5
  By FANtAsTIC - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The best performance I have had in an SUV, have had a Suburban, loved that, had a Chrysler ML, hated it!, but now this is brand new, and the best one out there. Gas mileage not the best, but then with SUVs I have become accustomed to that fact. Other than that, the best fit/finish, the most masculine looking yet highest style out of all. Definitely not a minivan trying to be an SUV. Wouldnt even consider anything else now as a replacement when its time for a new car.

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  well refined inline 6 - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By retfalvi - September 15 - 2:00 am

  German mentality to build a car is that they tend not to cut corners in upcoming years and they continuously improving nuances on their cars. I frequently find myself more relaxed listening to the symphony of this inline six than music. Keep your impulses under careful check when you are sure that you have found a finer car, you may find a faster one, but good luck on the other aspects...

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  The BEST Car I Have Owned - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rsulliuvan - September 14 - 7:26 pm

  Sports and premium pkgs. This car is amazing. Handling is superb, wet or dry. Dunlop run flats hold the road as if you were on rails. The most comfortable seats you have ever placed your tail on. Design is flawless, in and out. Fantastic on long trips, 33 mpg., and a great way to commute. Why I waited so long to purchase THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE is beyond me. Of the dozen or so autos I have owned, this is by far the best. 100% class.

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  1995 BMW 318i Sedan 5spd review - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Rick - September 14 - 3:16 pm

  144,000k and still runs strong and tight. This is a car that makes driving fun again. Its 14yrs old and rides better than some domestic brands that are only a few yrs old! The 5spd manual is smooth and crisp, the suspension lets you know whats going on and BMW must under-rate their horsepower ratings because I have blown away many V6s with my M42 engine. I run exclusively 5w30 Royal Purple and SHELL V-Power Gasoline. I also updated the factory plastic headlamps with a set of EURO 4300k HID Depo Glass Headlamps with angel eyes. Now I can finally see at night!

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  Grear car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Bmw owner - September 14 - 9:33 am

  Owned the car for 3 yrs and at 160000 miles now. Has to be one of the most reliable cars ever made. If I could I would buy a new 1996 328 right now.

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  Only on day 2....but my 4th BMW - 2016 BMW 7-Series
  By Wendy - September 13 - 3:05 pm

  Consider what comes standard on the series. What features are most important to you and what you can afford. I wanted the horsepower of the 750 but opted for the 740 because of the actual improbability that I would be racing the car..so far I am beyond impressed and dont want to get out of the car. I will say that the interval materials feel a bit less quality wise than my 550...was built in 2008. They have made some other refinements that balance the overall experience. I am a lifelong bimmer enthusiast. Update: 6/14/16 I am in love! I really have no complaints about the car. I did have to add radiator fluid...which is weird for this year model. I will see if that problem repeats itself. So far so good! The learning curve is sharp with this car as the technology is very advanced. I must retract my comment above based upon horsepower because I have now driven the 750 and the difference in driving experience definately does not justify cost. Overall, really content with my purchase!

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  Good car! - 2007 BMW X3
  By JJ - September 11 - 9:38 pm

  Its really a good car and all of a driving experience. I work home-office so do not use the car a lot - only 7,500 miles per year average, however, it is quite enjoyable to drive it every time I go the airport and go to pick up the kids at school.

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  750li - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By J Jarvis - September 11 - 5:42 am