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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  luv it - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mhb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  went from 2001 vette to 330i, not the same performance, but almost same fun to drive feel

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  Pleased - 2004 BMW X3
  By Beamer - July 10 - 5:08 am

  This car is well built and lives up to a top quality vehicle for the open road or city life.

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  Bayerische Motoren Werke at its best - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwisfast - July 10 - 4:46 am

  What really made me buy the 330i is the power. I purchased the 2002 simply because I like the front façade. For 2002, front lights mimic the kidney grill and give it a really smooth look. Details: silver w/ black int, sport and premium pkg, Xnon, and auto. I LoVE the Auto-Transmission. Right off the line, the car redlines and catapults you ahead.You really get a broadband power and torque at any speed; oh, you have to turn off the traction control and cornering brake control for this to happen

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  Best car Ive ever bought. - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By maugha - July 9 - 11:54 pm

  Ive read professional reviews that say this car is extremely ugly and I have to disagree. Its exterior design looks both class and sporty at the same time. Back seat leg space was important as I have four college age children. This has as much room as the 7 series. I needed cargo space as I transport kids to/from their schools with all their dorm needs. There is plenty of room for all their stuff. In addition, I am disabled and love how easy it is to close the hatch and pull down the back seats for additional cargo space. I had a 2007 525i with an inline six-cylinder engine. I now have the four cylinder and it has more power than my 525i, making is amazingly fun to drive.

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  Cant go wrong with a BMW - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemybmw - July 9 - 8:26 pm

  This is my third BMW and my favorite yet, before this car I had a 1999 M3 coupe. I was a little worried about losing power but the 2.8 makes plenty of power and really gets up and scoots. The handling of this car feels just as good as my M3, the ride is firm but comfortable, and the manual trans shifts smooth and precise.

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  A "toy" for the suburbs - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Practical Guy - July 9 - 9:15 am

  Im a mid-lifer whose purchase reflects a typical mid-life crisis decision. Its a vehicle thats truly a fun "toy". After so many years of driving the terribly practical sedans of the day the Z4 injects a healthy shot of adrenaline as well as a double dose of reality .. (1) It takes a little while to use the 6-speed manual transmission with the unconscious competence needed to enjoy the ride to the max, and (2) Heck, when did I get so old??? Being a practical man with an attitude that frowns upon "social status via automobile", I clearly stepped out-of-my-box with this purchase. It does draw a great deal of attention. That alone takes some getting used to.

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  Shame on BMW - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By No More BMW - July 8 - 9:10 pm

  What an expensive piece of junk! At 55000 miles, this garbage had nothing but problem after problem. The catalytic converters went (luckily covered under warranty), the engine had multiple oil leaks at different times, the power steering hoses leaked, the front control arms had to be replaced. On the inside, the power tilt stopped working, the drivers power seat stopped working, the electronic dash lights burned out to the point of being of the messages being illegible and the back cup holders wouldnt open. All of this happened while I pampered the car. I am somewhat of a fanantic about caring for my cars. I gave poor performance and fun to drive scores because I was afraid to drive it!

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  I love it! - 2006 BMW X3
  By crystal benton - July 8 - 10:18 am

  Its the best investment I made in years!! Its a great car for my son and me. Lots of space. I had lots of different cars in the past as well as driven other cars, but this car handles the road very well! Within the next 5 years my next purchase will be the 5-series.

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  Im Lovin it! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By psambucci - July 7 - 8:32 am

  This was truly worth the wait. The power and handling of my Z4 is performance magic. I’ve wanted a Z4 ever since they first came out. She is perfect in every way. She has plenty of truck space it’s amazing how much you can really fit in there. I’m averaging 25 MPG. It’s everything and more you expect from the ultimate driving machine.

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  WOW! - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By ROW10 - July 6 - 1:10 pm

  I just took European delivery of my 650i convertible in Munich, Germany. I loved every minute that I spent in the car. I am already in withdrawal waiting for the car to arrive in Atlanta! Even though I was babying the engine for the 1200 mile break-in period, I was still amazed at the power and performance even though the rpms didnt exceed 4500. I was even able to go 150 mph on the autobahn and not go past 4500 rpms. In a word: WOW!