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 Excellence! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ted K - May 23 - 3:17 pm

  I have purchased and owned many cars, including several BMW products. The 335i coupe is by far the finest automobile I have ever owned. The twin-turbo engine, build quality and design are truly exceptional. I highly recommend this car to driving enthusiasts who truly appreciate automotive excellence.

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  Best in Class - 2016 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
  By Charlie B - May 23 - 9:53 am

  There really is no direct exact competitor for this car because of the hatch. Also not as common as the 3, A4, C, Lexus etc, also the starting price is high as no economy versions so that also will limit the volume. The car is less the 185 inches but looks longer than the C series, and 3 series a good thing and sleek which none of the other entry luxury cars do. Really this for me is an obvious top choice and there is one large negative... No vented or cooled seats? All the competitors have this as an option and I assume many that drive this will wear a shirt and tie and summer time begs for the option! That is my one negative for this car! My favorite version is the Luxury with the 18 inch wheels and Silver or White and light interior. Test drove this and will be my next vehicle after my C class lease is up.

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  Built to last - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By TF - May 23 - 9:13 am

  I drove this 94 old body 740il from 130,000 to 170,000 with no issues. The body and finish look new (thanks BMW). The chrome perfect. Body rubber is pliable. Plastic door handle seals and BMW badge aging are the only blemish - both cheap replacements. Fuel economy is still 24 mpg on the highway - unreal for a 14 y V8. Build product quality on this 740il is superior to the 200x year MBs I shop for. I run 10% ethanol without a problem at 148 mph - no problem - it was in its element. Starts immediately - engine is smooth and quiet. Parts prices are not high and low maintenance you can do all yourself. Best car ever made? It just might be.

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  My Dream Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Rain - May 22 - 7:50 pm

  I am a performance driven customer and its the best performing vehicle Ive ever driven. Which is not saying much for a former Integra and Civic Si owner, but I enjoy every minute of every drive, especially spirited driving. I have had the car for a little over a year (9K) and have had an oil sensor glitch and a rear lamp failure, which was covered by the warranty. BMW touts free 4-year maintenance, which says an oil change every 15K, that seems crazy to me, so I recommend servicing the car at least once between the free ones. The AWD felt very stable in the typically mild north VA snowstorms.

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  Our first BMW is now totaled - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ttroglio - May 22 - 7:29 pm

  Sadly our first BMW only went 20K before being involved in a drivers front end collision last week. Damage was so severe the car was totaled. It did its job however as the front, door and side curtain air bags all deployed and kept the wife protected with no major issues. BMW Assist was calling the car within seconds of the accident as well as calling the police. Overall it was a well built car and we had no major problems with it. The brake issue I mentioned in my previous posting never returned. We are now looking at an 08 528i or 535i with the turbo. The 07 held its value fairly well. In the 18 months we owned the car the value dropped 28%

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  Love my first BMW! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By mikeb - May 22 - 4:41 pm

  Have been driving coupe for 3 weeks and am in love with my car. First had to get used to harder drive and harder all around feel, having been driving Acura for some time. But I love the drive, the gadgets and the handling. However, gas mileage is awful.

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  Good deal - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - May 22 - 2:50 pm

  This car in 2006 was overall the best value I could get. I test drove Lexus IS 250 and Acura TL which both have nicer interior layout. However, to get comparably equipped vehicle (leather, power seats, automatic, xenon lights) I would end up paying $2K - $3K more for them. Besides, BMW has smarter transmission and higher torque at lower RPMs that well compensates for lower horsepower, and a better feeling drive line. So, in all, it is a fun to drive car, performing somewhat better than competition and at a better price, plus the maintenance is included. I have never regretted getting it! P.S. Its OEM tires were awful, and I needed to replace them at 18K miles.

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  I know what theyre missing!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Iowa Architect - May 21 - 6:37 pm

  Bought a used 91 318i in New Mexico and fell in love with it. The faster you went the more that car would hunker down and handle the road. However, that car had zero traction in the winter. I moved to Iowa and needed a better all weather car. In comes the 325xi. Great traction, great handling, great ride, great looks,etc. Sometimes I find myself smiling just because I am behind the wheel. No mechanical or engine issues,however, I did have to change the front tie rods. I found a very reliable certified BMW mechanic and now I feel I am not being fleeced everytime I have service. I do take warrantee work to the dealership. I dont think other car drivers have any idea of what theyre missing!

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  A BMW By Every Count - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 4ron - May 21 - 5:28 pm

  This is a sports car in coupe clothing - very fast with great handling. The ride is suprisingly supple. You can feel the refinement.

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  Makes Driving Fun - 2007 BMW X3
  By loyalbmw - May 21 - 5:03 pm

  I drive a lot. Over 120 miles a day. Its sleek, powerful using the steptronics, and comfortable. I have been a BMW owner for a few years now and traded in my 06 330i for the x3. So far no complaints.