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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  Excellent Sedan - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Kenneyu - April 20 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased the 530i from a private party used with 117k miles on it. It was well maintained and has exceeded all expectations I had for this car. Just a fantastic 3.0 eight cylinder engine. Great ride and gets 20 plus mpg.

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  WOW!! What a car!! - 2016 BMW X1
  By doublej1013@gmail.com - April 20 - 7:10 am

  I am a TDI victim and found this gem at the local dealer. Its the greatest car Ive ever owned. Its the perfect size, not to big, but big enough. The creature comforts are unbelievable. The handling, acceleration and seats are all fantastic. The other car companies must pay people to write bad reviews. Please at least go and test drive one and you will be amazed. The lighting at night is really neat. Also, BMW rebuilds their cars on the inside, not some new plastic molding like other car companies. Get it! Enjoy it! I just wanted to let people know. Ive never written a review before... yeah I like it that much.

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  Excellent - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By David Arnovitz - April 20 - 6:46 am

  Replaced my Porsche Boxter with the BMW 330xi. I love it!! Very comfortable and loving everything about it - BT, Stereo, Steptronic, Automatic Folding Side Mirrors, Lumbar Support, Heated Seats, etc....

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  X5 review - 2003 BMW X5
  By BMWThomas - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The X5 4.4i is fun to drive - handles very well, has excellent acceleration, looks great. It also has a great sound system. Sometimes it is not as quiet as I would prefer.

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  So much fun - 2003 BMW Z4
  By rplothow - April 19 - 2:00 am

  We tested the Boxter, S2000, TT, Thunderbird, 350Z and Mercedes SLK 320 before settling on the Z4 2.5, with nearly all the available options. We made the right choice. Two months into ownership, we love the car more now than when we picked it up. It performs spectacular, especially on corners and in acceleration. It gets stares and comments wherever we go (a guy in a 4WD pickup hollered nice car at a stoplight just yesterday. Its surprisingly comfortable for a roadster and so much fun. My wife uses it as her every day car and loves it.

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By jps - April 17 - 5:26 pm

  We liked the first one so much that we went out and got another. Different colors of course.

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  330i with Performance Package - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Fred - April 17 - 12:56 pm

  This is my second 330. The first one had the performance package & cold weather package. This one has leather seats, Xenon headlights and heated seats -- but no cold weather package -- I do miss the headlight washers and drop down rear seat. However the handling and acceleration of my new 330 is a quantum leap above my first one. The 6 speed is much smoother and shorter than the 5 speed. Whereas the original had a softer ride, it had more body lean -- in the 330i PP you really feel much more in contriol as you take tight corners at speed -- and it defintiely sticks you back in the seat when you accelelrate. Theyre both great models --this as close to an M3 as you can get with 4 doors

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  A rush to drive - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By skibip - April 17 - 4:18 am

  This car is a rush to drive. You have to take it around a tight corner at high speed to really appreciate the performance. It hugs the road, no lean, even acceleration. A great driving car.The iDrive is a nuisance, and the run flat tires are unnecessary, but overall it is a thrill to own and drive. Spectacular sound system. Have fun!

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  Ignore the pundits - Buy this car - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Sam Rosenwald - April 17 - 2:05 am

  Sure the iDrive is clunky and the fuel economy is poor. Once you get past those items youll be in for the fun ride of your life. The convertible is a head-turner, and a neck-snapper. Cool performance, design and engineering makes this a great vehicle. I was looking for a large performance convertible and this Beemer fits the bill.

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  The return of the authentic roadster - 2005 BMW Z4
  By jon allen - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Three litre six speed goes like stink. Gear ratio is superb for city and highway use. Excellent ergonomics, simple yet refined. It is the TR6 you had in college without the headaches.