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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  325 ci Convertible - Awesome Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul G - July 23 - 12:07 pm

  I cant tell you how happy I am with this car. The quality of the build and handling are superior. The driver and passenger seats are a little cramped for long road trips, but acceptable for day drives and cruising. Ive owned the car for two years and about 18,000 miles - NO issues to date (except for my aftermarket iPod cable which I needed to replace because it shorted out, but BMW took are of that for me). While I like my ragtop, I am looking to move to the new 330 hardtop convertible probably in a year or two. I highly recommend this car - its a pleasure to own and to drive!

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  My first Beamer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jasonok - July 23 - 10:00 am

  When I walk into my garage and see this beautiful lipstick red convertible, it make me smile. I might be feeling blue that day but when I look at my car...it puts a smile on my face ear to ear!!!! Performs beautifully and the take off is the best.

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  Nice - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve InColorado - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional handling and way fun to drive. Not as powerful as I thought it would be, at least here in Colorado. StepTronic is disappointing. Shifts very slow (1-2 seconds) in "manual" mode, and sometimes upshifts when you might not want it too. I should have bought a 5 speed. 4WD system is great. Harmon-Kardon stereo is weak, way not worth the extra $$. Climate control system is pretty unintuitive and hard to use until you get used to it. I want a 330xi with a 6-speed!

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  Always loved BMW... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By blayne - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been in love with German Engineering and Styling but there may be a down side. Within 1800 miles the dealership had to put a new transmission in the vehicle. The car is now in a dealership 300 miles away from home due to a "porous head". Cylinder #1 filled with oil and the car smoked heavily out of the engine compartment and undercarriage. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem.

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  Maybe in 2005, needs some changes - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Amgolfin - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I am the market of trading in my Lexus, undecided weather to purchase the 530i or the E300 Mercedes. My first impression of the 530i - a beautiful designed car, having several noticeable flaws that many consumers have identified. I possibly will wait until 2005 giving BMW an opportunity to provide the awesome car they intended.

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  Best Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw4life - July 22 - 11:04 pm

  This car is a joy to drive, smooth transmission, and ride, and with very convenient features.

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  M6... oh yeah baby! - 2008 BMW M6
  By Pandora - July 22 - 2:15 pm

  Unbelievable car. Started my addiction with a 645, then a 650, both of which were great cars, fun to drive, quick and superior handling. But the M6 is in a class by itself. What an amazing combination of style and engineering superiority. It lopes along in daily traffic with no hint of the beast lurking beneath the surface just waiting for a chance to get loose. It never fails to turn heads, and it never fails to thrill when that big V10 jumps to life with the touch of a button.

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  2008 BMW X3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By don592 - July 21 - 9:27 pm

  I’ve had the auto 4 months, handling is outstanding. Acceleration and braking also outstanding. Interior fit and finish are top quality. I ordered a 6 speed manual, a big part of the fun factor – the manual transmission is smooth and easy to use, although the position of reverse, to the left and up of first, takes some getting used to. The exterior finish is perfect. Dashboard and radio controls are different than most cars, but after a few weeks, it all makes sense. While super unleaded fuel is recommended, the auto runs fine on regular. My previous car was a Honda Pilot which was a nice solid car, but the X3 brings back the excitement of driving and everything still fits.

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  Fifth 5 series, but the last two horrible - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Lone Ranger - July 21 - 11:57 am

  I took delivery in June, 2007, but because of an issue with "High Battery Drain When Car Stopped" that they could not fix, they replaced my car in June, 2008, with another identical one. This one has the same problems, and is still at the service department. They cannot figure out the problem. Worst two vehicles I have ever had.

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  Bmw328i nice buy - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Valdez Wilkerson - July 21 - 9:53 am

  This is a great looking car. If this is your first experience to bmw then you will love this. If you owned something like a z4 or faster then I would suggest upgrading and paying a little more for that power which can be amazing in times of need.