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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  The best 5 yet - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By LG - August 29 - 9:44 pm

  This is my wifes third 5 Series. She is a White and Blue owner for the past 15 years and this is by far the nicest of the almost perfect 5s. She drove the new 2010 E-Class and said take to BMW. One drive and a week of searching for the options and color plus a fair price was all it took. I get to drive it a little and I must say it is even nicer than my Lexus which I really enjoy.

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  Ultimate Convertible Great FUN to RIDE - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Danny - August 29 - 9:20 pm

  This is my first BMW convertible and it is a blast. The German engineering is without question. The folding convertible top is an engineering marvel. Takes 23 seconds to fold into the trunk. I was happy to see that I still had room in the trunk to store some small things after the top had been stored in this area. Excellent pick up and the interior workmanship is top notch. This is quite the head turner and when you put the top down, you will draw an audience. Fantastic car and fun to drive.

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  2005 BMW 325xi - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Terry - August 29 - 8:56 pm

  Back in my twenties my ride was a Porsche 911S and I developed an appreciation for German engineering. Years later, the Porsche long-gone, I wanted a sporty but luxurious ride. That is the definition of a BMW sedan. It really brought back memories about what DRIVING a car was all about. Its gorgeous, too. Contrary to previous reviewer, I really appreciate the rain sensor wipers (intermittent wiping speed automatically adjusts to how much rain is hitting the windshield), the automatic headlights (never have to worry about leaving them on), the auto-tilt side mirror (it tilts down so you can see the curb when you parallel park).

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  Favorite - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RobertoK - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Despite a rash of early warranty repairs, this is my favorite car ever. The dealer has been excellent. The driving dynamics are unmatched for a sedan. The AWD is a champ in bad weather.

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  The best car yet... - 2006 BMW X5
  By samsam - August 28 - 2:08 pm

  Recently purchase CPO with only 28K on it. Absolutely love it. You cant beat BMW CPO - they had the car ready in mint condition, the warranty is excellent, and I still have over 20K left on included maintenance and 0.9% financing (unheard of for CPO!). The X5 handles like a dream and I personally think this model is better looking than the redesign in 2007. The interior is top notch and the power seems way stronger than the HP rating - that speaks to great engineering. No rattles, solid like a tank. Im actually getting up to 26mpg on highway trips and 18mpg average overall.

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  Love my 128i - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By SciFiChick - August 28 - 9:13 am

  What can you say about a car that makes your eyes tear up when you look at it? The styling is retro enough to make you skip a heartbeat, yet new enough to make you double your heartbeats. The performance is top notch (with the Sports package of course). Its fun to drive, fast, and BEAUTIFUL to look at.

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  Its all good - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By M - August 27 - 5:53 pm

  First time BMW owner and just got my 335D. Everything I hoped for came true. The look and feel of a world class car with the mileage of an economy car. The power is outstanding and the ride is so effortless that you cant tell how fast you are going. One issue is the cupholders...seems like with all the engineering prowess of BMW a suitable solution could be put in place.

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  Upholstery Seats - 2004 BMW X3
  By RDLUI - August 27 - 4:01 pm

  Bought this vehicle for my wife when it first came out in 2004. Drives well and is very responsive... just like most BMWs... Have had a good experience overall and not much to complain about. However, the upholstery (not leather but vinyl fabric?) on the front drivers seat started cracking during the 3rd year of ownership and the fabric was replaced under warranty during the 4th and final year of warranty. My complaint is that barely a year later, the same cracking is appearing on the same seat. My wife weighs about 105 lbs and theres only 52,000kms (30,000 miles) on the car!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By PhantomX - August 26 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had my BMW 325Ci all of three weeks but I must say I am already smitten with it. This is the most fun automobile to drive Ive ever experienced. It makes you want to just get in and drive around with no particular place to go. Ive already done that a lot! It has torque at-the- ready all across the RPM band so never any lag when you need to move. The car feels more powerful than it is. Its handling is incredibly dynamic.

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  1998 BMW 328i sedan manual - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Twotone - August 26 - 4:14 pm

  The BMW 3 Series is the best balance of luxury, sport, comfort, fun to drive and style. No other small sedan comes close. No other front engine, manual transmission RWD sedans are currently available. I get 21 MPG around town and two road trips of 33 MPG driving 80+ MPH. Other have mentioned reliability issues. In the 4+ years I have owned it, all I have done is oil changes, brake pads and tires. This has been the most reliable car I have owned (Ive had 20+ cars). It still looks and drives like a new car after 11 years and 95k miles.