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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  SMOKIN!!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By cslvmi - December 9 - 12:00 am

  Ive waited 9 months to write this. Thats right, Ive put over 17K on it already. Lets just say the heads are still turning everytime you drive by! Theres never a boring moment in this car. Performance and Handling inspire extreme confidence. My wife gives me a hard time because the only thing people want to talk about is the "M". buy it again in a heartbeat. Go to the M driving school if possible. I thought I was pushing my car towards its limits on occasion...Wasnt even coming close! Only set back is, you cant drive another car without making a comparison, and they just dont come close!!!

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  farese bmw valuation - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By frank farese - December 8 - 5:41 pm

  Never a problem in 4 years. Garage kept year round, rarely used in winter.Twice a year detailing - looks like new. Had windshield replaced, thats about it. Also has a facia shield on the lights, hood facing, etc - which is imperceptibel but guarantees against cracks, knicks etc.

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  Okkes review - 2004 BMW X3
  By Okke - December 8 - 2:47 am

  Great lively car to drive. It has lots of features but that makes the car a bit too expensive. Car looks smaller than it actually is, which for some people may be a disadvantage. Very easy to drive and handles more like a sportscar than a SUV. BMW calls it a SAV for that reason I suppose.

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By skakumu - December 7 - 12:49 pm

  Experiencing a BMW for the first time, I was impressed. The sound and feel of the engine, the firm handling, and general ambiance of the vehicle. Taking it out on the streets is a thrill, taking it out on the freeway is relaxing. Those who say the ride feels too "harsh," thats understandable seeing what the philosophy of BMW is, to provide firm handling, no matter what. In terms of versatility, it is perfect for a suburban setting not too big and not too small. From a design point of view, the whole package is refreshing when many designs these days are "cookie-cutters" and do not have a design philosophy behind it. To sum up the BMW X3, simply great.

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  No More Nissans! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By csrmax - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Nissan products for the last 11 years, but after purchasing my 330CI,(very disapointed with new Nissans) Iam totally hooked!! Now I realize what the "Ultimate Driving Machine" is! The quality, design, power, ride and handling is like nothing I have EVER experienced in the past! Customer service at my dealership was outstanding. Looks like Im in the long haul!!

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  More Than A Status Symbol - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By ComfortHog - December 6 - 4:07 pm

  Purchased used and have put 138K on this car (168K total) and loving every minute of it. Sure, it has had its share of repairs - but you have got to expect some maintenance on a 10 year old vehicle.Quality is outstanding - parts are expensive but they are not that cheap stuff you find on other cars. Question is - how long before it totally breaks so that I can justify buying a new one? A BMW is not just a status symbol. It is a statement to other (cheaper) manufacturers that we will not be fooled by inferior quality. Funny thing is that my friends still buy cheap american cars every 3 years and dont understand why they still have a car payment.

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  Simply, a blast. Migrated from 535i - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Jay Ramsey - December 6 - 1:32 am

  2007 Z-4, Florida home. Avoid the bigger engine version since it comes only with the sport suspension which is a bit stiff. Test drive on less than perfect roads. Handling suspension terrific given mine was not the sport suspension. Paddle shifters. Decent mileage. Requires 91 octane for max performance. I gas up every 1/2 tank full, rotating between 93 premium and 87 regular. Get 24-25 mpg mixed city, country. Exterior finish exceptional. Abandoned run-flat tires. New set upon CPO purchase trash after 17,500. Switched the Michelin Pilot Sport A-S 3, std. replacement size 225/45/17. Less road noise, better handling. Also, so far 15,000 miles later, no road wobbling characteristic of many run-flats. Wobble symptom: (1) car jumping upon hitting routine concrete highway center seams and (2) on well worn country roads, tires tend to cause car to wobble sideways as tires run in routine tire track road surface depressions. Finally (at last, right?), car maintenance cost after warranty rather expensive, parts and labor. Bottom line, too bad BMW abandoned the Z line effective with 2018 model year.

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  Too Much Fun - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Diana - December 6 - 12:21 am

  I am having a ball in this car. Ive driven it roundtrip between Key West & Rochester, NY. Extremely comfortable for 14 hour days on the road. I just picked up my Christmas tree in it last weekend (top down, of course!) I want to tour the West and see the stars at night! Cant wait to go. If you want to be treated like a celebrity, drive this car!

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  Very Powerful and Solid - 2005 BMW M3
  By EBraidi - December 5 - 6:19 pm

  I use to have a 2001 X5 and it was a great car, but compared to my new 2005 M3 it stands not chance. Love everything about this car except for the exhaust sound. I need to do something about that. So far the cars been holding up like a rock.

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  Perfect Sports Car - (with some flaws) - 2002 BMW M3
  By mountainman - December 5 - 3:35 am

  I join in all the hyperbolic praise that has been heaped on this car. It is fast, beautiful, handles tremendously, and has brakes that will suck your eyeballs out of your head. Here are the negatives: the convertible top is aggravating it rattles and squeaks incessantly, and dealers dont know how to fix it. (The solution: leave it down!) The suspension is a bit harsh for daily driving on rough roads. Blind spot when the top is up is pretty bad (The solution: leave it down!). With the windblocker in place, you cant use the back seat. (The solution: leave kids at home!). Biggest gripe: EVERYONE wants to race you - annoying, although you can beat them all.