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 car but a little disappointed - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By amagnus - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I special ordered my 325xi last summer and it came in just in time for winter. The car performed beautifully all winter and I am very glad I went with the AWD instead of the 3.0. My biggest disappointment is the fact that I have been having intermittent problems with the car for some time. I am bringing the car in for the first oil change in a couple of months (10,000 miles already) and I will have them look at it.

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  Best of both worlds - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Blaze Nielsen - July 26 - 8:10 am

  Previous car was a 328 Xi. The Gran Tourismo gives you LOTS more room front and especially rear seats for long legged passengers. Handling is comfy in standard "old folks" mode easy on your butt, however with the sport package option, press a button and steering, transmission and suspension kick in to provide that old familiar handling performance I knew with the previous BMW. For people who like to throw a bunch of stuff in the back of their car, this is perfect. This is a car I plan on keeping for a long time.

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  1992 525 BMW - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By kuda - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is an excellent car! I would highly recommend picking one up especially if you can find a low mileage vehicle.

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  745i - NO Fun - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Rod6327 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling capability BUT Not fun to drive. Try down shifting with the steering wheel button and then figuring out what gear you are in while watching the road at the same time. Every service is a multi-day ordeal and there have been too many. Uneccesary complexity, the radio is basically non-functional outside of the pre-selected stations.A real problem if you are routinely in different reception areas.

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  Too Expensive to keep long term - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By how many times! - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 325I sedan since it had 25,000 miles. Until this car hit 100,000 miles it was great both in terms of reliability and cost of upkeep. When we reached 100,000 however, that all changed. This thing is in the shop every month for something or another now: 2 fuel pumps, water pump, brakes at $500 per change, 4 sets of tires, o2 sensors, front struts, rear shocks, and tonight - just two days after the fuel pump repair - the "check engine" light comes on. In 2003 I spent $375.00 per month in just the repair costs of keeping this thing on the road. In 2004 that cost has reached $575.00 per month through July.

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  Never question a BMW!!! - 2004 BMW X5
  By backdoctor4 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I actually have the 2003 model I purchased in 2002. I cant say enough about this vehicle. I live on the east coast and the past 2 winters have been heavy snow and deep freezing temps. I still went everywhere with this truck and drove it like it was springtime. The anti-lock braking system and DSC system which does not allow the truck to fish tail or roll is very impressive. However, people who are not familiar with these systems think the truck does not handle well. You have to trust the truck in an emergency. The only negative aspect is the fuel economy, mine gets 13mpg, I personally dont care the truck is awesome!!! If you cant afford it dont buy

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  Value missing - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Roger Levy - July 22 - 4:20 pm

  Ive owned 3, 5, and 7 series BMWs which now includes the 328i xDrive GT. All exhibit good workmanship, tight construction and nice drive characteristics. Unfortunately I have two issues with this new BMW: (1) too many of the safety features now standard on other autos are extra cost options on the BMW, and (2) electronics are now being used to replace many features that are better provided through more conventional means. Regarding safety features - for example blind spot warning and lane monitoring are often standard features on many Hondas, Toyotas, and other autos, however they are extra cost options on this BMW. Although not safety related, heated front seats which are also now standard on other autos are extra cost items. Regarding the electronics - While the central electronics has been improved, the radio controls and many of the other electronics are still way too confusing and some seem unnecessary.

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  Bmw 3 Series - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Mojo2093 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car with a nice exterior design and simple well thought out interior, but the plastic materials have broken down over the years. The performance of the engine is definitely lacking and the displacement should have been upped to a 2.0 with around 160 hp. The driving ability however is excellent along with the 4 wheel disc brakes. All in all the 318is is a very good car and quite sensible.

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  97 Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By beatless - July 20 - 2:00 am

  97 1.9 Z3, silver and black top. I think is the best color combination for this car. The 4cyl eng from the 318 is expectedly not powerful but enough for cruising. Fairly good on fuel but my accord is better. Somewhat cheap interior but otherwise its nice. The exterior is what shines on this car, it is pretty with top up or down. The short throw 5-spd and good brakes makes it easier to drive. The suspension could be tighter, at times it wanders esp. on rough roads. Wood interior is classy but the LED clock is almost useless topdown at daytime.

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  Great Car for a short while.. - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Ingersoll929 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is excillent for getting noticed and for the looks.However, when things mechanically go wrong, it seems like anything less then $500 isnt in the question.The trunk does leak, Engine rattles like no other, and the ride isnt very smooth at all for being a BMW. Trust me when i say you feel EVERY bump or rock in the road.Other then that its a very fun car and its great to be noticed in!