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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  Gold Plated Brakes - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Earl - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the car! Bought it used from a Ford Dealer...HA! BMW dealerships were very reluctant to negotiate any. Car is just great. After 1 year, we had to replace brakes and rotors... typical for BMW. Cost around $800. We have good milage on brakes, but rotors usually have to be replaced with pads.

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  One sweet M4 convertible - 2016 BMW M4
  By Brian Anderson - April 2 - 4:19 pm

  I have had my 2016 M4 convertible (with competition package) since the middle of May (it is now the end of August). I have 5000 miles on it now. It is a FANTASTIC car. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. My daily car is a Lexus is350. My wifes is a G37s. Of course neither come close in any type of performance comparison but neither come close in comfort either. The first week I had the car we headed down hwy 101 & 1 to Santa Monica that was an epic trip. But the car utterly surprised me on the way back to Sacramento as we did I5 home. I set the suspension to comfort and was utterly amazed at how comfortable the ride home was. As I got to know the car had to come to the conclusion that it is a beast in a tuxedo. Well refined and subtly luxurious, but put the setting to sport/manual mode on the tranny and take traction control off and it shows its beastly side quite wonderfully. I only have 2 picks with the car. 1. The auto high beam works only half the time. And 2. The remote controlling of the convertible roof opening works only half the time too. THAT ONE is extremely irritating when you are standing beside the car and want to drop the top so you use the remote feature. AND IT DOESNT WORK!! For a $90,000 car that should work every time. Those are the only 2 negative experiences I have had with the car. The sound system is amazing. Really amazing. As is the heads up display and the navigation. Ive lowered the car 3/4" front and back. Put Niche rims on and went to 305s on the back from the stock 285s. It is one....... Sweet.........car. My 2 business partners have opted for coupes. One got his this week. The other is headed to Munich next week to enjoy a European delivery. He will drive his around Europe for a couple weeks then BMW will ship it home. We each have our own specific tastes in the car. BMW offers a wide range of color combinations. If you can afford the car, you will not be disappointed

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  Great car, but too complicated - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By PRI - April 1 - 11:41 pm

  Best-in-class handling and ride. True quality everywhere you look and touch.

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  A maintenance nightmare - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By toni p - April 1 - 6:08 pm

  This vehicle has been like a beautiful woman with an evil heart. From the first year until the eighth year of ownership, it has been one "freakish" thing after another. Unbelievably, in the third year the engine went, a piston through the heart! Cat converters, AC, exhaust. Car is in shop for its final repair, a blown gas tank! Another $2100 repair bill! Great driving, great looking classic, but Ive had enough. Time to look at another brand! Did I just get a lemon or what?

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  Driving has never been this fun!! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Mike Smith - April 1 - 6:36 am

  This car is so much fun it puts a huge smile on my face every day! Fantastic blend of power and elegance. Economical too, I have consistently gotten 27 MPG with mostly highway driving. This car has a sporty ride but absorbs the bumps well, despite the 18" alloys that come with the sport package. You must have the sports package, the standard 17" rims make the whole car look bland. The red leather interior is gorgeous. No reliability problems whatsoever. No rattles or electrical issues. The upgraded sound system is awesome. The trunk space is good, even with the top down! You can easily fit two suitcases in there, or a couple sets of golf clubs. Buy this car, you wont regret it!

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  Anticipation - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By John Smith - March 31 - 8:33 pm

  If you are looking for a fun, vehicle with outstanding performance look no further. This car hugs the road with impressive handling but is so quiet inside you can hear even a pin drop. The interior is nicer than most apartments. Reliability and safety are BMW top priority, just look at all the safety specs and insurance discounts. You must drive one of these!

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  Might Move In To My X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By Eric - March 31 - 6:48 pm

  The X5 has been outstanding. Ive got the sports pkg and performance pkg. The 4.4 engine is a must for this heavy, solid vehicle. Not only is it powerful, but it sounds great. I was looking for an SUV that acts like a sports car and this is it! My wife calls it a motorcycle on 4 wheels because of its performance (I ride sport bikes). Ive only owned it for a few weeks and I just drive it around for no reason because it is so fun. I average around 17 mpg driving it hard. It actually gets the same gas mileage as my previous SUV that only had a 3.5L V6. This is my first BMW and I am hooked.

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  Love this car - 2008 BMW X5
  By LOVEMYX5 - March 31 - 11:19 am

  I love this car. Its a great car to drive. Not cheap, but, well worth it if you can afford it. It has some issues with "reliability" - little things get messed up - mostly with the electronics. But, its fast, responsive and so not a mini-van. The 3.0 is not enough engine for such a heavy car, you have to get the 4.8 and you will be a very happy person.

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  The best car of its time - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By mrmomo313 - March 31 - 1:04 am

  I bought her 7 years ago and it feels the way it did when it pulled out of the showroom. Car runs perfect. I have never had to fix anything on it. I take it for its usaul check ups. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine! Buy it if you need a new car.

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  What I expected - 2008 BMW M5
  By elemis - March 30 - 1:49 pm

  Have had this vehicle 4 months now, so far very good experience. My second BMW, both purchased new, and thus far more reliable that previous (X5) really no problems that have required dealer visit (after a few items that were resolved at 1200 mile oil change). Great stealth car - looks much like "normal" 5 series to most, but really goes when challenged. Good daily driver, with room for luggage and 4 adults, and makes to / from work or airport almost fun. Sometimes tough to keep under speed limit - suggest a good radar detector, and set the speed limit warning because easy to go fast (set mine at 85). Given other alternatives available today, would buy another if this one disappeared.