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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  BMW 550i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By TX Buzzard - April 8 - 6:33 pm

  After carefully considering the 535i, I drove this 550i. WOW! This vehicle is exactly what "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is all about. The mid-size with the large V8 motor, M/T and Sports Package make this vehicle simply a blast to drive. The best car I have ever owned!

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  Living the dream - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By btg - April 8 - 8:29 am

  This car is a dream come true. Living in New England, I was starting to accept the idea that I would have to drive an SUV. This car saved me! I love driving it, and for the first time ever, I cant wait for the next snow storm! I was considering the Lexus 350 AWD... NO COMPARISON! If you drive this car, you will fall in love. Period.

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  Love to drive it - 2007 BMW X5
  By waserdo - April 7 - 2:34 pm

  The X5 has been a pleasure to own and drive. BMW has made owning this car a pleasure to have with a wrap around warranty program that covers everything including brakes and always being available to cover your needs. The car in all the time I have had it, has only needed oil changes and a brake change. Thumbs up BMW.

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  Ive had my 530i almost a year - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Charles Henke - April 7 - 2:05 pm

  My 530i is my second BMW. This automobile is not only stylish but comfortable and fun to drive. It is an excellent road vehicle that gets reasonably good gas mileage. Quality in workmanship throughout the vehicle is exceptional. Some of the dash controls are somewhat confusing, however.

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  5 speed Sport Sedan - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Analog - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 530i 5 speed manual is an unusual combination of contradictory elements, luxury, sports car and sedan all wraped into one - excelling in multiple personalities and demanding in its attention . The manual stick is by far the most demanding I have driven. The car and I are still bondinng after almost 3000 miles and will so.

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  Silver Bullet! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Schlebrock - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I just recently bought my 2001 (silver) 325Ci from the local BMW dealer and it turned out to be everything I hoped for and more. Lexus, Infinity, and Mercedes all make nice cars but they didnt come close to the performance and awe- inspring looks that this vehicle has. Sure, other vehicles have more horsepower and options but in my opinion, they didnt compare. You owe it to yourself to go on an extended test drive before you make your next luxury car purchase.

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  perfect crossover - 2014 BMW X1
  By Albert Wimmer - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Drives very nimbly. Steering is easy on arthritic hands; in fact, that was one of the reasons we replaced a perfect 330xi. The only complaint I have is that the trunk release is near the hood release and not easily reachable. Still love the car.

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  Wow! - 2007 BMW X3
  By Joyce Winter - April 5 - 9:25 am

  I drug my husband to test drive the Lexus Hybrid SUV, he drug me to test drive the X3. On paper I really thought we would like the Lexus better, but the X3 won hands down. Easier to turn into a parking space, felt roomier in the front, so much fun to drive. Im only 54" but felt I could see out of the X3 better and with more personal space. Now my husband and I are at odds over who gets to drive the SUV (its MINE). Who would have thought?

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  A foreign muscle car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By luv it - April 4 - 11:39 pm

  It took a while to find, but my persistence yielded me a used 540i with aftermarket intake and exhaust upgrades. Stock HP is already 282, and with the upgrades mine is around 310. The 5 series is one of the best combinations of sport and luxury youll ever find. Dont hesitate to get one!

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  My ultimate driving machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Stan - April 3 - 9:41 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago and have really enjoyed every mile. I did have to replace the alternator, but other than that have had no major problems. The previous owner had problems mostly minor around 100,000. Everything is lovely now and now I just enjoy the ride.