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 ride without a beverage - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By db - April 13 - 6:03 am

  Overall an awesome ride that sacrifices comfort for performance. If you want to sit on a couch while driving get a 7 series! I love this car, and it moves pretty fast! I thought gas consumption would be worse than it actually is with the 4.4 v8, but not too bad I guess? I love the lines of the car, and get many compliments from people as well. I feel safe in the car, as I have kids, many great safety features to reassure the feeling. This car is very durable and fast (2nd mention), I forget Im driving a family station wagon at times!

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  BMW diesel is awesome - 2010 BMW X5
  By LITTLEVINNY - April 12 - 9:18 pm

  I purchased 2010 4 months ago. I have 3500 miles on it and I have had no problems. This automobile is incredible. The engine is so smooth and powerful. It feels like you get to 60 mph in 4 secs. It is effortless and fun to drive. I do not think I will ever buy a regular gas engine powered car again. BMW fit and finish is the best. Everything is first class in this vehicle. Did I mention that it is fun to drive? The only thing I do not like is run flat tires. Did I mention that it is fun to drive? I am getting about 23 mpg with about 50/50 city/highway driving. I hope that BMW does not keep raising their prices so much that they become unaffordable. Did I mention that it is fun to

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  1st 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Olson - April 12 - 2:57 pm

  Bought this car used, I adore this vehicle. I smile and actually giggle every time I click the door open. I have had a 3 series in the past and was hesitant about going to a car so much bigger. I was wrong. It handles like a demon when accelerating. The rear wheel drive in Wisconsin does require special care, but the way it conforms to me and the heated seats and steering wheel more than make up for it. I have every intention of holding on to this car for many years to come. The previous owner took such care of it, one would never believe it was used. Love, love this car, just pray it does not break in any way, expensive to fix.

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  Came back to BMW - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By txvette - April 11 - 9:50 am

  A few years ago had a 5 series. Great car no problem but was a sport wagon and I just didnt like the use of a sw. So I traded it. Since than have been a Lexus driver. Great cars not one problem. But you cant compare the the two. Lexus is a soft ride luxury and BMW is a sport luxury. Just driving the 3 home it all came back on why they rave about the handling of BMW. It just feels so tight and in control. The car overall just feels more soild.

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  All sorts of fun, quick - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By Zimmy - April 10 - 4:20 pm

  Having had a 2008 Z4 Roadster before this, I was looking for my next BMW to be more practical yet still wanted it to be fun and fast. I got that and more in the 135i Coupe. Fuel Mileage is not as important to me but fares quite well. The car handles very well (as you would expect from BMW) however the front end does have more push than I would like when driven hard. Slightly tires from the 335i would fix that I presume. The M sport package looks great and the sounds from the exhaust are almost musical. My favorite BMW to date!

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  A Stunning Standard of Driving Pleasure - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Quasiben - April 8 - 10:10 pm

  Acceleration, handling, comfort, fit and balance (power and efficiency)--all the attributes of a great, affordable car are here. With a few Dinan mods, the car becomes a brilliant sleeper that begs to be driven. In addition, one can cruise all day at 75 mph and get 30+mpg. Who cares about cup holders? Drove Audis and loved them however, the 335i was tighter and more drivable.

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  Love It! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By DMapp-OTown - April 7 - 11:06 pm

  After having owned Infinitis, Lincolns, and various other luxury brands, this is by far the best car I have ever driven. Even though this was the first time that I purchased a used vehicle, the car is in excellent condition. A former corporate unit, the car was barely used and came with every option except rear DVD. A big surprise has been how fuel efficient the car has been. This model is worth a serious look.

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  great car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mikeny - April 7 - 7:53 pm

  What a great car. Super smooth on NY roads when compared to my old 2003 Nissan maxima. Great curb appeal in and out. Plenty of options to choose from. Really a drivers car. Love the idrive system

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  Fantastic Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By tom mcguire - April 7 - 4:11 pm

  I have put all 160,000 miles on this car and except for items that go on any car, like brakes, belts, etc it has not had any serious problem except that the sports shift mode hasnt worked in 2 years. Never uses a drop of oil, gets 31 mpg at a steady 75 and I always feel rested after driving it. While it has not been garaged it still looks brand new as I wax and seal each year. Great car and in 40+ years of driving I have driven the best cars available and some dogs along the way. BMWs have become too complex, but I am buying a new 3 series soon and giving this car to my daughter. Buy one and youll see.

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  Incredibly fun - 2011 BMW X6
  By madmarcus1970 - April 6 - 3:01 pm

  Been a BMW owner since 1996. These cars keep on getting better and better. I have an X5 4.4 V8 and now the owner of an X6 (still kept the X5). In short having the X6 35idrive (diesel), i can honestly say that i do miss the oomph of the v8, though the gas consumption is way better 10.8 L/100 km. It is economically better, and way cheaper gassing up once every 10 days vs 5 days with the V8. So apart from the get and up and get em, v8 power what do i miss. Nothing, great car, great steering, incredibly great seats, incredibly great car. Few around and the owners are proud. Hard to park though, apart from that highly recommended you will get signs of approval from all. It is a modern marvel.