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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  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Gary - December 10 - 10:13 am

  Ive only had the car for a week but I am already in love! I went from a Mercedes to this absolute rocket. Looks, performance, it has it all. The total experience is what one would expect from buying a luxury sports sedan from Germany. I will never go back to Mercedes.

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  The Perfect Blend - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By szbmw330i - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Absolute luxury when you are cruising the highways, a 4 door sports car when you hit the windy mountain roads.The transmission is a work of art. The car has amazing composure.The communication between myself, the car , and the road was so in sync. I have been driving assorted audis for the past 15 years. All I can say is, I just didnt get it. The BMW is the ultimate driving machine. There is not a better entry level sport luxury. If you wanted what this car has to offer, in luxury,performance,features,safety,relia bility...you would be spending $10,000- $15,000 more. Join me in the experience!

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  Owned for 6 years - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By JKC - December 8 - 4:41 am

  Have had the 535 Sport package for 6 years/70,000 miles so far. Still like new with not a squeak or a rattle - a traditional solid built tank. All materials still like new and no problems. Previously replaced cars every 3 or 4 years, but now I find little logic in doing so since it is still like a new car, and maintenance has basically been just oil changes and brakes have been lasting a long time. Cant believe the blue book value for the car is incredibly low now. I have a deposit for a Tesla Model 3, but I can probably hold onto this car for another 10 years and be better off, so may not get the Tesla. Im still not bored of it, and still all original, except for replacing the run-flat tires with regular Continental tires that have provided a surreal quality experience.

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  Fun - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By L.Pavlecich - December 7 - 10:26 pm

  A fun car to drive. I love the solid feel and its handling on the curves. It has great power once it gets going but the initial acceleration is a bit disappointing, maybe because of the all wheel drive. All in all a great vehicle.

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  The ultimate driving machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By change7550 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a "drivers car:" look no further. There may be other cars (Lexus IS300, Infinity G35, etc) that offer more equipment at a lower price, but they do not come near to the level of excitment and fun that this car (325i) has to offer. The look of the car is simple and elegant inside and out. The engine is smooth and powerful and the handling, oh, the handling is nimble and agile. The 3 also gets credits for offering all the safty features as standard equipment.

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  In a word .... amazing - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DRHarris - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Really struggled having to turn in my leased 01 Saab 9-3 convertible. I tried Saab 9-3 aero (very nice improvements, but no sport mode so low torque compared to 01), and Audi (not a drivers car). Im now a BMW convert. Just took delivery of my loaded 04 330CiC with SMG and it is incredibly responsive, looks fantastic inside and out, and very quick.

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  06 330 is the Best 3 ever!!!!!1 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ab - November 28 - 12:03 am

  Ever since I bought my car last month, it has been excellent. I have owned a 03 300m, 03 325i, and 04 TL. The new 330i is by far the best car I have driven!!!! I have the premium, cold, and sport packages (sport package worth the money). For car lovers, get the manual, it is more enjoyable than the automatic. The interior and exterior designs are great. For the older generation, it might be a problem, but for me (27) it is excellent. It is about time BMW updated their look to target the younger generation! I give the 06 330 3 thumbs up!!! (If I only had an extra one).

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  Only the Germans can do this... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By iwannarace - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 530iA with a Sport Package about 6 weeks ago. I shopped, I compared, I slept on it, I thought of compromise, nothing could take me away. Boy am I glad I stuck with my intial instinct. This car does what you want it to do! Go! Stop! Corner! Its exhilirating every time I approach those 17" alloys, open and enter the chamber, sit in that bad ass seat and rap my hands around that 3 spoke sport wheel. The only complaint I have is that there are too many other cars on the road that interfere with my ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE AND ME!

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  Simply Awesome! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Greg - November 26 - 4:36 pm

  This is truly an amazing vehicle to drive. Excellent handling, super fast, acceleration is as smooth as silk, very little cabin noise. The iDrive takes no more than 1 hour to learn. Hands down the best sedan in its class. Bravo BMW!

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  Excellent, but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By tliebman - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and its reputation is well founded. It is a blast to drive, both in town and especially on long trips. Shouldnt a $45,000 car have an in dash CD changer? The interior is beautiful, but not very functional. There is no storage in the console, the cupholders are a joke. The climate controls are illogical, but work well. The gas pedal is too vertical-only my toes touch the pedal. Why can the US and Japanese make brakes that dont dust, and the Europeans cant?