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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  Awesome - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Dorothy G - December 2 - 1:05 pm

  This is my second 320ix BMW and I love them. They hug the road, pick-up is remarkable, the interior is roomy and the design is the best around, but of course design is subjective. I like the smooth flowing lines of the interior and the classic outside shape. Road noise factor is pretty good but I wish it was better, I like a quiet ride. I like the AWD so I can get around in the snow and ice. Option packages are good but I think a bit pricey. I do wish it took "regular" grade gas and not mid grade for obvious reasons.

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  The True World Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By daveinnola - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second three series car and I was so amazed at the quality and engineering that went into my 2000 323Ci that I got a new 2003 330i. This marks the very first time I have ever bought the same car twice. For me, that is saying a lot about a vehicle. I think that the 3 series is the true world car, the benchmark in its class and obviously one that every manufacturer wishes were theirs. I hope the new 3 series that debuts late next year is just as nice....because if it is, Im marching myself down to my BMW store and getting yet another....of course in jet black too!

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  97-Z3 to 01-Z3 to 04-X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Todd Smart - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my third bimmer and it is no wonder why Im hooked! My biggest fear when leaving the convertible behind was the lack of open wind/sun when driving...NO worries! The X3 sun roof is so sweet. Got cooked yesterday driving along beach roads. This engine is the same that powered my 01-Z3 and it is no less impressive in the X3. I highly recommend this vehicle to 30- somethings looking for more utility, superior performance, and the convertible, open-air lifestyle.

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  Happy with X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By AS2004 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought our X5 in anticipation of having our first child. The ride is great, its comfortable, and is well- made through-out. However, there are a lot of little convenience features found in other luxury cars that BMW seems to leave out. Overall, were very satisfied.

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  Love my car! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By wturner1971 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with just over 50,000 miles. I have since added 80,000 more with no major problems. Never left me stranded! Very peppy. My husband has had it up to 120 mph and says it was still a smooth ride - I dont recommend trying this, though! Fun to drive, still looks new!

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  Best 5-series = 1989-1995! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By TDI_BUFF - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in 2000 with 129k miles. It had obviously been well cared for by previous owners. I have had the car for 3 years and it now has 174k miles. I have NEVER been disappointed by this reliability. I have replaced some normal wear items (clutch, shocks, timing belt, etc.) and I have repaired a few unexpected things (instrument lights, air conditioning, oil pan gasket). Overall, I have been pleased with the superb engineering of this BMW.

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  Raves - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By wdc_1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this car, but its everything I thought it would be and more. Its the ultimate performance car. Bravo BMW.

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  A cream Puff - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cybergypsy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this cream puff in near perfect condition with 52,000 miles. She is quick and Sharp. I had a 1995 325i before her, but this one is perfect.

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  Out of Yukon & into fun SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By Commuter Mom - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Kids are off to college, out of the Mom cars yet wanted SUV with trunk space. Traded Yukon in for X3. I test drove Infinit FX, Lexus, Volvo, GMC Envoy. Non compared to the interior room and fun driving ability. This little SUV gets it!!

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  Love it. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jfuex - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this thing to make my daily 35 mile (each way) commute to work more tolerable and I have to say it sure is incentive to get out of bed in the morning. The acceleration will throw you back in your seat and is very consistent all the way up as far as I have pushed it. Even at 125 it felt like it had a lot left to give. I cant imagine what the 3 liter must be like. The transmision is so smooth that you would hardly notice the shift points unless you are conscioulsy watching the tach for them. Top notch car!