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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  The best of his group - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with this car. It handles beautifully, and I had no problems during this first year. I higly advise people to purchase this car. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  Super Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Agen - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and whoever built speed bumps they sure werent Europeans!

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  Better than the 3.0 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Monsieur Bonjour - May 6 - 1:49 pm

  Iv tried the 3.0l and I didnt see a big difference in the power for the 10000$ you need to add to get the 3.0 compare to the 2.5. The 2.5 is more than enought with the sport package. I had some problem with the radio & amplifier and the automatic roof top after the BOOMERANG DEVICE installation be careful there is a lot of sensor on this car everywhere. Fun to drive and everybody think its worth twice the price you pay... If you want to flash in a sport car its the best one to buy but more than everything else its fun to drive. You cant not resist its race feeling. You will step on the gas after every stop sign. Enjoy

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  M550i of the Decade - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By G K - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Nothing else to say, BMW couldnt have made a better M550i 2018 series car. We have had many other luxury vehicles, including an MB, Lexus, and a Volvo. This outclasses all of them in every scenario, hands down.

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  Fun car to drive but it is no Lexus - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By jh - May 4 - 7:43 pm

  The BMW 740 is with out a doubt the best driving large sedan on the market. However, it suffers from serious flaws that one would not expect from a car that costs in excess ot $65,000. The on board computer dispay failed (the dealer said pixel burnout was common at about 3 years). I have a broken the cupholder and numerous climate control knobs fail. One door panel has had problems staying on as does the side panel. It seems to cost me 2-4 thousand dollars every time I see my dealer. I have probably had $5000 worth of suspension work done over the last 18 months. My previous car was a Mercedes S420 at about the same age had very few problems. Quite frankly the BMW has been a terrible car.

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  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bobster - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Z4 is a true roadster yet offers comfort, convenience and luxury. Very quite for a convertible. Enough trunk space to actually "use" the car.

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  Style - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By roseann - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My BMW now has 7200 miles on it, at 3000 miles the transmission was replaced, at 4000 the engine computer was replaced, at 5000 the ignition coils were replaced at 7000 the radio was replaced. It continues to have transmission problems and has been back 7 times to the dealer it is a 2003 model

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  The Magazines Were Correct After All - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Captian Jack - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After owning muscle type cars for most of my life, I decided to see what the rave was all about with the 330i. After driving the 330i Performance Package, I was left speechless. There was no way that I just got done driving a four door car, the handling and performance was unbelievable for the type of car that it is. Now, in place of my 350Z sits an Imola Red 330i. This is the best car that I have owned by far.

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  Not worth it! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Jbmw5 - May 4 - 4:05 am

  After having numerous BMWs from different segments (3, 5 series) I decided to move up to the flagship: the 7 series. I should have realized before buying the car that there would be problems. The engine was just replaced by BMW b/c of a recall. I bought it with 36,000 miles and a warranty on the engine. However, 3 months after having the car the transmission failed! It costs me $5,000 for a rebuilt tranny and another $1200 to install it. The car was an electrical nightmare! I spent over $1,000 in just the electrical failures (windows, moonroof, seats switches) Although, it was fun to drive the costs of maintenance is not worth it. Stick with the 3 and 5 series!

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  Great Crossover - 2005 BMW X3
  By rich r - May 3 - 11:43 pm

  Great performance from BMW as usual. Handles just like a 3-series. Fantastic brakes and road feel.