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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  Dream Come True - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By jimbomac - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My 745i is a dream come true. Wanted a 7-series since 1986. Love it. Had a problem with the autmatic trunk lock, but that was fixed. Love the iDrive and have pretty much mastered it after 2 hours of "playing." Did I mention this car is now my hobby since I am devoid of dough? It drives wonderful, handles like my MGB from college days. I always loved the new look. Everything I expected it to be and more!!

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  Best sports car for the money - 2003 BMW M3
  By JeffM - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Compared to sporty sedans (Audi S4) and traditional sports cars (Porsche 911), the E46 M3 has all of the performance of the latter with very few compromises. The S4 is a great choice if you NEED four doors, but otherwise, the M3 is the choice for serious drivers. This car is the real deal when it comes to performance, and yet its comfortable and easy to live with. The trunk is usable and you can even put someone in the back seat without feeling guilty. The M3 is always fun the drive, and never beats you up, unlike some harder-edged sports cars.

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  Just got it - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Fred - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Just picked my 3.0 up. fully loaded except nav and cd changer. So far a gas to drive. handles and rides well. nothing to complain about. More later.

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  1995 BMW 325is - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By busy3 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure to drive since day one. The 5 speed transmission shifts with effortless motions, and the suspension handles the road with extreme confidence. My 325is has 142,000 miles and it doesnt consume one drop of oil. These cars are very fun to drive but can be somewhat costly to maintain in optimal condition, however if you are a DIYer it can cost far less to operate than when paying dealer fees to perform basic routine preventative maintanance. Overall I think this car is an excellent choice for those who need to drive a lot of miles and dont need very much room in the process.

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  Awesome Ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ready605 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  So fun to drive. Never had any problems.Great cornering and the sport package comes in handy. Very comfortable.Quick response. Great on long road trips.

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  How Soon Is Now? - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Moz1Fan - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Though it is used, it is the best car Ive ever driven. Just had it fully serviced, and to no surprise it has NO problems.Its never too late to drive "The Ultimate Driving Machine". Morrissey drives one of these, what else can I say.

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  An Awesome car beats the 2004 model 5 - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By charlieF - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is nothing short of amazing, the ride makes you literally feel like you floating in a leer jet. The build quality doesnt get any better than this, I mean there is hardly any plastic used in this car whats so ever its all high quality vinyl. The leather is so buttery soft makes me never want to exit the car. I had previously owned a Mercedes before this, this 5 Series compared to the Mercedes is like night and day. Mercedes needs to learn what quality and reliability is then they will have more customers, like BMW..

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  GERMANS GONE WRONG - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By GENGHIS - November 22 - 2:00 am

  IDRIVE IS IMPOSSIBLE. NEEDS REPROGRAMMING EVERY FEW MONTHS AND THEN VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. INTERIOR TRIM IS CHEAP PAINTED PLASTIC AND PAINT CONTINUALLY PEELS OFF. HAVE USED TWO DEALERS TO SERVICE AND BOTH ARE WELL BELOW PAR FOR LUXURY DEALER. HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN NEW 2004 JAG VANDEN PLAS AND LOVE IT. NO COMPARISON!!!

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  Overall, good. Problems with hybrid system - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Dan O - November 21 - 8:42 pm

  I really love the looks, driving, and performance of this car. Mileage is fantastic with the hybrid system. I can drive to and from work on total electric power leading to a combined MPGe of 68. However, the hybrid system has some issues with cold weather. It often wont allow total electric driving and doesnt show the range available on electric power. Also, the system isnt charging to its full range.

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  Sporty and solid. Fun to drive. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By JIM M - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Almost one month old and 500 miles later. The car rides and handles great with a tight, solid and sporty feel.The car really hugs the road on turns and the slight roar of the engine enhances the performance care experience. Not a single problem to date.