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 lot of car for the money - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By xantdieselx - July 25 - 10:54 am

  Everything in this car is in harmony from the shifter that snicks into gear to the razor sharp precision of the steering wheel to the sport seats with adjustable bolsters that hold you in place. If you exercise restraint when ordering (and dont mind the wait) this car is actually a bargain. I got an 08 135i AW w/6sp and sport package. Everything from Xenon adaptive lighting to rain sensing wipers are standard. It comes with a lot of feature content for the money. The ride is stiff but well damped, it is amazing how well BMW pulls this off. Everything in a BMW revolves around the engine and what an engine it is. There is power in every gear at every RPM.

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  truly a driving machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ERM - July 24 - 6:15 pm

  I have the 545i with the sport package. It truly is a fantastic car. I have owned it for 24 months and still have a lot of fun driving it every day. It is fast, responsive and really connects with the road beautifully. The car really performs well at higher speeds. My mechanic said "It really doesnt start breathing until it reaches 80 mph. I highly recommend this car, It is a pleasure and a joy to drive.

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  On my Third X5 and loving it. - 2008 BMW X5
  By Barbie - July 24 - 6:09 pm

  I really enjoy this vehicle and find the control and handle is excellent. Driving in bad weather either snow or heavy rain doesnt worry me anymore because the vehicle really hugs the road. As a woman I find it has been worry free and have enjoyed driving the X5. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  What a Kick - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By Eric Corkhill - July 24 - 10:47 am

  Got an 08 Sapphire Black convertible with saddle leather. Awesome to drive. Extremely responsive steering and brakes. Doesnt feel like the heavy car that it is. Ample power and acceleration through all gears although could be quicker off the line. First time user of iDrive and find it to be much more intuitive then car magazine editors complaints. Fuel economy is better then expected. Getting 26+ mpg on highways with 18 in city driving. Interior noise is also better then expected. The back panel window really cuts down on both noise and turbulence. Only complaint is that the rear speakers seem to be under amped and some navigational clumsiness between iDrive commands.

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  Entry level luxury plus sporty performance - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Frank Wheeler - July 24 - 4:43 am

  Simply put the best drivers car in this segment! I tried them all and this one feels the most connected eto the road. Put it in sports plus mode and it becomes a different animal

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  No Test Drive Needed - Just Do It - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By dee - July 23 - 12:45 pm

  Bought it without a test drive. And already over 4K miles on it after just 3 months of driving (cant put the keys down). My first BMW, and Im very satisfied. Found out after buying it that the wife wasnt going to drive it so I should have gone for the 335xi or the coupe (but theres always next year). Handles very nicely even with the run flats (see note below). Nice solid feel while in motion. Power is good for my driving environment (mostly city). So the extra horses of the 335 would go mostly unused except for the occasional weekend drive.

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  325 ci Convertible - Awesome Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul G - July 23 - 12:07 pm

  I cant tell you how happy I am with this car. The quality of the build and handling are superior. The driver and passenger seats are a little cramped for long road trips, but acceptable for day drives and cruising. Ive owned the car for two years and about 18,000 miles - NO issues to date (except for my aftermarket iPod cable which I needed to replace because it shorted out, but BMW took are of that for me). While I like my ragtop, I am looking to move to the new 330 hardtop convertible probably in a year or two. I highly recommend this car - its a pleasure to own and to drive!

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  My first Beamer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jasonok - July 23 - 10:00 am

  When I walk into my garage and see this beautiful lipstick red convertible, it make me smile. I might be feeling blue that day but when I look at my car...it puts a smile on my face ear to ear!!!! Performs beautifully and the take off is the best.

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  Best Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw4life - July 22 - 11:04 pm

  This car is a joy to drive, smooth transmission, and ride, and with very convenient features.

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  M6... oh yeah baby! - 2008 BMW M6
  By Pandora - July 22 - 2:15 pm

  Unbelievable car. Started my addiction with a 645, then a 650, both of which were great cars, fun to drive, quick and superior handling. But the M6 is in a class by itself. What an amazing combination of style and engineering superiority. It lopes along in daily traffic with no hint of the beast lurking beneath the surface just waiting for a chance to get loose. It never fails to turn heads, and it never fails to thrill when that big V10 jumps to life with the touch of a button.