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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  Not just a pretty face - 2015 BMW X4
  By abmwfan - February 13 - 3:03 pm

  I would never consider the frumpy X3, but this X4 (3.5i MSport) was very appealing. Same platform, very different driving experience. I must be the target X4 niche buyer: partial to BMWs particular driving dynamics and styling, buyer of a mid-sized SUV with emphasis on sport/performance, dont want a boring box-sided SUV, only occasionally use the back seats, early adopter of new technology, willing to pay a little more for performance tuning and less-boring styling.

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  Most efficient EV in the market - 2014 BMW i3
  By chchoi - January 31 - 12:03 pm

  i3 is the most efficient in current market. It is the lightest EV (thanks to CFRP). I can get 4mi/kWh easily. Battery is 22kwh, but only drive able with 19Wh. VW eGolf is nice, but you cant compare acceleration to an i3. MB B Class is just too heavy and it does not have DC FC option. In comfort mode, you can drive it as an ultimate driving machine. In Eco Pro or Eco Pro +, you can drive it with efficiency. You need to plan ahead for long trip. I have 1300 miles in a month and total cost to charge is $25. (There are some free charging stations). There is no gasoline Tax.

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  Wonderful SAV - 2007 BMW X3
  By archibaldg - January 20 - 12:14 pm

  I have had this wonderful vehicle for a few years. We bought it used with an aftermarket warranty to replace a MB C350. I am looking forward to getting in and driving it every day, even after a few years of ownership. In fact, I just realized HOW MUCH I love this car, after having to drive a truly horrible rental because my "baby" is in the body shop for some cosmetic repairs. The handling and power is phenomenal for a small SUV. I love the very firm suspension and the BMW sports seats are hands-down the best, most supportive seats in any vehicle I have ever driven. In fact the X3 inspired us to buy an 08 328i with very similar packages so we can seamlessly switch between a sedan an SUV.

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  2015 M4 Coupe...Oh, my... - 2015 BMW M4
  By dasbmr - January 19 - 9:52 pm

  I previously owned a 2009 M3 and got rid of it after only a month. I never understood why all the excitement about the V-8. Sure, it had plenty of top end, but there was literally no torque. It was anything but fun to drive and I grew tired of being blown off the line by EVOs and Mopars. Now, this new M4 is a completely different beast. Its a ROCKET and has beautiful, aggresive styling. I absolutely LOVE driving this thing. Its mid range torque is other-worldly. I would compare it to the feeling of driving a 911 Turbo. Having owned Porsches, Ferraris, AMGs, I think this is the best performance car you can buy under $100K.

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  CAR OF MY DREAMS, that can also keep me awake at night - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By dagmare38 - January 15 - 12:54 pm

  Great car. LOOKS to kill, handling to kill. The growl of the v12 coming to life on a 0 degree winter east coast morning is toxic....I love the car. I have had my 750 since August of 2014...Gas mileage is not bad and is actually better than my previous SL500 Mercedes! The stance of the car makes you stare at it, especially with the fatter wheel in the rear. Plenty of room. Everyone loves if I am driving and always wants to ride in the back.... Love the double paned glass with protection package

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  Best Car Ever - 2015 BMW 5-Series
  By ondine5 - January 13 - 4:47 pm

  This car is hands down the best vehicle I have owned. Past cars include: 1968 BMW 2002, my first auto, BMW Z3, Porsche 911 2004, 4 or five E-Class Mercedes. The engineering and attention to detail are astounding. The 4 cylinder engine is smooth, quite and has tremendous power. Gas mileage on my commute Westchester to Manhattan is 23 to 24 mpg. Its fun to drive and is head and shoulders better than my E-350.

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  A Distinct Driving Experience - 2015 BMW X4
  By x4me - January 10 - 10:12 pm

  I got the car last week and it has been a joy from the moment I open the garage door. I got the XLine in graphite gray and Lighting package, navigation, and parking assist.

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  Driving a Spaceship - 2014 BMW i3
  By ashumack - January 7 - 10:50 am

  I have the base model without range extender, but this is my commuter car around the city with chargers on each end. Its not practical for a weekend trip outside the range unless you plan your travels in stages with 2+ hours in between for recharging, but I love this car for commuting to and from work (32 miles each way). Its a funky, awesome exterior and the interior build quality is eco-luxury. I love the carbon fiber details and the eco-leather on the seats. The accent lighting makes me feel like Im driving a spaceship. Also I love how BMW is really into the electric car movement by creating new manufacturing and technology to build them. Its not just a compliance car here!!!

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  UMM why did i ever get rid of this CAR??? ZHP - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By happy163 - January 4 - 5:09 am

  Ive had about 10 different cars throughout my lifespan of only 29 years! I have owned three BMWs VWs a Toyota, Mazda and have driven many other vehicles. This is by far the BEST vehicle ever built. Way to go BMW. I had the 330i fully stocked with navigation, cold weather, premium and 6-speed manual. It was a rare find and I was stupid enough to trade it in and regret it everyday. The engine was silky smooth and soo powerful. IT handled like butter and could turn on a dime. The car felt like you were driving on roller coaster tracks everywhere you went. The gas mileage was excellent. These cars will also you a lifetime Ive seen engines go for 300K miles. The inline 6 is so reliable and fun!

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  Its a BMW and an EV! - 2014 BMW i3
  By scottlawson - January 4 - 1:04 am

  I have driven BMWs for 10+ years and this all-electric BMW lives up to the ultimate driving machine claim. It is sporty and solid and handles the road like my 328i. It is filled with high technology with a large screen for nav, music, apps, and information. The construction is solid and the carbon fiber and all-aluminum construction makes the car safe and rust-free. Bodywork is actually less costly than a steel car. This is not for long trips as the practical range in temperate weather is 80-90 miles. But get the DC fast charge option as that has helped me go 300+ miles at times.