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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  M3 - Nothing like it - 1997 BMW M3
  By internaut - March 20 - 11:04 am

  Had this car for 10 years now - not a single significant problem with it. Always a pleasure to drive. Ready for action and being pushed to the extreme. A car of this class is completely unaffordable now.

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  You Wont Regret it! - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By Soldes - March 19 - 6:16 pm

  Agonized many a times about spending this kind of $ for a car. After 1 week of driving it, this machine is worth every dollar, not only in its performance and peerless handling, but in the way it makes you feel when you are behind the wheel. Extreme luxury, awsome handle, superb sports performance, plus the WOW! factor all in one package.

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  Ultimate driving machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lou - March 19 - 2:39 pm

  This one is the real deal. Power, handling, go in the snow, secure all conditions, great design, has been great to lease, will get another this fall

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  2016 BMW X5 Xdrive 35i - 2016 BMW X5
  By Mr. Ford - March 19 - 10:47 am

  The 2016 X5 is 5 star. Hands down, easy to assess. I am a "data miner" e.g. I research details, options, value, ratings, consumer reports/previous performance, warranties, etc. and I competively shop. I set our budget at 70K realizing that with all the reasonable extras to include interior and exterior protection, taxes/registration, etc. that the vehicle price is just the beginning. I spent just over 70K for everything and we have a "beautiful" BMW. I compared the new 2016 Audi Q7, the 2016 Volvo XC90, 2016 ML Mercedez, and Land Rover LR series plus the Yukon Denali and the Lincoln Navigator/Cadillac Escalade. NONE fit into the overall 2016 BMW X5. I would have joyfully bought any that could stand against the X5 but if this was a mid to large size SUV superbowl, BMW X5 would have the ring! I built the X5 on-line and the dealership was superb. BMW service is OUTSTANDING. If you want to feel special in life behind the wheel - drive the 2016 X5. NO REGRETS! It is strong, luxurious, spacious, reliable, and full of great technology. Visibilibilty, comfort, etc. is amazing. Highly recommend the countour seats and the premium package options....

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  From Audi to BMW - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Devon - March 19 - 12:23 am

  I recently purchased my BMW 335i xDrive and it is amazing. I took the car with all options available, and so in terms of aesthetics, performance and functionality, this car is sublime. I use to drive an Audi 2.0T Quattro, and though the cars are not meant to be compared, I can say without a doubt that the BMW ride quality, performance and driving experience are considerably superior. The interior layout is also on par with Audis high-quality interiors. Overall, I must say that Im happy I got this car over an A5... though I probably would have taken an S5, had there not been a 1yr waiting list!

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  Awesome car! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike James - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  This is arguably the best three series ever. It handles like a dream, has great power and has a classic design. The gas mileage is in the high 20s which is surprising. Big difference between this car and the earlier 325i. We plan on driving it until it reaches 250,000 miles.

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  The car is pretty good....but pricy - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BennyChang - March 17 - 4:06 am

  The car is good overall but some lil porblems.

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  One month review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By beebopjazz - March 16 - 6:43 am

  I love the car. Was reluctant to get rid of 98 A4 (6 Cyl) but after a few weeks, no second thoughts. 325 is so easy to drive, handles great, shifts great, and I find myself driving on highway at much higher speeds than ever before. I regret no European delivery or going for upgraded stereo. Would love car just as much without seat power options.

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  Improved E39 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Dantheman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Just changed my E39 528 for E60 E60...completely happy with design. I loved my E39 but was outdated...the E60 is getting more and more attention from people. I love the new style...it will be another classic. Same fun driving this car...I passed on the the adaptative driving...can t improve something that s perfect. looking rward to ne next 3 years of fun driving

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  Kid again! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By gmedley - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned. I always feel like a kid again when I am driving the Z4, which is saying a lot for a 59 year old man. The car is very forgiving of any driving errors and its ability to stop is amazing. The style of the car is apparently of some controversy. I can only tell you that I like the style and it grows on you with time. I find that its gets quite a lot attention as I drive.