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 Driver for life! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Nando - October 29 - 6:37 pm

  We bought our 540i as a Christmas present for us last year and it has not disappointed. It has the 4.4L engine so its not great on gas, but the thrill factor is off the charts. Maintenance is not cheap but we didnt expect it to be either. We purchased it with 155,000 miles on the odometer and now have 183,000 and it still runs super strong. Highly recommended with the 6 speed sport package!

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  Car Seats - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By China Anne - October 28 - 9:58 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a fun sporty number and was not disappointed. The car is wonderful to drive and if amazing even on long trips.

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  2nd BMW misses a little - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Airborne87 - October 28 - 4:02 pm

  Very beautiful looking both inside and out. Excellent body lines and performance under the hood. This car has the horses when needed and handles extremely well. This is a feel good car.

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  BMW X6 a Hit ! - 2008 BMW X6
  By Mr. Bigg - October 28 - 2:04 pm

  A great look and glad we bought instead of Infiniti FX35, which is likely a good car. Outside lines turn heads, interior is comfortable. Can go to the snow. Hwy mileage is 22+, around town is low 15. Very fast for 6 cyl. Very solid. We own 06 Denali, so dont expect it to tow, haul huge loads, etc. We are new empty nesters and this car fits our needs very well and better for us than X 5. Rear view has not been a problem for us. took couple in back seats and they said they were comfortable. Great car!

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  My ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By SalsaFIgo - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just retired for the service after 27 years and I purchased the 2004 325CI right before returning to the United States and this was by far my favorite car and I could not have purchase a better car for my money and retirement. I drove it in Italy and Germany and you know the speed limit over there is not really a problem. SO, I put the petal to the metal and I was in love. This is a wonderful and sporty car. I was surprise that the back seat was confortable since I really did not care for the back seat. I dont plan on having anyone seating in the back seat anyway :). But its was more confortable than the Z4.

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  Best Car of All Time!!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ccoolnp - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car!!! Classy and elegant, yet sporty and sexy. Definately fun to drive. Very reliable, excellent performance. Have had NO Problems at all. Has large number of options, and colors, reasonably priced for a car of this caliber. Everything is covered for this car except for tires, if there is a problem. Roomy inside (not like the Jag, or Porsche: cant fit anything in there). I dont think youll find a better quality car. I will definatley get another BMW. I just love mine.

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  The ultimate driving machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - October 27 - 11:05 pm

  Apparently its not just a marketing slogan. This is my first 3 series and Im certain it wont be my last. 2 and 1/2 years and 26,000 miles and Im still completely impressed with it. Its not just the smooth engine or the fantastic handling or how it communicates so perfectly with the driver. Its the total package in a The Sum is SO much more than the parts kind of way. In terms of being a "drivers" car I think it is car lengths ahead of much of its competition.

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  Love This Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Love This Car - October 27 - 9:53 pm

  Just bought this car about two weeks ago and I love it. Just a beautiful car. Drove Hondas and Toyotas before and no comparison. I can see why people stay with BMW. The car just feels well put together. It feels solid on the road. I got the sport package and I like the wheels and seats that come with it. Great handling and acceleration although there is a little lag when you punch it which probably wouldnt be an issue with the V8. Fuel economy, however, is very good for this type of car.

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  Bad ass 3.0 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jeff P - October 27 - 11:08 am

  I bought this car in May of 2015 with 55,000 miles for only $12,500 ( I now have 62,000 on the odometer). I cannot wait to drive each and every day and wow does the 3.0 automatic ever haul ass. The torque curve is steady throughout the entire ride from 0-100++. No lag, just ferocious power. My only complaint is the amber light cluster for exterior temp and mpg is partially burned out. Also, its very hard to see objects in the rear view mirror due to some peculiar bmw dimming system. Other than that, drop the top and boogie!

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  Happy first time owner! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By mister bimmer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Finally got my 3-series bimmer after two weeks of waiting for shipment .... but it was worth the wait!