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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  04 BMW 545i Great fun - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By TIM4FITNESS - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I owned the previous version 5 series for 5 years and anxiously waited for this new style to arrive. I ordered the car with Sport package and premium sound. From the moment I took the wheel, this new version handled like nothing else Ive ever driven. Tight and responsive along with great power! The new adaptive steering is awsome! The only issue is that of the still clumsey cupholer. However, this machine is meant for driving, not dining. I love it!

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  Love my 325xi - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By gluz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car for my frequent trips to Tahoe. With the sport package it sticks to the road whether it is wet or dry. I tried to take this car off the line, but without disabling DSC I had no luck. On the snow it is unbeatable. Chain control people are at loss when I tell them it is AWD. I have passed many SUVs and trucks on snow covered roads with full confidence. My highway gas mileage is staying around 21-21.5 when city is close to 19. Awesome car...

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  Well Worth the Wait! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Devo5555 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  After 20 years of waiting to buy a BMW, this car has not disappointed! The interior is stylish yet simple. The 184 hp V6 has plenty of power to get up and go when needed. I purchased my 325I with a manual transmission and I love every minute of the drive and I find myself making excuses to go somewhere just so I can take my car out. The ride is smooth and you always feel in control of the car at every speed and on all types of roads. The added bonus was that I got the car for $700 over invoice which I thought was great for a car that is in such demand. Cant wait to see what BMW comes up with in a few years when I make my next purchase.

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  owner - 2004 BMW X3
  By maureenp - December 3 - 2:00 am

  excellent car with lots of pickup and drives great.

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  Fun Reliable Performance Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Adrian - December 3 - 12:43 am

  I was not sure if I was going to buy a new Japanese car or a second hand BMW. I made the right choice. Even though this one is 7 years older than a Honda Accord, it handles a lot better, more comfortable and also is still an eye catcher considering its age!! I also ended up paying only $14,000 for it. I only had one problem so far. The heater blower had a mind by itself. I researched and found out I could buy the regulator and replace it myself under the glove box. The repair shop wanted $1000 for it.. it ended up costing me $79. I love it! I am considering buying Lexus next.

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  Definition of Sports Sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By vbrunst - December 2 - 8:17 pm

  Just got the car last week. Traded Porsche Cayenne base model. What a difference! Handling is superb. Very quiet and powerful. Much fun to drive. Superb nav system, easy to use. Bluetooth phone integration is very good and very useful. Have not pushed the car given that it is still being broken in. Pain finish is superb - silver metallic is a great choice. Did not like active steering - seems overly heavy. Glad my car does not have it. Enough road feel as is. car was delivered with two, hopefully, minor defects - drivers side heated seat control does not work and there is rattle around the steering column.

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  great car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - December 2 - 5:26 pm

  When you look at all around build quality, style, and joy in driving the 3 series is king. 15 gallons of gas got me 400 miles, not bad for a quick car!

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  BMW 323i - As usual a great car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Delfim - December 2 - 3:36 am

  This is my second BMW, and when I thought it wouldnt get better they did it again... an amazing car.

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  The M3 made me a new BMW fan - 2002 BMW M3
  By JonH - December 1 - 8:00 pm

  The BMW M3 is a true BMW enthusiasts must-have. I bought this car at 90k miles and have driven it 30k more without many major issues - just one dead gas pedal which cost me ($120, 5 mins to replace), four oil changes ($70 each), air filter, and a few other small repairs (window regulator $200, convertible top sensor $300). If you can even remotely work on cars, you can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the cost of ownership and heighten its reliability. I commute with this car everyday and its fast, fun, practical, and great in stock form.

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  Just May be the Perfect Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By mdb - December 1 - 2:07 pm

  Just came off lease on X5 4.4 and considered X5 (4.8), Porsche Cayenne S and A6 (didnt like looks of E series but strong bias for Germans). Wanted sedan for performance and fuel mileage, didnt need exhaust note of V8 or ridicule from wife over "Porsche" name plate. Needed all wheel drive for winter. So far this is the perfect car -- handles so much better than the best handling SUVs. Very responsive - turbo lag only noticeable to extreme gearhead. Exterior is a little boring (not as much as A6) so get some nice wheels.