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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  LOVE IT - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Teon - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March (a 2004) and I am excited to get in it everyday. Ignore the mileage I wrote down I dont know what it is yet as its new.It drives like a performance car. VERY fast and hugs the road like no other. This car is loaded with new features that make it even more enjoyable. ITs worth every dime...

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  Outstanding ride - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandra White - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Second experience with a BMW and will never purchase anything else. Fabulous to drive, great handling, fun, makes a statement. Go figure, those Germans, really know how to build cars.

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  what is that light that keeps turning on - 2004 BMW X3
  By m&c - October 9 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to drive. this is my first BMW. I had a vw jetta before, it sure rides more like an SUV than a car. the 2.5 has sufficient power without having to spend the extra 6k dollars for the 3.0.

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  Wish I had More. - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bmhamlet - October 8 - 10:21 pm

  Overall a great car. Smooth ride, quiet and comfortable. The engine in the 525 seems underpowered for the vehicle size which causes the transmission to shift strangely in gears 1 and 2. Very little road noise, great handling and gas mileage. Contrary to many comments the iDrive is not that difficult to learn.

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  Great Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - October 8 - 6:49 am

  I have owned this car for 4 months. The only problem being that the power steering fluid has a bad hose. I have taken it to a repair shop that told me the problem while not charging me a dime. You are supposed to fill the power steering fluid with the car running. 10/10 would buy again.

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  Worth The Wait And Every Penny Spent - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Satisfied Customer - October 7 - 2:26 pm

  Took ownership of my 335i coupe in Oct. 2007. Space Grey exterior w/Cream Beige interior. After waiting 3 months for it to arrive from Germany, I was wondering if it was really worth all the hype... ABSOLUTELY!! By far the most amazing drive ever! If you can pony up the extra cash for the twin-turbos, you wont be disappointed. Effortless acceleration. Truly fun to drive! I find myself making excuses to drive any and everywhere! Beautiful interior. Nav and iPod integration are a must. The only knock to the inside is the cupholders?!? But if cupholders make or break car buying, get a minivan! Previously owned a Lexus and have no regrets switching to BMW! Truly the ultimate driving machine!

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  My first BMW - 2006 BMW M6
  By russramz - October 7 - 5:01 am

  This car is powerful and fun with only 400 hp, but after you break it in and let loose all 507 hp, it is a beast. While the SMG is new and initially awkward at first, I now have fallen in love with the paddle shifting method and wish all my cars had it.

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  Most reliable car Ive ever owned - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By just1 - October 6 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned the car since 1998 and it has never left me stranded, gets 36 mpg and handles as good as cars that cost 5 times as much! To sum it up, the car is worth much more than you end up paying for one.

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  Worth the cost if you can afford it - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By kschoenrock - October 6 - 10:06 pm

  This is one great car. I had owned a 2006 CTS and test drove the new CTS, a G35x an A4 and the entry level Lexus. Heres the thing: you need to know what you really want. If you really want the driving experience, you have to get the 335 if you can afford it. I was skeptical, but the reviews really are right, theres no comparison. Other cars (CTS) are bigger, others are maybe better value propositions (G35x), but none match the driving experience. I had high hopes for the G35x since its close on paper, but its much less civilized in real life and I feel still a ways behind. BMW downsides are price and the back seat is bit tight, but I have two kids in car seats and it works ok.

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  On cloud nine! - 2006 BMW X5
  By Maggie - October 6 - 3:59 pm

  After 6 months of research, I finally decided on the 4.4 X5. I am soo happy with my decision. I really feel the X5 is the top. I was driving a 2004 Grand Cherokee, and it can not even compare, except for I can no longer go 4- wheeling on the beach. On the highway it handles just like the 530 and is quicker.