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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  X1 a poor mans Macan S - 2015 BMW X1
  By Terry Johnson - January 5 - 5:46 pm

  We needed to replace our car in the mountains for our vacation home and decided on the BMW X1 SAV. This is our 1st BMW (currently I drive a Porsche 997 C2 Cab and my wife drives a Porsche Cayenne S at our main home) and initially after test driving liked it (but I was leaning toward a Volvo V60 Cross Country...but was unable to work out the deal that I wanted) but after driving it for 2 weeks I more than like it! Amazing performance (for a turbo 4) and great gas mileage. Handling is superb....not my 911 type of handling...as it is not a sports car, but for what it is and for its price tag superb. The best I have driven up to the Macan (which is in a totally different category all together!). There are a few downsides which are lack of storage inside the vehicle (ours is a 2015 and I have been told that it has been somewhat rectified with the 2016 year model) and...maybe just 1 downside then! Very happy so far.

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  GRADE I thoroughbred import. - 2004 BMW X3
  By Beemo - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This thing is a winner. Theyre at the post!!!

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  bmw - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By timber35 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  fun and sexy. At 38000 miles, faultless. Easy to use manual top much more reliable than auto top.

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  Worth every penny!! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Bob - January 2 - 2:30 am

  I live in New Hampshire. We just experienced the snowiest winter in 135 years of record keeping! I got this car on 12/31/07, what perfect timing!! I cannot say enough about how impressive this car is. The Xdrive system was engineered for exactly what weather we experienced this winter. I felt so confident every trip I took in absolutely terrible weather conditions. Aside from the obvious top notch winter weather performance, this car with all the bells and whistles (nav, iPod, prem. pkg, cold pkg, steptronic) is so much fun to drive! Its scary fast! The 328xi is nice, but this car is awesome! I highly recommend getting all the options I did. You will not be disappointed.

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  The best, but not perfect - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By William Fuller - December 30 - 8:56 pm

  I thought I would buy the new G35 sedan, but after test driving the 335i, there was no doubt that this was the car for me. Great power, Great design, Many cool bells and whistles, Amazing leather. Though the car is an amazing performer, it needs some refinement with its "adaptive" transmission. I like to drive aggressively, but when the wife and kid are in the car, I try to take it easy. The transmission causes the car to lurch off the line when I try to take it easy.

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  Love, Love, Love - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Cookie - December 30 - 12:50 pm

  I love this wagon. Have driven Jeeps, Expeditions, and Honda CRVs. After driving SUVs for twenty years, I wanted something different but utilitarian. Its great... lots of room with fold-down seats. It handles so well, I hate to drive my husbands Mercedes E class as its got so much more play and bigger turning radius. It feels so loose compared to responsiveness of my wagon. Got the AWD wagon for peace of mind. I was a Mercedes lover before this. Not anymore!

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  2007 BMW 328xi Coupe - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By LT - December 27 - 6:06 am

  I ordered the car 18 months ago with Automatic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Navigation and Parking Assist. Its worth every dime. It looks great, handles like a dream, and has top notch build-quality (very German). Though it is not anywhere near the top in term of horsepower count, power delivery is excellent, making highway passing and merging very easy. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for a car that offers such performance. Unlike many other V6s, real life MPG is pretty close to what is shown on the sticker. The free maintenance program is another nice touch.

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  325Ci Manual Coupe - What a Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By stargazerm312 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive owned. It has great performance w/ 30 mpg! The 5- speed manual is flawless and the rid is firm but excellent for a sports coupe. The cornering and handling is first class. I cant wait to get into it and go. The 325 may not have as big an engine as the 330, but I dont feel it needs it. This has all the power I need. My 325 has the Cold Weather, Premium, and Sports package. The sport seates are wonderful. The gray leather gives the BMW an elegant look. The Xenon headlights make a huge difference. For the price, I got the dealer to throw in the 6-disk trunk CD-changer and the home-link type garage door opener.

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  BMW 330xi is excellent - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By neil martin - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a BMW 330Xi and this is the best car ever. I previously owned an Audi A4 and that was a great car as well but this car is phenomenal. From the styling to the performance everything is exceptional and just all around fun.

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  Drivers luxury vehicle - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Wuon - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Only have 300 miles and so far so good. One minor software glitch that resetted itself overnight. Superb driving manner and abundant power. Engine initially idles a bit noisily on cold mornings. I-drive is little overwhelming initially but becomes intuitive with practice. Very comfy seats and cavernous interior. The odd styling grows on you. Cool power trunk.