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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  Love it so But I wish.......... - 2004 BMW X3
  By supaman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My girlfriend and I recentley purchased an 04 X3 2.5i Auto.. We have had so much fun in our X3 and we have only had it for a couple months. This vehicle can do anything you want, and then some! We love driving it, even rock, paper, scissoring to see who will drive. Overall we are in line with most reviews you will read. Its a great vehicle, but watch that bottom line. Although from most measurables the majority of X3s look and perform very similar or the same, the prices are very very different.

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  fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By huemul - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that will give the driver everything he/she hopes for style, reliability, confort and security

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  If youre REALLY a car person...... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By giants98 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  and money is no object, this is the car for you. The design and styling is something very special and the drive, handling and sound of the vehicle is unmatched. I heard all the comments on the I-drive and expected a lot worse-- its not a problem to work at all. Grab the Sport Package is it adds bigger wheels and very comfortable seats, plus some other driving goodies. For a fairly large car, it handles like a little sports car without sacrificing comfort. Its a very special and unique car for someone who does not have to ask "how much" when ordering one. Im thrilled with my silver convertible with a black top and cream beige interior. One of the best cars Ive ever owned.

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  impossible to give up - 2001 BMW Z8
  By uber ich - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I think Ill keep this car forever! I am planning on getting a Vanquish and every time I drive it to the dealer for the trade-in, I turn around.

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  For the right price it is a great car - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By ChrisG1979 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  When I found this car, I had been looking for two months. I paid the guy 4000 cash and he was asking 5000. To date I have to put about a 1000 into it, and probly will need to put another 500 soon. I have had a few problem with the car, one of which is that it has burned up 2 cat. converters, which gets expensive. If I was not able to do the repairs myself, I would not still have this car. I think it is a great car for the price and is so much fun to drive. I plan to buy BMWs for the for seealbe furtrue. These are great cars.

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  Problems Problems Problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ReneeBelkin - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive been in the dealer more than the car. Told flaws are fixed in the next years model! Pain in the rear to get the car in. The problems are repeated cup holders broken, in dash software problems, doors rattle, lights stay on, signals flip to one side then ther other, wheel balance is always pulling,seat adjustment controls and overall one thing or another,.

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  My 540ia experience - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By opptheman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  First let me mention that I previously owned a 1997 740il since 9-2001. After taking out a 540i on a test drive back in April, I knew I had to have one. A 528, 525 or 530 may look like a 540 but believe me that 8 cylinder makes a world of a difference. Beware that dealers seemed to charge a premium for this car so I lucked out and found a private owner selling a 2003 for a tad bit more than the dealer wanted for a 2001. The car drives like a dream, corners on a rail and is lightening fast and silky smooth. Its also a conservative clean cut look so most people wont have a clue of how sporty it really is. My 740 drove great too but didnt respond in turns and wasnt nearly as quick.

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  bmw x5fun to drive - 2004 BMW X5
  By deluca - October 2 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive ,great looking and reliable

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  Amazing experience - 2017 BMW X1
  By Chris - October 1 - 6:12 pm

  I absolutely love this car.

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  I Got A Lemon - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Dr. P - October 1 - 1:56 pm

  this is my third BMW 3 series. I truly went with the slogan, "the ultimate driving machine", until now. My 328i is sluggish on pick up. Once going its jerking me into a whip lash. beleive me, this is no fun. maybe too much technology? Once going, its Ok.