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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  Im In Love - 2001 BMW X5
  By mom68 - May 13 - 2:52 pm

  We just bought this BMW, which is our first jump from Volvo into any other vehicle in over 15 years. We were blown away by the performance of the engine, the luxury of the interior and how an SUV (dont care if BMW calls it an SAV or not, its still an SUV) actually handles like a car. God willing, were going to remain BMW owners for a long time. We bought an extended warranty at the dealer, as weve read here at Edmunds that repairs can become an issue. If you find a good used one like we did our pristine "new" x5, buy it. Im blown away each time I get in the car at how well its made. Even down to the alarm key. We loved BMW so much, we ran out and bought a 740i for the husband the next weekend.

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  A fun vehicle to drive - 2008 BMW X6
  By hog4oc - May 13 - 1:14 pm

  I just trade in the 2006 530Xi wagon, love this vehicle, fun to drive, have the SUV high command feeling, but with good road performance. Now I hate my 07 Escalade.

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  Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde - 2008 BMW M3
  By Kevin - May 11 - 6:06 pm

  As smooth and easy to drive as a regular 3 series. Clutch is light and easy in stop and go. In M Mode it is a beast. The difference is night and day. More power than most will need. Putting racing pads on would make it a track ready car out of the box. Only problem, needs a bigger gas tank. Overall, the best car I have ever driven or owned. Amazing trunk space for a coupe! 2 six footers will fit in the back seats comfortably. Great car. Great build quality. No regrets.

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  An ugly little car thats fun to drive - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By coldwinterland - May 11 - 2:28 pm

  Its only a few hundred pounds lighter than the 3-series, but it feels a lot more light and nimble when you drive it. Both manual/auto transmissions are great: the shifting action of the manual is precise and confident the clutch is predictable and easy to engage. There isnt much sacrifice at all in ride comfort because of its relatively tight dimension and suspension tuning. It truly is a great fun little car to toss around. Its certainly not as edgy or raw as the M3 (E46 or E92), but feels as quick and manuvable if not more (especially when compared to the new portlier E92 M3), and it has better gas mileage.

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  Great SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By tom - May 10 - 10:09 pm

  This is my first BMW X5 that we purchased and we absolutely love this car. The handling of the car on the road is just pure fun. The car sticks to the road like clue. Beautiful interior design and the seats are very comfortable. The interior is much better then the MDX we drove before this X5. Fuel economy is not great, but then its an SUV and not a hybrid. If your looking for a ride with some zip and fun, the X5 fits the bill thats for sure. I absolutely love this car!

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  Z4 truly a great car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Olivier - May 10 - 6:09 pm

  I have always been a corvette lover, but the Z4 took my heart away. Incredible handling, acceleration. The sport package in my opinion is a must to truly appeciate the driving experience of a Z4.

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  A Benchmark Is A Benchmark!!!For Reason! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Larry Chen - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I got this car 5 months ago. The handling is definitely the best in the class. The steering is so precise and communicative; the braking is so powerful and linear; the suspension offers lots of feedback without any punishment. I just made a test drive on 04 Acura TL(270hp) yesterday, and i feel that my 225hp 330Ci is much quicker than TL. Personally, I think 04 330Ci with 18 inch wheels is the most beautiful bimmer so far. The facelifted front end is especially handsome. BMW always does what we call "magic". Im so proud of my choice to get a 330Ci.

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  new to 3 series - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Zschach - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  No More 2nd Thoughts Part 2 - 2008 BMW M5
  By No mo 2nd thoughts 2 - May 9 - 2:34 pm

  I have now owned the M5 for 4 months and it is pretty much broken in. I love it! I told myself min miles ~6-8k a year, but I have to drive it everyday! I just get a big smile on my face every time I get into it! Gas mileage update - I have a 25 mile drive to work everyday on a 45mph road w/ about 30 stop lights (that I constantly get caught at). I mostly drive in 400 hp (D1), but I let the 500hp monster go quite frequently (S4)- say 5 times a day (Im gonna need new tires soon $$). With that, my avg gas mileage is better than when I first got it (see my first review) - 17mpg or ~330-350 miles before I fill it up.

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  FUN! - 2008 BMW X6
  By Dan - May 9 - 12:47 am

  I have an X5 and quite happy with it. I took a test drive of X6-35i and was very impressed with its handling of curves, uphill pickup and the interior. It is a pricy toy! Question is less room than X5 but more fun.