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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  Weve got 2 and love them both - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By AaronRBose - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve got two 745Lis loaded with every available option except the sport package and adaptive ride package. Car is absolutely amazing - definetely worth the $90K each of them were. Absolutely fantastic cars that look and handle great - iDrive is very easy, even for my computer illiterate grandparents. If youre going to spend the $$, this is the car!

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  Driver Heaven - 2001 BMW Z8
  By joneshume - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a most awesome machine, finely tuned, the penultimate BMW achievement. Comfortable interior belies the power under the hood. Dont make the mistake of pushing the "sport" button unless youre prepared for the extraordinary surge in power and control "freedom" that ensues. Dont get this vehicle (if you can find one) unless you dont mind constant attention and admiring looks from bystanders and other drivers.

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  BMW 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ghirschfeld - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Flawless performance. Never been to the shop. Corners like it is on rails. Excellent acceleration

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  Love this car! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By frank3 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  As my first BMW, I did not expect "the ultimate driving machine" from a 10 model-year old car. However, driving is a gas! Handling, accelleration, comfort, all exceeded my expectations. This car is built to last...I only wish I were!

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  Poor Quality - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Shocked BMW Lover - January 17 - 8:40 am

  I special ordered a 2006 530i after already owning and loving a 1998 528i. I received the car, loved it, but immediately started having problems with the high battery drain check control message. I had it in the shop 3 times for this. Then the thermostat and waterpump needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealership for about 20 days out of the first 6 weeks I owned it. They are replacing the car for me since it was headed toward a lemon law claim really soon. I have been in a loaner car the whole time. The service has been great but the car really did not meet expectations for quality. Not what you would expect.

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  What a car!` - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By clrox - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Runs great-performance when you need it and excellent reliability. I drive over 100 miles a day so I get to know my cars and this one is going to stay!

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  A sad day - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By livea little - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to be emotional but....today i traded my 525 i for a new 2003 325i. long story short...the 95 525i was the best car I have ever owned and (sorry to be corny) but I almost cried at the dealership - and felt like a total traitor when I walked away from my eight year love affair with my first BMW. the cars are truly "the ultimate driving machine" the 525i continued to handle and drive like it did eight years ago - firm, agile and taut. a great car. It saved my life when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver who was going over 50 mph. thanks - I will miss you

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  Laughing like a hyena - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JCRIV - January 16 - 2:00 am

  After driving very modest cars for 27 years, I test drove a few nice ones and BMWs handled like no others. The 5- series was too big for my tastes, and after 30 minutes in a friends M3 I realized Id be dead within a week, so the 325 was the logical choice. Four months later I still laugh uproariously every time I approach it, in part because it looks and feels so cool, in part because I traded it in for a 1989 VW Fox. I really wanted Orient Blue, but when the car arrived after a 2-month wait, it was Mystic Blue. The car I used as a template on the dealers lot was mislabeled on the manifest! Another reason to laugh.

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  High miles good value - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Tony from Kansas cit - January 15 - 2:00 am

  With 69K miles, I was not too concerned, since the car was extremely clean and new brakes and rotors. Since purchased, had to replace camshaft positioning sensor - $180 installed. Car was running poorly and engine light was on - fixed now. Moreover, had to replace front sway bar tie rod ends - $80.00 self installed. Car still running strong - next maintenance will be plugs, fluid changes.

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  BMW Flagship Car, a luxury ICON worth owning! - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By J. Peters - January 13 - 5:07 pm

  This fabulous motorcar is the most comfortable luxury vehicle that I have ever owned. Although it takes -- and deserves -- premium gasoline, my 2001 BMW 740iL is surprisingly gas-efficient! If well-maintained, annual maintenance costs are less than what would be paid for annual lease payments on a Toyota. My BMW dealer recently allowed me to use a 2016 "loaner" while servicing my 2001 740iL but getting back into my 2001 felt like returning to heaven as it remains superior to any 2016 BMW model.