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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  Bought Used 2011 328i X in Nov 2016 - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWLifer - May 12 - 6:20 am

  Had to spend $600 for a sparkplug coil and tuneup when it failed a month after I bought it. Then $100 for an oil change because I could tell how dirty the oil was from the dash indicator (there is no dipstick) , and then it started to produce a oil burning smell (prior to oil change) inside the cabin when the car is sitting and idling. Had to replace valve cover gasket(VCG), valvetronic gasket, and some other small gasket nearby. I also replace the eccentric shaft sensor( while they had the cover off..they recommended it)so it made sense to when they had everything off. that was another $1200, I previously owned a 87 325i and spend about $11k in repairs for the 6 years I owned it . I also had a 96 328i for about 10yrs and spend about $15k in repair over those years. So I knew about spending more in Maintainence when I bought it but its well worth it to have one of the "Utimate Drving Machine"s

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  An out performed vehicle with poor rest - 2001 BMW X5
  By Bliu - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Its performance is rated at best compare to the other cars Ive driven. The handling is awsome. Its a beautiful car from the outside, but terrible from the inside. There are lack of gadgets and toys compare to the Japanese vehicles. However, since I bought this car, I had to take a day off work at least once every other months to take it back to the dealership for service. My window broke 3 times. It doesnt roll up and down. The light gets burned out. The fuse burned out. I can give you a long list, but you get the idea. So if you are willing to deal with the problems just so that you can have an out performed car, than this car is for you.

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  German autobahn and twisty roads - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - May 9 - 9:50 pm

  Only options were Sport package and silver color on 6spd manual US spec. After 1200 miles it is surprisingly fast and fun to drive on German roads (B-50 near Nürburgring) more than what I expected from a car. Very stable at 145 MPH on Autobahn. Good stereo, easy to clean wheels, hate the in and out of the vehicle (med. male 170 lbs driver) and steering wheel tilt stinks, must get iPod option when buying or pay 3x more when dealer installed after, average of 21 MPG so far on premium fuel, new for 08 white LED for door and license plate, only a fender side repeater lens with water condensation problem that is being replaced by dealer warranty so far. Definitely would buy again.

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  Not a slug - 2003 BMW M3
  By BimmerMan - May 8 - 2:00 am

  With SMG this car is not a slug. Also to the reviewer in the previous post... it is Getrag. Guess you need to be trained as well...

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  $79,000 worth of gagets - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Jerry Madden - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the car but have had eight recalls since owning the car. Most all of problems have to do with the computer or iDrive which is a mess to use. There is still the constant hesitation which they are unable to fix. Overall the car is overated,over "gageted", and over priced. BMW rushed the car to market a year too early.

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  Think twice M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By DB01 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  fun car to dirve but lots of problems. Trans and power train was in the shope 5 times.

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  I Love My Car, !!BUT!! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Terry Akron OH. - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from a friend who purchased it new. He had it for 10yrs and kept in perfect condition.I have had for 3yrs now and things are starting to go wrong with it. I bought it with 71,000.00mi now it has 150,000.00mi it still runs great, drives great, and looks great, !!BUT!! things are starting to wear out. I wish things did not cost so much to get repaired. Someone please help!

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  BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Capcityman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The software revisions and minor glitches (like a KM spedo) were annoying but after those early problems, the car has been carefree/

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  AWESOME MACHINE - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Warnz - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first BMW in December of 2000 and love it, love it, love it. 24K miles now. Should have bought the sport package and exact opinions I wanted, but got antsy and bought one off the dealers lot. - a mistake you should not make. Premium package is a rip off, You can get most of the options seperate. Im experiencing my first problem. Need to take it in next week - a creaking noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel. I am hooked on BMW!!

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  sweet & sour - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By johnmn - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car. Hate to fix it.