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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  BEST CAR EVER! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By vinnyny - December 29 - 1:48 pm

  I bought my 04 330CiC two weeks ago and absolutely love it! This is my 10th car in the last 5 years but it is one of the two I will keep long term (05 Acura MDX the other). It has performance package, xenon adaptive lights, BMW Assist and automatic. The powertrain and handling are so smooth that I constantly find myself driving twice as fast I think Im going. I was an Audi fanatic for years, but Im a BMW convert now...

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  at a glance and gone - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By morrika - December 29 - 4:49 am

  Love this car. I would say the 535i is a great buy based on gas savings durig these times. But power is the name of my game This car handles wonderfully. The sports package is a must. And while enjoying the ride listen to the Harmon Kardon how real can you get? Just a nice all-around confortable drive. This car turns heads, then youre gone and you cant help but smile.

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  The ULTIMATE Driving machine - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - December 28 - 11:08 pm

  I have owned my 7 series for over a year now and I absolutely love it. It drives like silk, corners and accelerates like a true bimmer. I found the idrive very simple and learned it very quickly. I really do not understand all the fuss about it. It is so convinient and amazing to be able to access all the info in a few touch. I guess it is for younger people rather than older one. I absolutely love my Bimmer. I strongly reccomend its purchase! Stefano Vranca

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  So much to like about this car! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bomaster - December 28 - 8:26 pm

  I owned a 318i for 20 years, so deciding to buy another BMW wasnt a hard decision. I got a 330i w/perf package, Imola Red. Acceleration is so quick, and cornering is awesome! I still havent pushed it as hard as I know it can go. Some complain about the Harmon Kardon. I think it sounds great. I love the body style, and that black leather interior is so sleek. Do I have any complaints? A few-the cupholders for instance. In reality you really only get the use of one of them. And Ive seen lunchboxes with more space than the glove box in this car. My main complaint is the ride quality though. The enhanced suspension means you feel EVERY bump in the road. Its still an awesome car though!

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  Excellent Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Jonathan Pajarito - December 28 - 6:59 pm

  The BMW 330I is always fun to drive. It has excellent performance and very reliable. It gives me sheer joy just driving it.

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  Love my bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By CJF - December 28 - 4:54 pm

  I bought the car with 24,900 miles April 2014 from 80 year old woman. The car now has 57,000 mile. I like the car very much. NO major issues, just maintenance issues here and there. Unfortunately, repairs can be pricey. Overall , I would recommend this car. I am very happy with it. I do expect to keep it a longgggg time. I will keep up the maintenance and it should go and go .I do believe it is the "ultimate driving machine" and I would not go to back to a "basic" car again. I really enjoy driving it...

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  2002 525i Wagon - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobby Jo Pinardi - December 28 - 3:00 pm

  A car built for a driver. Corners beautifully, comfortable on trips and in town.

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  BEAST - 2003 BMW M5
  By hornsch - December 28 - 12:09 pm

  The best sedan you will ever drive if you are an enthusiast. Automatics do not even come close. I have driven just about every sports sedan including the new Austin and nothing is close.

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  I hate the I-Drive - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By No more BMW for me - December 28 - 3:59 am

  BMW should send this car back to Microsoft. The i-drive is worthless. In theory, it is a good idea, but in practice it sucks. Do you know you cant listen to the radio in the car when parked for more than 15 minutes? The whole computer system has to stay on and it drains the battery. The CD has almost no functionallity. It forgets where it was the last time you had it on everytime. The voice recognition is useless as it takes so long to do anything. The navigation system takes you to the wrong address by making bad assumptions (and not telling you about it). Overall, it is a disaster and I will never touch a BMW again. (I bought this model when it came out and have suffered with it for 3 years.)

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Terry - December 27 - 11:38 pm

  I drive 120 miles per day to and from work. This car looks great, and handles even better. Fast and comfortable. All wheel drive has been good so far in New England