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 of the best - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By GeorgeW - June 30 - 8:02 pm

  This car is truly the ultimate driving machine. Powerful, confident, amazing handling and comfortable. This car is just fun to drive in all conditions. The all wheel drive handles in all conditions. Car looks great, the leather seating is comfortable and the stereo sounds terrific. Acceleration is impressive also.

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  Great Sports Car! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By GC - June 30 - 2:32 pm

  We leased our BMW Z4 3.0i to be able to afford it, but not sure we would lease again. Leasing does get you in the car, but nothing to show for it when the lease runs out. BMW does make things easy to lease but will find out in August how the transition goes- buy or re-lease something else. Would love to buy it. Love the car!

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  Whats not to like! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Tom Zimmer - June 30 - 12:30 pm

  This is my fourth BMW, second seven series. They just keep getting better and better! The seven rides like a dream and handles like a tight sports car. The crowd at BMW truly define the Ultimate Driving Machine!

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  Not as Great As Expected - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By chgomo - June 30 - 10:00 am

  While I love the styling of the new design and its overall road handling prowess, the performance of the 525i is less than expected. Not much guts in the low end of each gear, but once it ramps up its fine. I can only imagine how poorly it must perform with an automatic transmission; good enough for little old ladies on a Sunday afternoon, I suppose. Cup holders are of very poor quality and the i-drive system had to be replaced in the first 3 months of ownership.

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  Former E-Class Owner - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By pdaddy - June 30 - 10:00 am

  After owning two E-class MBs (420 and 430 Sport), I was ready to get a third until I saw the new 5 series. The new E-class is nice, but the 5 series is more masculine and sporty looking, notwithstanding the bashing Bangle has taken. While Mercedes has made all of their vehicles look more generic, there will be no mistaking the 5 series for a 3 or 7. I have received more compliments about this car in a month than I got in a year in the Benz. Overall, the car performs very well, looks good and is a great daily driver. I was concerned about going from a 275 hp motor down to the 3 liters 225 hp, but the performance is good enough and I have avg 27 mpg.

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  Z4 Review - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Weiker Kline - June 30 - 8:15 am

  This car is excellent in every way. Ive had other roadsters, but this one is the best without exception. I think it will survive to become a valued collector car in a few years.

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  Great so far - 2009 BMW Z4
  By tjh0904 - June 29 - 8:52 pm

  Just got the car so it is tough to tell on reliability and long term build quality. However this is my 2nd BMW Convertible and the first was great. Car is smooth, quick and fun. It is more a cruiser than a sports car, but plenty quick and smooth.

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  325CI - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By damills - June 28 - 4:23 am

  This is my 5th 3 series bmw (2nd e46). The e46 has the best over fit, finish, quality, etc Overall it has everything. Its a tight ride, styling is excellent. I could go on and on. I tried a couple fords, gms in between all the purchases of BMW, the BMW is just a well engineered car, no squeaks, etc

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  Will do it again! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW Fan - June 27 - 6:53 pm

  I have owned many BMWs as a young man starting with 323i coupe, 325ix wagon, Z3, Z4, 528i, 535is, 540i, 740i, 740il and now a 2004 745i. BMWs are well made as evidenced by my 745i. I have all of the options you can possibly get including air and massage front seats. The car handles extremely well especially on long road trips. The idrive could be improved as it is a little slow to respond but intuitive if youre comfortable with computers. I know the 2009 have better lines and I wouldnt mind getting a new one but not yet.

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  Kid and family friendly! - 2015 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By kris2 - June 27 - 2:19 pm

  I liked the 3 sedan but wanted something with more room in the back so looked at the 5 series, TLX, Lexus GS, ES (back seat was huge but drive was disconnected) . 3 series GT was a last minute thing and the moment we looked at it we knew we were getting it. If you have family that will ride in the second row regularly or have baby seats you should definitely look at the GT before you look at anything bigger or smaller. Has higher ride and higher center of gravity so will not be the same feel as a 3 sedan, but not as bad as an SUV and better than many other low riding cars. Compared to what the kids in the second row get, it was not a lot in driving fun that I had to give up.