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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  Distorted rear window images - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark Gay - March 22 - 1:11 am

  Handsome car, however potential safety hazard! Images are distorted through the rear window when driving at night. Thought the problem was related to poor tint job from dealership at first. Had tint removed and problem still exists. Sad news is that dealership (Vista Motors) insists they have never encountered this problem. Any advice would be helpful.

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  Great handling - electronic bugs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul M - March 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have the curent body style BMW 530i, purchased near the end of 2003, when they first came out in Toronto. The driving experience is incredible. Handling is excellent compared to every other car I have driven. I tested many before buying the 530, including Volvo R60, Porche Cayenne, Audi A4/S4/A6, Mercedes SL500, Jag XJ-S, and loads of rental sedans. It has a heavy, solid feel compared to most other cars. A muscle car like a Mustang feels like there is more under the hood but the BMW is much more refined and very sporty. I took the BMW driving course and have gained a greater appreciation for the computer controls that keep you on the road. This car needs winter tires for snow conditions.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Omaha Dave - March 21 - 10:57 am

  Have owned Porsche, Volvo, Audi, Saab, BMW, Mercedes, VW & am used to superb handling, but this BMW is incredible! I drove it home 500 miles immediately after buying and it was a blast!. Before I bought I did my research and drove Infiniti G35x, MB 320 4matic, Subaru Legacy GT, Volvo S60R and while the others may have more hp and maybe even be a bit faster, none compared to the overall driving experience of the 330xi! There is a lot to be said about the differences in handling with AWD cars built from RWD platforms vs FWD platforms. It may be as smooth and tight as my 82 Porsche 911sc. 27.5 mpg coming home was a huge bonus!

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  FUN to drive - 2007 BMW M5
  By Scott - March 20 - 8:49 pm

  I had a 545, and this is nothing like it. Way better gadgets. Improved navigation, heads up display is great, seats are much better and the acceleration is a great. The transmission is my favorite. Not for the wimpy driver.

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  Great vehicle except for the tranny - 2007 BMW X3
  By theiowan - March 20 - 7:25 pm

  Just took delivery on an X3. The mileage has been a pleasant surprise. The vehicle is well built and feels very solid. The transmission is not up to par with the rest of the vehicle. It doesnt shift smoothly and hesitates.

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  The best for the money - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Kristal - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply the best one for the money. It has an excilent ride and manners. It sounds increable and is unbeliveble comfortable at any speed. Truly the best. Cant wait for the new one!

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  Substance and Style! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Z Happy in Houston - March 20 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 does everything well. The build quality and performance are overwhelming. If you are looking for a two seater convertible, drive this car and bring your checkbook.

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  Awesome Experience for a Price - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Lon - March 19 - 5:13 pm

  This car has it all. Keyless entry with convenient access, push-button start, twin-turbo! One feels the luxury immediately when you sit in the vehicle for the first time. I quickly noted the seats were supportive, the interior/exterior well designed and myriad numbers of buttons that have some important function strategically placed. The next things one notes are twin turbos that propel one from 0 to 60 in around 5 sec. Power is a necessity for me. This car is like owning a 2 year old 5 series in terms of luxury and beauty! I will have to admit some degree of turbo lag. The handling is fantastic to be a real wheel drive. Brakes are stellar.

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  Very, very nice - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Ryan - March 19 - 1:25 pm

  I leased a 530, when the 335 felt surprisingly small. The ride of the car is great, and the quality of materials used in the cabin are great. I really wanted the hi-fi audio, but could not find a car with it. I can see why, as the "stock" system is great, far exceeding my expectations. the 3.0L engine is very capable, and handles all speeds very well.

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  6-month review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DR - March 19 - 2:16 am

  Ive had this car for about 6 months and I still get excited to get in and drive as I did the first day I got it. Excellent car. Compared to the vehicles I had before (Honda, Toyota, VW Passat, Golf, Mazda), this is a completely different feel. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Absolutely no issues after 6 months. If youre so concerned about the tires, get the replacement plan.