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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  NICE RIDE - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By pongo2972 - June 7 - 9:46 pm

  My 2003 530i is the best car Ive ever owned. Its fast, tight, shifts perfectly, and rides like a dream. Not only that, but when you get out of the car and look at it, youre glad you bought it. Also, just in case you didnt know, Consumer Reports rated this vehicle higher than any other car they had ever rated, ever!!!

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  06 X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By ctown - June 7 - 2:58 pm

  I had an 04 X3 that was totaled in a side impact accident from which I walked away relatively unscathed. So, when time came to replace it, I didnt hesitate to get another. I love this SUV. Its a joy to drive to work everyday. The drawbacks are the inability to get the iPod dock or navigation system if you have the satellite radio installation. Another problem are the pirelli tires, Ive had to replace three. They seem to have extremely weak sidewalls.

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  Beyond Expectations - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By mxk05 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW. The 530i (SP/PP) has exceeded my expectations. It handles superbly on highways and side roads with comfort and responsiveness. Its a finely tuned and compact automotive package. Love the looks and the interior cabin. Driving is fun again.

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  Care Will Be Rewarded - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By bavariancowboy - June 6 - 9:16 pm

  The calling card of the 7 is how capable this car is. The performance, handling and comfort combine for an impressive driving experience. The V-12 effortlessly moves the car and highway passing is especially stellar. Even years later, the features are still contemporary such as heated steering wheel and heated/reclining seats front and back. These cars are not reliable in the way of a Toyota. Maintenance is required however the upside is that they maintain their level of performance along with fit and finish very well. A cared for 96 750iL looks and drives like an impressive BMW not a 10 year old used car. In one line, a great car to drive!

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  Second best way for long distance - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By bugatti46 - June 6 - 9:17 am

  I have owned over 20 European cars and this is without a shadow of a doubt, the Best driving, most powerfull ball of fun I have ever driven. Elegant and sporty. The only thing I would do different would be to buy the "S" version next time... I will buy another. I have put over 150k on this one and things may start to wear out.

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  Muscular elegance - 2002 BMW M3
  By Wal - June 6 - 12:46 am

  Well, I finally got my hands on an M3 cabrio of my very own. I canÂ’t stop ranting and raving about it. The technology integrated into this machine is nothing short of amazing. IÂ’m blown away by the performance of such a docile looking vehicle. ThatÂ’s probably my favorite part of owning it. No one knows itÂ’s a hot rod in disguise. Until you mash the go pedal and the rears light up while the car strays sideways. Wow! All this and seating for four adults AND luggage. Used to have an S2000 for 3.5 years before the M3. God bless the S2000 performance, etc, but the M3 really has it all. S2000 performance, but with comfort and room for luggage, the cooler and the Hibachi for the weekend getaways.

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  My Mistake - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By My Bimmer - June 4 - 7:26 am

  If you are looking for a budget/luxury/family performance car with good gas mileage, this is it! Sleek design, very comfortable and exceptional power for a v6. Nimble, great cornering and nice road feel. I have had it to 150 mph, but it took a while to get there and I wasnt comfortable as I arrived. "Ah Theres the rub". At about 125 suspension feels loose. The SPORT PACKAGE corrects that problem. 0-60 takes about 9.3 sec., an eternity when trying to catch a fast car. The M5 will correct that problem(0-60 4.3). The 530 is a beautiful machine.

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  #Furious8 - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By TEE - June 4 - 6:02 am

  Great performance

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  best convertible ever - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By amy - June 4 - 5:10 am

  This car handles incredibly and offers a very quiet interior ride compared to many convertibles.

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  best on the road - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By b brown - June 3 - 11:25 pm

  we bought our used bmw in Dec 05 and everyday when I drive it Im still in love. It handles like a dream and long trips are effortless. Ill never own another car!