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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By New Lease on Life - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Loved my 2000 Mercedes C230 Kompressor (recently turned in at lease end). However, this BMW puts it to shame. Comments ranged from "yeah, theyre nice but so overpriced (actually well priced!)" to "youre stepping down to a BMW?". After the first month, Im still high (no, its not just the new car scent!). Solid and yet extremely comfortable ride, reeeeeeealy quiet, excellent braking, awesome sound system (steering wheel controls big +), leather seats like living room furniture, controls logical & easy to use, xlnt a/c system, rain sensing windshield wipers much more of a plus than anticipated. By far the best of all 10 of my previous vehicles!

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  Awesome car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By falconteach - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Brake system is best in industry. Great handling, straightens out the curves. Instant response can avoid problems on the highway.

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  the new 325i rocks - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By InHoff - July 12 - 10:49 pm

  Ipicked up my European deliver BMW 325i 2006 in Munich in June and drove about 2.5K miles through Southern Germany and the mountains of Italy. This is the best car I ever drove. It offers a seductive mix of sportiness and elegance. The handling on narrow mountain roads was superb and the car was incredibly stable and at peace irrespective of speed (the top was an effortless 135 mph) and weather. This car rocks - it makes driving a spiritual experience.

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  Sexy car - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By garza - July 12 - 10:27 pm

  A ride in this car will allow you to forget all of your problems! It is my pleasure everytime I get in this car!

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  Exceeded high expectations - 2005 BMW M3
  By Ryan - July 12 - 8:30 pm

  This is was my dream car in every respect - looks, performance, etc. I had high expectations when I bought it, but after 4k miles, let me tell you that this car is a dream. When you turn off the DSC, turn on launch mode, turn on sport mode, set SMG shifting to S6, hold on! Wow! If a car could ever be too much fun this is it - it definitely takes a huge amount of self discipline to keep this thing legal.

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  Passing on the curves - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By geoffrey macpherson - July 12 - 7:32 pm

  Once upon a time in a galaxy far far away, I owned an M6. I looked upon the 5 series with distain, a four door sedan for the family man. Not for a real life he-man who needed a vessel for all his testosterone. All that went out the window like so much cat hair on a windy day when I drove a 545 and fell in love. This car not only has more power than my 87 M6 but its handling is actually better. so much for my distain of sedans. If there is any shortfall its inside. I do miss the hand-stitched leather dash and the little non-functional soda cooler in the back. But thats more than made up for the ability to transport passengers who actually have legs. Bravo BMW, the 545 is a winner.

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  My Roadster - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Bunnie - July 11 - 6:39 pm

  I drive all day as part of my business and this car is making it a pleasure. I love the purring noises and the wind rush. I have had only positive comments from other drivers about the looks. Even with the price of gas, I cannot stay home for long without wanting to drive off for awhile.

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  Chuck Levine - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Chuck Levine - July 11 - 5:34 pm

  Have owned several Corvettes. This car is much more enjoyable to drive. It is truly a real sports car. The transmission is great as it allows you automatic or go through the gears without a clutch.

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  Best 3 series, under M3 - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By uniqueMR - July 11 - 5:31 am

  I have own and driven my BMWs such as 740i,745i, M3s. I was going for M3 but settled on 340i. Its fast as previous e92 M3. BMW claims 0-60 between 4.6-4.8. I have my 340i loaded with all the options and its worth it. I test drove 320i and 328i but I went with 340i. It has 320hp with 330lb.ft torque and can keep up with many cars on the road. I really love driving it in Sport or Sport+ mode, plus exhaust is more deeper and fun. I will recommend 340i or 340ix and its one step below M3. Plus you save $15-20K.

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  lovin it - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By lorraine nichols - July 10 - 3:30 pm

  great car to drive. handles superior. excellent pick up. looks great. has many safety features - side airbags, steel rods in doors... especially like onstar feature for safety.