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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  M5 rides again - 2006 BMW M5
  By MacinTosh - August 1 - 10:43 am

  I have owned a 2000 M5 and 2003 M5 and they were exceptional vehicles. I purchased my 06 M5 and was totally blown away. I even race at the Super Speedway and with 4 people I can hang with the Z06s and other modified models. It is a smooth and refined vehicle.

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  value of Certified Pre-owned - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By dmongell - August 1 - 2:00 am

  the certified pre-owned warrenty sold me as I travel extensively. The car is a sheer joy to drive...still making me smile each day after a year of ownership

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  Really Good - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TONYMIAMI - July 31 - 8:10 pm

  I drive this car everyday for 1 year and have had no problems. Drives and looks great. You get beauty and performance. Perfect all around car with lots of options like bluetooth..satellite radio etc.

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  Practical Fun - 2007 BMW X5
  By emc - July 30 - 2:38 pm

  Other than fuel economy that comes from a 350 hp V8 in a 5,000 pound SAV the X5 4.8 is a blast to drive. The iDrive was not hard for me to pick up. I really like the sleek gearshift with its two shift programs plus manual. The SAV is tight as a drum and no issues to report.

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  Muscle Mania! - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Michael - July 29 - 11:21 pm

  This car is a hot rod with the comforts of the 750i. I look forward to waking every morning and driving this car... great fun.

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  Near perfect - 2006 BMW M3
  By Gordon - July 29 - 10:56 pm

  A blast to drive! V. fast, great handling (flat, responsive, predictable, good feel, slight understeer at turn-in which is appropriate for even a very fast street car), great braking, absolute performance and feel, instant throttle response, car communicates what it is doing, extremely accurate steering. A perfect balance of characteristics. One warning, watch out for concrete parking curb stops - they will scratch the bottom of the front apron.

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  My first BMW - wont be my last!! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Pat P. - July 28 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned or leased MANY cars in my life..This is my first BMW and I just love it...What a great little SAV....

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  Sedan Sweet Spot! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JOIVIAMMA - July 28 - 9:50 am

  Tested the IS 350, G35, Acura TL, and nothing comes close. With 4 years and 50k miles of worry free driving you cant beat this! Since BMW stopped making the 4 door M3 Ive had to wait for this car to come out and Im very happy that I did.

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  Best Value for a Fun Car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill-B - July 28 - 12:56 am

  My previous car was a 1993 Miata, and I didnt have high expectations for this car. I was wrong. This has been my favorite car so far. The car could be called underpowered, but then again an inline six was available for more power. The only work I have done is a waterpump and the belts. The car is a great daily driver, but the 4.10 diff makes it rev high at highway speeds. I love the ride of the car, firm but comfortable. I have H&R springs, Bilstein shocks, and suspension technique swaybars. I do look to upgrade the car in the future with a Downing Atlanta Supercharger (197 whp) and stiffer springs. Overall an awesome car that has classic good looks and drives well.

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  The 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JaggedPrince - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The Best Sport-Sedan on hte market today.