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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  you be the judge - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By golfguy - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Not alot of miles yet, but first impression - FABULOUS. Love the Active steering and ARS, makes the car drive like its on rails. Logic7 stereo is great, though I am haming same issue as another reviewer with sound dropping out. iDrive is very convenient, loaded with information, and easy as a mouse to use. The nay- sayer mag. writers just need a 10 minute lesson to figure it out. Drove both regular and sport versions - the active steering makes any car feel like manual assist. Very well built and detailed. I have had more thumbs- up compliments with this car (sapphire on black) than any other car Ive owned, and Ive had a bunch.

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  As Close To An M3 As You Can Get - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bevarian Speed - May 24 - 6:06 am

  This is one great car. I bought it as a second car so im not putting miles on my brand new Evo 9. The car is excellent. The accleration is very nice and smooth. A fat powerband an power over the entire rpm range. Wanna pass that truck? A downshift isnt even needed to even at 2500 rpms. The handling is excellent, the suspension and steering are very comminucative and constantly sends messages to the driver which is why its best to stay on smooth roads. At low speeds it feels quick but not fast, at high speeds around 90mph it feels like a race car, you feel like theres no end to the speed and fun, even at 140. This is a great car an gets all the looks and is pure fun to drive. Good Job BMW

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  Great Functional Car - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By iserum - May 23 - 4:15 pm

  It is a functional Car, replaced a X3 with this vehicle, this is by no means or close to a 3 series drive, 3 series owner will be disappointed with this car, in my opinion BMW should have not named it in 3 series, we got this cars for leg room in back and good storage in trunk and to keep the car feel of drive, it is better than SUV with low CG, hence low chance of roll over as compared to SUV, this is our 6 or 7th BMW so most of the cabin amenities or lack of it we are familiar with, the car does not drive like 3 series at all, it is softer ride even with M sports package. i rate it higher for its practicality for my family.

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  BMW 3 Series Softtop - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By J A Simpson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Simply the highest quality car I have ever owned, and a lot of fun.

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  poor quality windows - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By martyd - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought it through euro program (excellent option). Love to drive this car, but quality could be improved. Its great in the snow/ice - better than most SUVs. Driver side window motor failed soon after warranty expired. Already have full new set of brakes at 60k miles for $1100. Love only needing oil service every 15000. Fits family of four quite well with good trunk space.

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  Love My 5GT! - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Neil - May 19 - 12:50 pm

  I opted for the European Delivery option and collected my new 550i GT in April 2010. The pics dont do it justice -- this car is a beauty. With the big twin turbo V8 this was fun to drive in Europe. We hit 130 on the Autobahn (OK, we were not trying hard enough). Drove through Liechtenstein through the Alps into Italy and across highway 10 along the Med -- this was a James Bond drive with windy roads in and out of tunnels. Super cool! The car was great throughout the trip. I loaded this baby with options. The heads-up display is fantastic especially when trying to navigate unfamiliar territory -- it makes a wrong turn much less likely. The new iDrive is way better than before too.

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  Brilliant All weather sedan! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Reuben D - May 17 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased this car(325XI w/Sport Package) after driving the WRX, Audi 1.8Q and 3.0Q and S60AWD. The car with the 17inch tires is a paragon of perfection, if you are keen on a wonderful tactile machine that communicates the road to you in ever so many ways, this is the automobile for you. None of the competition can match its lovely moves on the road. Throughly recommended, as also Kelly BMW in Columbus (Bill Reifsteck)!

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  2005 BMW 325i - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By huntster - May 17 - 2:10 am

  Great Car all around! Good performance, style, and luxury.

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  V4 3.1liter - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Hfree21734 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car. Attracts much attention and approval from other motorists. Solid and substantial. Difficult to get into but once in the great seats hold you in much comfort. Wonderful smooth engine but this is not unusual with BMW. Smart interiar and clever design on the outside of the car with the wandering creases.

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  As promised! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By John - May 12 - 9:20 pm

  The new 3-series is a joy to drive. Great exterior styling, comfortable interior with more "elbow room" than previous 3-series incarnations and lots of fun gadgets.