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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  Fun but not reliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By JCFreakCV - November 10 - 3:22 pm

  Most fun, beautiful car Ive ever owned, but has been in the shop more than my 1989 325i.

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  Should have kept the Z3 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Logger - November 10 - 11:31 am

  I love the look of the car but it didnt drive as well as the Z3 and not as roomy as my Audi TT. Z4 has a lot of power and fun to drive, but wish I had my Z3 back.

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  2008 535i Black on Black - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By gvitalik - November 9 - 6:53 pm

  Was considering several cars like Mercedes C350, E350, Lexus GS350, Infiniti G35, BMW 528i sport. After driving all of them, the 535i with sport, premium, navi, xenon blew them all away. Great transmission with 2 sport modes and paddle shifters. Car is glued to the road. Active suspension almost eliminates body roll. IDrive is functional just takes some time to learn all the menus. Picks up speed instantly, no turbo lag. Very fun to drive. My 1st BMW and now I know why its called ultimate driving machine. Other premium brands dont come close in road feeling.

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  Love it - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Eagle 1 - November 8 - 6:26 pm

  Im really enjoying this car. The handling is sweet. Transmission is smooth. Interior is comfy. Getting lots of envious looks from people at work and passersby.

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  Worst car EVER! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By R. Fata - November 8 - 11:52 am

  This is my 5th BMW and my last! The car is in the shop all the time. The company will not even try to help. The interior design is all wrong. The idrive is the worst crap ever. They need to put the shifter back where it belongs. If they wanted the idrive to work they should make it a touch screen. Lexus has a better system. I have never sat in such uncomfortable seats in all of my life. Racing cars have a more comfortable seats. There is nothing good to say about this car. I know 34 people with this car only 3 like it, 2 can stand it, and the rest HATE it like me! This BMW is not a car to walk away from, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Luxury at its Best - 2018 BMW 7-Series
  By E.Faye Parker - November 8 - 4:36 am

  I can not give this car the review it deserves. But so far this car is phenomenable. It is new and I have not had time to evaluate everything you want me to answer. It does everything but drive itself. I am still learning the many capacities of this vehicle. If I did not check Great-it simply means I have not gotten that far tested or evaluated that aspect.

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  conflicted feelings abound - 2004 BMW X5
  By joeshaffer - November 7 - 5:20 pm

  I was more excited to receive this vehicle than any other. Now it is here I have very mixed feelings. First off: Imola Red/Nav/Floor/Sirius/comfort seats/Metal running +pedals/set of snow tires (minnesota). Comfort seats are really great, engine noise great, acceleration great. Navigation hopeless most user unfriendly system in existence. You can NOT I-pod or bluetooth phone the 4.8is. This truck is great if you do not have a family or a dog (but I do), two front passengers will be very happy. Soon as you try to load anything of substance you start to wonder why you spend 85K (taxes inclded) on it. It is a completely impractical SUV REALLY think why you want this X5.

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  New X5 SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By edgardaniel - November 7 - 1:00 pm

  we were looking for an SUV and this was really the only option with this much to offer...all the american models were out...poor quality and the others available just did not cut it....lexus, porsche and Land Rover...excellent car for the money..too bad they sell them all and there is little room to negotiate the price down..but anyway well worth the cost...

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  love this SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By mfeder - November 7 - 12:58 pm

  We have owned various Jeep Grand Cherokees, and the Lexus RX 300. By far, the BMW is the superior car. I have no idea what reviewers are talking about- we got ours for the low 30s, not the mid 40s, and love the vehicle. We specifically got it with just black interior- no silly wood, very teutonic, and love it. The ride is superb, stiff- not like a caddy, fortunately... It is undeniably the best SUV on the road for us. To test drive one is to love one.

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  BMW X3 2.5i - 2004 BMW X3
  By fedenybaires - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Amazingly fun to drive. excellent compromise between exterior size and interior room