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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  A Superb Vechicle - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By gordon - August 28 - 2:57 pm

  After one month of ownership and 2,000 miles, this is clearly a superior automobile. All of my expectation have either been met or exceeded. IDrive is not the most user friendly, but also not difficult to master.

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  What I expected - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Retired & loving it - August 27 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car as a retirement present present to myself (curiously, I see a lot of guys (mostly) my age driving these cars!). I have thoroughly enjoyed driving for short hops. I have taken 3 trips of 500 miles and this is not the car for it. The RFTs amplify the bumps on bad roads, and we all know what I-95 can be like. Other than that, it is so much fun to drive and cornering is a terrific experience. I have the 6-speed manual and wouldnt consider the automatic - that would just be wrong in a sports car.

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  Spectacular BMW 3 Series - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By NL - August 27 - 11:05 am

  This is a car for people that enjoy driving. I have had the car for over 2 years - it still exceeds my expectations. By far the best car I have owned. Great handling, brakes and power. The engine revs like a turbine, it is silky smooth all the way to the limit, torque is constant. Keeping the rpm above 3500 will delight the most performance minded driver (manual transmission recommended). And since this was designed for sportiness, it will do this all day long. The car seems to glide over the road, over rough surfaces and in turns. Inside the car is amazingly quiet and extremely comfortable (possibly a little low for some to climb out of). It is the right size for just about everything

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  Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ourtime - August 27 - 12:40 am

  Bought my low mileage 545i not long ago and fell in love with it the first drive home. By far, the best car Ive driven and owned. With the equipped sport package it corners like no other and never leaves you questioning its abilities. Body roll is almost non-existent. The heated steering wheel and seats are great on chilly days and everything is laid out nicely. Interior materials and build quality rival anything on the market. Love the iDrive. To combine the amount of luxury and performance this car offers is pure genius. Nothing out there like it.

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  Love at first drive - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By masdriver - August 26 - 10:19 am

  I have wanted a BMW for a long time and I finally got rid of my old car and bought a certified pre-owned 2005 330xi. I could not be happier. I was driving a Subaru and (as expected) the experience is completely different. The ride is smooth but I have complete control, the gas mileage is solid but it has plenty of power, and, despite the reviews, I am very pleased with the Harmon Kardon sound system. Now I just have to quit my job so I can spend all day driving!

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  INCREDIBLE! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Enthusiast - August 26 - 2:53 am

  Its about time that the U.S. gets the german performance diesels! This car is absolutely a blast to drive and the 425ft lbs of torque is felt very easily in your seat. The exhaust pipes are so clean it looks like one can eat off of them. Anyone who test drives this car will not be disappointed. Most simply put..this is an awesome car!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2001 BMW Z3
  By WHOOPZEE - August 25 - 1:59 pm

  This car has been great fun at a low cost. You can find a Z3 in great condition at a reasonable cost. It is a real enthusiasts car, with excellent power, great handling, and smiles every time you get behind the wheel.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bikeguy1 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased for spouses daily driver, this well- engineered & executed auto meets both her needs and mine. For her, its a safe, comfortable car, easy-to-drive (w/ Steptronic); for me, its got plenty of handling and power to meet my needs for a bit of fun driving, have even been to track school. This car has turned me into a fan of RWD again, (and even in winter handles great with Dunlap Snows). And, nothing can beat the wonderfully smooth inline 6 the BMW has perfected. All in all, a great auto!

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  Great combo of Fun/Practical - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ernie - August 24 - 8:56 am

  Purchased used w/ 18K miles almost 2 years ago. My driving is both suburban and highway, mostly conservative but I like to open it up once in a while. I drive about 20k per year. As title says, this car is a great combo of features when you have to use it to bring a kid to soccer practice, etc and like to "play" a bit. Not as comfortable on a long trip as our Volvo but its livable. We have extended service plan up to 100k and it is worth it as with almost all Euro cars everything is very expensive and BMW takes full advantage.

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  A Drivers Car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Driver - August 24 - 8:30 am

  I now have 1500 miles and can say this was the best 1500 miles Ive every driven. This is a drivers car not a typical American or Japanese built car. Dont complain about the cup holders, BMW doesnt expect you to drive the autobahn with anything but two hands on the wheel. Focus on the quality of the ride beyond the seat and gadgets, it is amazing. If you really want the power go for the 535 or to tour the country side with a 550. I find the 528 gives me what I need in power with a little economy unexpected, Im averaging 22.4 mpg in the greater DC area.