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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  Saves gas and still fun to drive! - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By George OGorman - December 22 - 1:04 am

  The 328d may be one of the slower models of the fleet, but its torque to horsepower ratio is superb.

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  Benchmark BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By East End Driver - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Test drove all the sport sedans,TSX,JAG,G-35 Saab 9 3 Audi.BMW left a lasting impression,perfect combination of sport,luxury,performance and handling.Great lease deals make BMW pricing competitive.

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  great sav - 2003 BMW X5
  By z/man - December 17 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd bmw x5 love it

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  No Wonder the Others Have to Advertise! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Treepusher - December 14 - 9:13 am

  Thirty-five years of GM, Volkswagen, and Japanese in my garage, and when it came time for a new ride, figured thered be more of the same. Stumbled across a BMW dealer, stopped in for laughs. A minute in a 330i, and I stopped laughing. I had to have this car. It WANTS to go, and hang on to your hat, its quick, not just fast, even without the performance package. Exhilarating to drive, handling must be experienced to be believed. Elegant simplicity to the interior design. Handsome exterior exudes class. HK sound system is nice, but the growl of the engine is the cars real music.

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  A New Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By sarn - December 12 - 10:00 am

  The car hugged the road like glue. Drove @80 - 90 mph from Italy to Austria. Excellent handling on the curves & surprisingly quiet - even with the top down. Comfortable even after a 4 hour drive.

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  My experience w/ my 325xi - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Susan Powell - December 10 - 8:33 pm

  After driving many other cars, the BMW is the best one by far. I love my new car, its good on fuel, comfortable to drive and ALSO fun to drive! I couldnt be happier with it.

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  2003 Lexus IS 300 to 2006 BMW 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabriel - December 8 - 3:16 pm

  The BMW 325i has the identical size engine as my old IS 300, 3.0 215hp. So it was great to compare the two. The BMW just out performs the IS in every aspect. The handling is simply the best. The BMW grabs the road through any turn at any speed and also maintains composure, allowing the driver to feel at total control. The IS was so jittery and made you feel nervous. I also noticed the engine is much more refined than the IS. Its extremely smooth throughout all speeds. The BMW is also wider and longer than in previous years. The more you drive the BMW 325i the more you realize that the saying "The ultimate driving machine" is really true.

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  We love our 2016 BMW X1 / Chestnut Bronze Metallic - 2016 BMW X1
  By John Gibson - December 8 - 7:59 am

  This is our first BMW, but after a test drive and seeing all the features, we were sold. It drives great, tight and solid, everything in the car seems high quality. Our dealer spent hours explaining the long list of features and options. Our dealer made it a great buying experience. The CAR DETAILS below are wrong but I cant edit them. Its too soon to know its reliability, but I expect it will be great. Our zip code is 36784, south west Alabama.

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  Passenger Side Sensor - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gabe - December 8 - 1:53 am

  I am happy with my 2006 BMW 325i. This machine is the first luxury vehicle that I have ever owned and I am very pleased with it.

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  Great vehicle - 2017 BMW X1
  By MC - December 6 - 8:27 pm

  Amazing handling. Very sporty.