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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  GREAT CAR! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JB GARRISON - January 5 - 12:56 pm

  Owning my 2001 325i for 8 years, 80K+ miles, only replaced battery, cooling system (just last month) and rear window motors (both in one week). But overall, GREAT! Handles very well, stops on a dime! comfort and great mileage: drive from Indy to Destin FLA only 1.5 tanks. Dont want to get rid of this beauty. Now at 120K+ miles, may sell. But do not want to.

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  New to vehicle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Douglas Polzin - January 5 - 10:07 am

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  A small "Abrams Tank from BMW - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Garrett Thurber - January 4 - 11:58 am

  This car goes where you point it with the steering wheel. It also has three different transmission settings for you to choose from Eco for the best gas consumption with a little less power, Comfort (the default) for a bit less rigid ride with a little more power than Eco, and Sport for driving the car like a BMW is supposed to be driven full power and absolutely no hesitation.

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  Lots of engine for such a small car!!! - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By Zach Abelardo - December 31 - 2:21 am

  The result is a truly impressive power-to-weight ratio. BMW used their time-tested inline six, with bulletproof reliability and hits it out of the park. I also tested a new, 2015 Audi A3 and the 128i still runs circles around it. Where else can you get Porsche Boxster performance for under $30,000? Nowhere...thats where! If this car cannot get your blood boiling.....youre already DEAD.

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  Hard to Hold... - 2004 BMW X3
  By Terry Nobles - December 30 - 6:20 pm

  The steering has a very heavy feeling, not sure if this is common to this vehicle type. The interior has faded, which is to be expected in an older vehicle, but evidently BMW uses different types of material that may have all been the same color when it rolled off the line, but now some elements are totally different colors. Also, the seats are a bit hard and unsupportive - I expected more in this class of vehicle. Those things being said, I am happy overall with the vehicle, but I havent had it that long.

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  Real lemon - 2007 BMW X5
  By JH - December 30 - 4:32 pm

  Every 3 months I had some major repair on my 2007 X5. I am getting rid of it as soon as possible. Be prepared for exhorbitant repair costs. However I will say that when it is on the road it does handle well.

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  Stay Away - 2000 BMW X5
  By Chris Shibley - December 30 - 1:46 pm

  I bought my very clean and well maintained X5 used about 2 years ago for about $7K. After a few thousand spent on the regular stuff, the timing chain guides disintegrated. After one year in the shop and a $7K repair bill it is still running rough and un-driveable. It has 118K on it and has been well kept. My first biggest mistake was buying it and my second biggest was paying to fix it thinking I would have a re-built ride. Dont be seduced by the comfort and fit/trim/etc. These things are a ticking time-bomb. I sort-of enjoyed it for 11 months after buying it even though it was a bit fussy with little stuff during that time. Basically that breaks down to $1300 per month that I spent on that disaster of an experience. Also, dont be fooled by the appearance of more than one star as a summary of this review because I had to give credit for comfort, etc. None of that is good enough to overcome the massive expense of timing chain failure.

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  No complaints - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By A. Joseph Galli IV - December 30 - 12:18 am

  Beautiful and well conceived. Years beyond most other cars. Powerful, dependable, impressive. If you are concerned with maintenance costs, well, dont buy the top of line luxury sedan on earth.

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  Very happy - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Kerry young - December 28 - 2:06 pm

  Poor gas mileage

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  2016--This BMW 7 Series is The King of the Road!!! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Matthew Tison - December 28 - 12:31 pm

  I will NOW only OWN a BMW for the rest of my life!!! I recently purchased this Great Condition Used BMW--745 Li Automatic on Dec. 20th! Merry Christmas to ME! I got a fair price and it only had 51,000 Miles on it! So far I have a mechanic change the oil w/Full Synthetic and I only USE 91 Premium Gas from Chevron and it drives like an absolute GEM! I mean its nearing 2016, that means this vehicle is 12 years old! Its NICER, ROOMIER, and Better Equiped than any LATE Model American Car. Im SOLD on German/European Engineering! My Mechanic looks it over and he drives a 7 Series! He said, Matt this is a GEM! Smooth, Seamless shifting on acceleration, and AMAZING Power! Pure Comfort for me and my guest in the front and in the Rear! My 11 year old daughter sits in the back at times w/a friend and says, "Dad, its like a Living Room back here!" Amazing electronics, Amazing unparalleled POWER, Simply put--Its truly "The Ultimate Driving Machine" I just bought Bridgestone Blizzak Snow Tires and put 2 sand bags in the rear trunk and its better than a 4 wheel drive truck I used to own! WOW--Ill NEVER drive another vehicle. Thank you BMW and the owner that took care of this previous to me!