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 Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jean330i - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have only just purchased the vehicle and its the most fun I have ever had driving a car. I live for the curves, where the car stays flat and hugs the road with complete confidence. Driving is an event that brings a smile. I dont know yet about reliability, so I cant really judge. This car is not plush on the inside, it doesnt scream "luxury", rather, it emphatically whispers "quality". The only other vehicle I considered was the Lexus and there was no comparison. The Lexus felt too soft-too disconnected from the road. My research sources concluded that its one of the better made vehicles...and that the drive is the best. I agree.

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  Awesome - 2016 BMW X5
  By Mb - September 16 - 10:08 pm

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  I love it !!! better than i expected - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By BH - September 15 - 12:05 pm

  I traded in a C class Mercedes. i couldnt do it fast enough i only had the MB 4 months. Im not one to switch cars my last Audi i had for 8 years and 220K miles so that tells you what i think of that car. the BMWs size is perfect, the ride exceptional, and i love the look. this car just plain fits you perfectly. Ive only had it a few thousand miles but its flawless in how it handles and operates. I cant speak to reliability but Im very happy right now. I never thought id find a car to compare with my Audi but this thing is really really close. Great job I can only hope i feel this way 6 months from now.

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  Bugs in the Computer - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Lkitty - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, drives like a dream. Brakes are wonderful. Car attrackes a big crowd. Unfortunitly, severe creaking with body twist and active steering gets floaty over 105mph. Back seat is just for groceries. Car has been in the shop for total of 15 days and 4 trips in first 2 months, all computer related. No radio, no phone service, navagation meltdown, iDrive meltdown. This car was just not ready to be sold to the market, they needed another year to work out the bugs.

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  Bad Styling - 2011 BMW Alpina B7
  By Bob - September 14 - 5:30 pm

  All in All this car is very pleasing to live with. Only complaint is the styling, which is to busy in my opinion. Styling mimicking the regular 7 series would be a big improvement.

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  Exceptional - 2004 BMW M3
  By atl04m3 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW and this one is by far the best of all. I would compare it to a gocart with doors. Fun to drive, but safe and comfortable with all of the creature comforts like navigation, heated nappa leather seats, and sunroof. This car is a bargain that seats 4!

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  The ultimate beast - 2000 BMW M5
  By M5 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing.

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  Slack-jawed - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Hootie361 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I finally understand why people take "joy rides" in their cars. The performance of this sedan is superb on the twisting, dipping, back-country roads near my residence. The engine power is impressive, the transmission shifts are smooth, the tires hug the road, the breaks stop on a dime...the car lives up to the title of "ultimate driving machine". For high speed driving, I recommend a high-end set of tires...my all seasons transmit vibrations starting at 85mph (but disappear around 100mph). The car is absolutely convenient, only had 2 minor (<$20 fix) problems so far.

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  Near Perfect - 1996 BMW M3
  By M2Pilot - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This car exhibits german fit and finish accompanied by a muscular solidity that only BMW can offer. Power is delivered in a smooth fashion by the 3.2 litre six. You actually feel like you are a part of this vehicle. Take a trip to Dinan Engieering to boost your M3 to another level of performance...

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  Luxury comfort with style! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By MikeMa - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car to cruise the block. Definetly makes your neighbours jel..