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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  Excellent Machine - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Sreeni Gaddam - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been using this machine since 03/01 and running great till date. I never worried for any thing with my BMW. The customer service is excellent. I truely recommend to new buyers, before making a decision, drive once then make a decision.

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  BMW 35d - 2009 BMW X5
  By eddiebrannon - March 17 - 8:35 am

  I bought the 35d last week it is a great car, fun to drive and the interior is elegant yet contemporary. The I drive with noted improvements, is still cumbersome and I have to duck my head to get into the vehicle. The windshield is swept a bit too far back creating an entry obstacle. However I still highly recommend this vehicle as it is state of the art and well worth the price! Driving is a pleasure, the turbo diesel is responsive and zippy! Ride is all you would expect from a car of this caliber. Cup holders are positioned well and there are plenty of auxiliary electronics ports. My wife doesnt care for the engine vibration at idle. The passenger climate controls are great.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By lawchic78 - March 17 - 2:56 am

  This is easily the best car I have ever driven. The handling is amazing and the styling is great! It is truly fun to drive! The 328xi is a bit more sluggish when accelerating than the 328i, but the slight difference in performance is outweighed by the superior handling of the 328xi on icy/snowy roads. You wont be disappointed with this car, especially if you live in a place with harsh winters!!

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  Not up to BMW M standards - 2007 BMW M5
  By Bruschak - March 16 - 3:14 pm

  Too heavy, not a precise and agile M car as its forebears were. Most of the performance is completely unusable in daily driving. Prepare to be beat at every stoplight unless you are really on it. I think J. Clarkson said it best: completely annoying until you hit the M button. Too bad you cant use that button for 95% of your driving meaning you will have a really annoying car for 95% of the time you are driving. Sold mine a bought Porsche: a massive improvement in just about every way.

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  DC 328... pretty but costly.... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By london styles - March 16 - 5:01 am

  Ive owned this 328 for 6 years now and I have 153k on it. Ive redone the transmission, tons of pads, clutch, fog light bulbs and about to do the entire front susp/rear susp.. It will always start and remains sexy but it will dig in your pocket... Id get rid of it were it not paid for.. I love bimmers but you gotta pay to play in this world... Find a guy u can trust to do your repairs and Ill help... Ive got the sports package and it helps... Car could use more power.. Its a tank... The car has heart but like most pretty faces ends up costing more than its worth.

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  great fun, great car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By test - March 15 - 6:20 pm

  I love it!! I have the Sport package which is great...lower ride, wrap- around seats and tighter suspension. Stock radio (not the upgrade) can definately use some help, but other than that no complaints. Winter driving is actually pretty good, however make sure you get a good set of winter tires.

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  Very Enjoyable..... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Harry White - March 15 - 2:10 am

  This is my first BMW and I will find it hard to go back to driving anything else. The handling is great and the car just makes you feel good when you drive it.

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  Perfect Fit, Finish, and Design - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By klutch1 - March 14 - 8:08 pm

  By far, one of the greatest BMWs I have ever owned. Make that one of the best built, highly refined autos I have ever driven. Excellent power, great fit and finish, and just the ultimate driving experience. Bar-none, the best 2 door convertible available on the market today. And BMW makes it so easy to own with low financing and very easy credit. A+++

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  Great car, amazing with chip! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Scott M. - March 14 - 7:16 am

  Edmunds alludes, in its full test, to the potential for aftermarket chips to greatly improve the performance of this car. I can attest to this, having installed Dinan performance software about a week after delivery of the car. My car pulls extremely strong, especially north of 3000 rpm. Plus, Dinan matches BMWs 4/50 powertrain warranty. I love this car.

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  So good - wish Id known earlier - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By 2timer - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  Previous owner of 325 and 328xi coupe. On top of all the attributes of a 5-series -- much more comfortable interior, quiet and luxurious ride but still that BMW feel and handling -- it gets better in-town gas mileage than the coupe. I got over worrying about I-drive and learned to enjoy it.