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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  Great Car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Drew BMW - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Runs like a top after 135000 trouble free miles. Fun to drive but a little uncomfortable on long drives. The interior has worm very well, looks like it is only a couple of years old, not 9. The exterior too - it sat out for 5 years before we got our garage and it still looks great. Only the molding around some of the windows is looking a little weathered. Great car for the money. HOpe to drive it another 9 years.

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  Unparalleled Driving Experience - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By eyemac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  2002 525ia w/sport and premium packages, steptronic transmission-this car is flawless. the exterior is as appealing as any car in its class or size, the ride is a notch or two above the Lexus. the seats lumbar support (you GOTTA buy the premium and sport packages) makes you feel like youre in a cockpit. when you "open it up", you dont hear road noise until 90 mph. finally, this car turns heads. i bought (i dont "rent" autos) the rare slate green exterior with the stone green trim, and women, as well as men compliment me daily. p.s. buy a radar detector. you will test the cars limits. **hint** the car wont let you down.

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  the truth - 2000 BMW X5
  By mujo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  car has gone to the shop many times. now i have about 38000 miles rain sensor,door locks,door knob drivers side,front suspension,computer in dash gone bad.All little things. car is under warranty so it is ok but for 57000$ ??????

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  Scary Fast - 2001 BMW M5
  By SJ_Sharkie - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car all the way around, excellent quality and phenominal performance. This is my first BMW and now I understand all the great things the car mags say about the 5 series. Best car that I have ever owned and I would highly recommend the car to others. Im very interested in how they will improve on this car in upcoming new model.

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  bimmer - 2003 BMW M3
  By gizza - June 15 - 2:00 am

  da best car ever driven, found it soo easy to blend in with the features

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  A good car. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By googie - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car. It has an incredible drive! Has a few little bugs, it seems BMW has not quite gotten everything sorted out but overall is a real gem. Beats the S500 and Lexus 400 completely.

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  Loved this car - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By eeeeerik - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Got this car 2 years old out coming out of college, fella before me put 76K miles on it in the first two years so I got a great deal. In the next 2 years I put another 60K miles on it, never a hiccup. Gave it to my wife when we got married. Now with 2 kids and over 200K miles, the maintenance cycle has picked up beyond what Im willing to commit (which is quite a bit). The engine/tranny is still solid. Its the belts, water pump, alternator, battery, leather seats are starting to rip, you get the point. Hate to call it quits but the time has come.

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  95 525i sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By tango - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is great - also have 84 533i - New one one is more sophisticated - runs a s smooth as a sewing machine. Bought with 180,000k still extremely tight and handling is very crisp. Looks as good as the new style - maybe better. Needs cup holder.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 BMW X5
  By jordie9 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Brought a used x5 with 27000k it is like a new car. Drove it to N.C. 4xs since brought. Should have broght one years ago. Noything but smiles here. Although they sold me the car saying it had sports suspension... it does not. Still happy they will make it up

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  BMW X3 - 2017 BMW X3
  By rtn - June 11 - 10:08 pm

  Only two things are worth mentioning: gas mileage on high way is about 24.25; I anticipated 28 to 30; front seat is a little uncomfortable on long trips. other than that we love the car.