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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  Unique Experience - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By dotkidz - August 18 - 10:00 am

  As a long time BMW owner, the new convertible is a superb extension of BMW heritage. The suspension is flawless, allowing for safe, quick maneuvering even in the city. The interior is sporty and comfortable. I"m continually amazed at the pickup and the smoothness of the high-speed ride. This car is a unique driving experience in the city or on the open road.

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  Z4 review - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lmcneil - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The car is quite exciting to drive, it handles well and has enough horsepower to pass anyone in the way. It gets alot of attention on the road with out being too obnoxious. I have owned many convertables and this is by far the most exciting to drive.

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  Wish I could drive all day for work! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris O - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only owned the new 2004 530i only 4 months I can honestly say that its the smoothest and quietest car that Ive driven! The interior is simple yet elegant and most all of the controls are handeled thru the I-Drive control, which after the first drive or so, is easy to navigate. Its a "cockpit" feel, esp. at night time w/ the reddish glowlites, but very comfortable with the add-on Comfort seats

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  Simply Amazing - 2009 BMW Z4
  By Chris - August 18 - 1:16 am

  This is my first roadster and I will say it exceeded my every expectation. Fast, great handling, and so on. People keep trying to compare this car to the Boxter, but BMW didnt try to compete with that car. The Z4 is an everyday car that also transforms to a sports convertible, they clearly went after the SLK. This car gets looks wherever it goes and you will feel like a rock star sporting this thing. Also, all the the safety features on this car will help keep you out of trouble, I should know it has already saved me.

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  Whod consider this an economy car - ME! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By me - August 17 - 10:52 pm

  Best trip mileage ever 39.49, with return mileage on same trip 38.86 - I PROMISE THIS IS THE TRUTH!! Worst gas mileage ever - 23.0 ONE time, first year of ownership ONLY. Past winter avg commute/errand mileage 27. Current summer avg commute/errand mileage 29.5! I consider myself an "extra- miler", NOT a "hyper-miler". With that standard vacuum (gas mileage) gauge and using the trip computer, I have steadily improved my gas mileage even as my odometer reads over 150,000! Drives so elegantly when taking it easy, but accelerates and tracks so securely whenever desired. Drives like brand new, not like an 11+ year old car, because I ALWAYS drive her with respect!

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  A Great Car (328i) - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Prof T - August 17 - 9:55 pm

  For the money this is one great car. Excellent performance for a 4dr sedan that gets around 23MPG. Smooth ride and lots of quality inside. Would buy this car again.

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  Still the Best - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Wil - August 17 - 6:30 pm

  Needed a simple not too flashy business/ personal car and drove everything in this class. G8 was fun but future is bad. Jetta was okay but not as refined. Audi too slow. Owned a 99 328i so I decided to try 328i and not 330i as this is business car. Wow, this is a performance car with luxury and brings smiles every time I drive. Hard to do when you are replacing a Vette. Driving dynamics are still the best after all these years. BMW Straight 6 is still the best engine made on the planet. I was surprised the buying experience, price and attitude of BMW has changed. Got best deal from them which was a total surprise.

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  An Expensive 1 or Inexpensive M? - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By RJ - August 17 - 11:28 am

  This is my first BMW, and prior to this, I had hardly ever ridden in a BMW. This car is simply amazing. When you see the sticker price, youll quickly realize that you are not at the local Hyundai dealership, but when you hit the gas, you wont likely recall anything from Korea, Japan, or Detroit with the driving dynamics of this Bavarian masterpiece. Im not claiming the vehicle is "perfect," but its as close to perfect a vehicle as Ive ever found. Even the notoriously picky Consumer Reports gave the 135i the highest rating in its respective class. That "trademark" BMW straight six force fed by two turbos is simply exhilarating.

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  Lemon of the bunch - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ana - August 17 - 11:16 am

  My beautiful alpine white BMW 328XI AWD 4dr.sedan has been in the shop 12 times, first time 6 months after purchase. Major computer problemscomputer indicator pops up with visuals not in the handbook. Service @ BMW has had difficulty reprogramming the computer. Poor handling dealing with pot holes. Little things go wrong with the car all the time. Car serviced at a different dealer than purchase. BMW corporate says that the service dept. has been able to fix the problems the car has had, but the vehicle is not reliable and I dont feel safe driving it. Afraid to drive the car long distances for fear of being stranded. This ultimate driving machine is a NIGHTMARE=LEMON!

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  Fun car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Me - August 16 - 10:49 am

  I bought this car with the six speed manual and it is fun to drive. Shell go 140 before you know it. On road trips I can break 30 mpg on the highway but city is closer to 15 mpg. However BMW quality is gone. Ive had replace the water pump, radiator, a few parts in the drivers seat, sunroof, and lately the battery keeps dying and no one can figure out why.