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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  Watch out for Trans Problems - 2004 BMW X5
  By mikeohah - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but mehanical problems since I bought it. Having a new transmission at 6k miles and more electrial problems seems like its cursed like the 7 series.

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  What a great car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Cargoer - May 7 - 2:00 am

  It handles turns great and has great speed. Comfortable inside and looks great.

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  No regrets, but..... - 2016 BMW X5
  By Tulsa man - May 6 - 3:51 pm

  Its a solid vehicle with good performance and quality. However, for such a premium SUV (SAV per BMW), they have omitted or neglected a few features. The tail gate will not open by waving your foot under the rear bumper for a completely heads free experience. This feature has been standard on all 5 series since 2012 and is especially useful for an SUV. After years of developing and updating idrive, iPhone text messages are still not displayed on the screen (BMW blames it on Apple). Somehow The Japanese have figured it out on much less expensive cars. Why are the front turn signals not LED like the 5 series sedans?

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  4 door supercar! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By sambonator - May 5 - 9:43 pm

  This car is phenomenal. It has class-leading handling and feel, like no other car. It has an exceptional 6-speed automatic with comfort-shift mode, sport-shift mode, and manu-matic mode using paddle shifters, and "rev matching" available in all modes to boot (who needs a 6 speed manual when this is available?). And the engine... with GOBS of available torque at any RPM, propelling this car from 0-60 in under 5 seconds! BMW underrated the power in this car by a mile (this as way more than 300hp and 300lb-ft torque). I traded in my 2003 BMW 330i for this car, and havent looked back! Handsome looks without being a police-magnet. I cannot think of a better sports sedan at ANY price!

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  so far so good - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Georges81 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  the car handle well, its fun to drive, and it gives a nice driving pleasure. The only thinks you are scared of, is that you dont know if you will arrive to your destination with out having a small technical problem.

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  Delighted - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By grandview - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with trepedation after hearing of the horrors of the I drive software system. The test drive closed the purchase. The 2004 is complicated but paatience gets you into a system that has a treasure trove of information. I like the styling and the performance of the car is just awesome with rapid acceleration and excellent gas mileage: I get 24 mpg at high speed on the highway and 20 around town. I had one fit and finish problem that was addressed by the dealer (a mismatch fit for the air vent.) The rear seat is cavernous with legroom for a Knick.

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  Unbelievable Car - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jahon - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had bad luck as of a deer and rims being stolen, other than that I adore my M3. It is the most fun and sexiest car I have ever had. I would reccomend this car over any.

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  M5 vs. M3 - 2003 BMW M5
  By 4ociousm5 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2002 M3 conv. for a 2003 M5 and Ive never been happier! Why did I do this - I dont like the new "5" styling and I wanted to own one of the last true great BMWs. What a car! Ive owned everything from Cobras, Shelby GT 500s, turbo Porsches, Corvettes including the ZR-1 and other fine, go- fast vehicles but quite honestly, this is the best car Ive ever owned!

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  The Ultimate Driving Dream - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron Girskis - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2002 330i 4 door sedan in Metallic Gray. The looks, the power, the drive are mesmerizing. I get lots of compliments at the gas station. The only thing I regret is that my warranty expired at 38,000 and it wasnt till I hit 39,000 that I realized I was out of warranty, otherwise I would of bought extended. Also the oil changes recommended by BMW dont really reflect how often you really should change the oil. BMW only recommends every 14,000 miles so they dont have to pay for the oil changes that you should be getting every 4,000 miles.

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  Wonderful Car, Not so nimble - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By RichGilb - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Its a beautiful car, and BMW does an excellent job thinking of luxury details. The pickup is wonderful, but the handling around sharp curves is not as nimble as a sports car. Its a true sports sedan, and perhaps the best one you can buy. The 6-speed manual is a rocket! I had a number of minor electronic glitches (ghosts). Sunroof stopped working here and there, then started, etc. It was enough to make me a bit nervous about its reliability. But I must say, they were minor issues.