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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  Upgrade to heaven - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jpyle - April 14 - 10:00 am

  One word to describe my initial reaction to this vehicle...WOW. Having driven a 1997 and then a 2000 Nissan Maxima I would sure that the BMW was just a minor step up in ride and quality for a big price jump. Boy was I wrong! The Maxima is a good ride but it doesnt come close to the 325. I think Im a bimmer owner for life.

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  So far so good... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Archnemesis101 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 325xi for about 1 month now and I couldnt be happier. After slipping and sliding with a RWD Mercedes for the past 10 years, I desperately needed something with AWD but without the gas-guzzling atrocity of an SUV. This was a perfect compromise...a sedan with AWD that handles like a dream and yet has relatively good fuel economy. I cant wait to see how it handles in deep snowdrifts!! And on a superficial note, the car is a looker to say the least!

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  Wow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Ish - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I highly recomend buying one.

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  The Ultimate SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By jlspade - April 14 - 3:23 am

  When I sold my 2004 Lexus RX330 to buy the BMW X5 as a business vehicle at the end of 2004, I was concerned that it would not drive as smoothly as the Lexus. It is not only smooth, but handles great around town and on the freeways. Excellent power to manuever around any obstacle. The only thing I miss about the Lexus is the 6 disk in- dash CD player and the rear power door. The X5 is an excellent pick in the midrange SUV category.

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  Best SUV if you are coming off a sports - 2005 BMW X5
  By Patti - April 13 - 7:44 pm

  I found the X5 to perform much like a sports car and not like your standard SUV. The handling was supreme to any other SUV I had test rode. The step up height is low and the size of the vehicle was not overwhelming like the american made models. I love this truck!

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  A great car! - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Vartan M - April 13 - 12:36 pm

  This is my first BMW and I am amazed how fast, comfortable and steady it is on the road. It is a pleasure to be on the road!

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  The Ultimate Practical Car - 2005 BMW M3
  By SHS - April 12 - 11:07 pm

  Moved from the 323 to the 330 to the M3. There is no better all around car that can get you through all seasons with style and performance, lets you drop the top and also carry two kids with you in the back seat. Resale value is excellent, and BMW service is unbeatable.

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  GPS Much to be desired - 2005 BMW X5
  By Lucy - April 12 - 5:37 pm

  The car drives like a dream. Much like the 528 I had before. Only GPS leaves much to be desired. Unable to see the screen in sun light. Works best at night. Had the car in for this problem. Was told nothing could be done about it.Very disappointed. The GPS on the toyota is superior to that of the BMW.

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  Really fun car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - April 12 - 9:23 am

  Wife made me trade my GTO in. I was worried about finding a car that had good HP and was 4 doors. Well, wow, I found that car. Car is great. I have driven stick for many years. The automatic with the DS mode is really fun. It took me 3 months to find a car. If you can afford this car buy it.

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  Better than the 911 and Merc500 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By COO - April 12 - 9:15 am

  The 645ci is a driving experience! No of my friends can understand why I would pay this much for a car, I simply tell them that they have to drive it to understand it. Handling is excellent, braking excellent, styling excellent, quality is excellent...Its a real head turner for all age groups and gender!