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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  Nice Ride - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Ar15 - May 17 - 6:08 pm

  Just traded in my Lexus IS250 for a 09 328i. The Lexus ran smoother, but the BMW performs way better. Cant really explain it, but the car seems to know what you want it to do. Everything about the car feels tight and just right. If you want a smooth cushy ride, go with the Lexus. But if you want exceptional handling characteristics and a car that is fun to drive, the BMW is it.

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  Great car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Cursed E90 - May 17 - 4:42 pm

  I ordered this car back in November of 2005 after seeing one cruise by me on the highway. Received delivery on Dec 14th, 2005 with less than 8 miles on the car. Driving this car is such a pleasure in every way. 42 months, and 52,000 miles later and the car still feels almost as tight as the day I picked it up from the dealer. No squeaks, no rattles, nothing loose, nothing has stopped working. Nothing has discolored. Just an extremely well built car. Even the headlights are still crystal clear, unlike Mercedes headlights after a year or two. My only regret was ordering the beige interior instead of something darker since even the floor carpets are beige.

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  My 1st and probably last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - May 17 - 1:24 am

  I bought my silver beauty (All German cars should be silver) "Certified Used" it had 36000 miles on the clock (Let me think for a sec... Hey! ItÂ’s a lease return) Came with full warranty to 50K. All Ive had done to it is regularly scheduled maintenance it looks, runs, and feels brand new. I said its my last BMW because Im 63 and itll probably outlive me... LOL.

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  With Upgrades, Pretty Much The Perfect Car - 2004 BMW M3
  By Bimmer Owner - May 16 - 9:59 am

  Amazing balance of performance and practicality. Research the VANOS, cam bolts, and rear subframe. Upgrade kits and parts are available for all. They can cause major damage if not inspected and addressed (if nec., as far as the subframe). Convertibles are reportedly less likely to have the rear subframe problem. Skip the SMG - arguably hard to live with, unreliable, expensive. Consider removing the manual transmissions Clutch Delay Valve (CDV). The car can be hard to shift smoothly and fellow owners recommend it, saying doing so solves the problem (Im planning to do it). Car is a remarkably comfortable tourer on the highway and is equally adept at carving up mountain roads. Seats are the best Ive ever had and upgraded stereo (Harmon Kardon) is the best OEM Ive ever had as well. The convertible does flex a bit. Top up, there are blind spots. Its also hard to judge the corners of the car from the drivers seat and easy to scrape the front spoiler. Parts and oil can be expensive, but considering the cars performance, its still a good value. You can drive it like a Honda all day or get on it and accelerate like a hoon. UPDATE 11/28/16: Still love this car. Had the CDV removed and it does shift much more smoothly. The strong online enthusiast community for these is helpful, friendly and informative. Some people find the e46 M3s ride too harsh; I suspect this is regarding the coupes and the convertibles extra weight improves things. Also, the 19-inch wheels reportedly result in a much firmer ride (I have the 18s). As the cars get older parts can be crazy high, but here again the online forums are a great resource. And a quality, well-reviewed independent mechanic is invaluable.

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  What a difference a couple years makes... - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By BobbyBMW - May 16 - 6:23 am

  I previously leased a 2007 328xi. Loved the handling and driving experience. Was surprised over time how it felt cheaper - meaning the driver seat creaked and an annoying creak in the parcel shelf in the back. And those run flats! Traded lease in early and got a 2009 328i. Purchased CPO. Low miles. Great deal. And what a difference. Silver, chestnut interior. Upgraded stereo, Xenons, heated seats. Feels like BMW made some nice changes. Interior quieter, tires dont make that hum (YET - lets hope not!). I looked at other cars (Mini, Honda, etc), but my heart sent me back to BMW. The handling and driving experience are like no other. New exterior changes are excellent!

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  Great Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By imy - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is very comfortable for 2 people, the lumbar support is excellent and its surprisingly quiet for a convertible. Its a great looking car and other than some initia trouble with the drivers side air bag/seat belt has run flawlessly.

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  A head turner - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By tenplay - May 15 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive.The handling characteristics are outstanding. Its responsive and quick for a vehicle of its size. Corners very well with no sway and feels tight. Powerful acceleration even at speed of 100+ mph. Interior is driver friendly. The most used controls are buttons or knobs and very intuitive to use. The i drive does take time to understand how to use and in some instances, like navigation is overly complicated. Get the 19" wheels. Theylook better and drive better. I enjoy every time I drive this car

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  2009 7-series impression - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By steverobin - May 15 - 12:41 am

  I recently drove the 2009 750iL. I have had several 750iLs and currently own a 2006 750iL. The current car is masculine and sleek, on the outside and quite comfortable in the inside. I like the heads up display and the lane change indicator. The car is powerful and responsive in the BMW tradition. I noticed that the dash was covered with a light color leather and it reflected onto the windshield. This is dangerous. I also noticed a wind noise at the drivers window. This is something my current 750iL does not have. I was not impressed with a $1000 guzzler tax and a drop in gas mileage. This was poor planning.

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  Great Small Car for Tall People!! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By twolfe2 - May 14 - 1:44 pm

  I bought this car after being overseas for 2 years. I wanted a car that was fast and fun, but I didnt want the boy racer look that the Evo conveys. After two days of shopping looking at both American and foreign cars, I choose the 135, and I was not disappointed. It is small so you have all the maneuverability that you want, yet big enough that I was able to move from Jersey to DC with it. I have gotten many compliments from people on the car, as they are still relatively new. I got the Sedona Red Metallica color, and it looks awesome. Also I wanted a true sports car so I got a manual and the clutch is extremely smooth.

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  Excellent car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By alan147 - May 14 - 7:40 am

  This is by far the most exciting vehicle to drive. The acceleration is exceptional and clean crisp handling. I own both infiniti and honda, and reliability was a big concern. But after 10,000 miles, I can safely said the BMW has improved its build quality comparable to the Japanese car makers.