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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  Every drive is great !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad S - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My third BMW. Had a 1973 3.0cs,& a 1976 2002,so I am a little biased. I think the sport package is a must. Snow tires are needed where I live. Its great how entertaining the car is,never boring.

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  A driving machine - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By former japanize own - December 11 - 3:38 pm

  A real performance machine. Coulnt be happier. 90,000 miles and drives like new.

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  A great car but watch out! - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By ED - December 11 - 2:02 pm

  We purchased this car back in 2001 and it has been pretty good for us. Things have gone out include a bearing on the water pump a crack in one of the fuel lines which caused it to drip on the exhaust headers! And various electrical gremlins have plagged the car but other than those it has been a great car. Very fast for its size. Mine is a 90 and it has things like a 6 disc cd changer and all power seats and a completely electronic engine. Others have had a lot more things go worng so my adive is if your not a car person youll become one. Dealer charges way too much and i have found many helpgul sites for making repairs. Overall do some research before buying.

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  New 745Li Owner - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By mjshaq - December 10 - 10:04 pm

  I have owned a 1998 528, 2001 M3 which I currently still own. Although, the looks could be better they do grow on you. The quality and the way this car drives is awesome. I also love the phone in the car and also like the iDrive. It is a little hard to learn everything but once you get it down I can operate it without taking my eyes off the road. Hope this helps.

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  Excellent Ride/Handling Tradeoff - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By mbojilov - December 10 - 7:37 pm

  I believe this to be an excellent vehicle overall. Handling and steering are first rate, and the ride is more comfortable than many more expensive sedans (Mercedes E320). I wish the steering wheel could tilt more vertically for greater comfort and control. I would also change the steering wheel to the 2004/05 version - it looks the same but it is much grippier. While I like some engine noise to add to the sporting character, at times it feels overwhelming (it almost seems that my car is defective relative to other BMWs everyone says BMWs are quiet but mine isnt all that quiet). Finally, wind noise can also be quite high at highway speeds. All in all, a great experience though.

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  Drive and you shall Believe - 2001 BMW M5
  By E39_Lover - December 10 - 5:06 am

  Amazing power, yet very easy to handle. Ultimate luxury 4dr family car, very reliable, gas mileage is ok, what else do you expect? This really is a everyday drive to work/shop/trip car. Best of the e39 and my personal opinion, best bmw ever made. It does require oil adds between the 5k oil changes, since it is a very high compression engine. Dont care too much for the new shape or the interior, plus i enjoy changing gears myself. Best car i have ever owned in every manner. This is going to become a classic! If you can afford it, buy it! Dont compromise.

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  Youll Never Regret Owning This Car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kicker12 - December 10 - 5:04 am

  After an array of domestic and import sports car, I finally found what I was looking for (or maybe I finally got old enough to afford what I wanted). Drove everything out there from Acura TL to 350Z to Corvette to R8 to.... Nearly bought a new TL, for the price is the best vehicle out there. Finally found a 540i and decided to make sure before the Acura. Made it 2 miles on a test drive, called my wife and said we are done looking. Bought a CPO from Markel in Omaha, sight unseen, flew my 21 year old out to drive it back to Boise. He called after 50 miles and said "You should have done this a long time ago." Absolutely the best car Ive ever driven or ridden in, if you can, buy it.

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  The Perfect Luxury Sedan - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW - December 9 - 11:09 pm

  The BMW 760i is arguably the best buy that I have made. Although the styling is a complete change from the beloved previous-gen 7er, it remains a statement to the trust and courage of BMW. Cruising down the highway is no problem, and at 100 mph on the Texas panhandle with all your friends, nothing can be more enjoyable (exept on the autobahn, of course)

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  This little car is unbelievable! - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By KG - December 9 - 7:59 am

  This is an amazing car! This is my first BMW and to be honest, I cant believe Ive lived this long without one! I have the convertible and it is so beautiful. I love driving it and cant get enough of it. I have a 2006 GTO as well and they look quite nice in the garage together!

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  The Firmament Smiled - 2004 BMW Z4
  By boats langdon - December 9 - 4:11 am

  head turner and heart melter upon sight one becomes a Moses parting freeway obstacles magically as heaven itself appears to join ones motoring revelry commanding everyone around to give way, make room, here comes the fair haired, favored roadster that takes the breath of saints and angels all.