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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  Ultimate Paradox - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Steveh - June 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream to drive . The workmanship on the car is definitely substandard and the electronics are woeful. Every repair has either been completely ineffective in remedying my problem or has created some new problem the dealer cant figure out. Strongly recommend anyone thinking about purchasing this car get detailed information about the dealership(s) srevice department, since youll be spending quite a bit of time there. I live in an area with only one BMW dealer in a 100 mild radius and the service department has been incompetent and as user unfriendly as the car.

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  Great new 325 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By anthony - June 21 - 2:40 pm

  The new 325 is a great car. It handles great and has smooth acceleration in all gears. The new styling is very attractive. We love it!

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  A Great Sports Sedan!! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By arkdiablo - June 21 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned several cars and this has to be the best. I recently sold my Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe 6MT and bought the 330i with the performance package and 6MT. There is no comparison! The 330i handles better in the rain soaked streets of Arkansas then the Infinti ever thought about on dry pavement. I am not your average driver with several driving schools and drivers training through enforcement. I can tell you the 330i is worth the extra bucks not only for its performance but also the build quality and ergonomics of the interior. The Infiniti, one had to constantly hunt for the desired controls. If you are into driving, the BMW is the car for you!

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  Best BMW for the buck - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By nxtc - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 318ti used w/20k warranty remaining. Even with a/t, really a pleasure to drive. Wide stance offers great cornering with excellent brakes. A smooth but solid ride with the speedometer pointing straight up. A Its a shame that BMW doesnt offer this powerplant in the US market any more. Dealer warranty service has been exceptional.

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  lots of fun! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By cachitongo - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my car for 2 weeks but am loving it! It is solid, predictable and responsive. Awesome brakes and suspension. Beautiful car - a real head turner! Im glad I made the leap.

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  Really disappointing experience - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - June 19 - 5:28 am

  This is my fourth BMW. I had good experience with older BMWs. This cars auto start/stop function is abrupt. The entertainment system is highly unreliable. After a few months use, the USB port to Ipod failed to function. Then the email to car system failed to receive messages sent to the car. The bluetooth connectivity is problematic. Phone calls will be received but the sound does not go through the speaker system. When you reported that to the dealership, they claim BMW has problem with keeping up the software updates for iPhones. They cannot fix them. The headlight controller unit failed but the dealership failed to fix it during warranty period. The seat belts buckle hits the hard plastic of the B beam and creates a rattling noise when driving. It seems that BMW has a hard time get their software working properly in their entertainment system.

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  EXHILARATING & WORTH EVERY PENNY - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By FS - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Youre driving onto the entrance ramp of a major freeway, and you press slightly down on the accelerator: Your vehicle leaves you behind at the ramp! It handles extremely well on curves and corners. The vehicle is very well insulated but not enough to where you dont hear the roar of the engine. An excellent ride-- not too soft and not to tight/bumpy. Overall, the best vehicle in this class!

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  Bravo BMW!!! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Russell Housen - June 19 - 2:00 am

  After owning many BMWs this is by far the most elegant and fun to drive. When compared to the Mercedes S500 and Im sorry but therewas NO comparison! The Mercedes was uninspiring and boring. True the gadgets in the Bimmer take some getting used to, it did not take much time and the rewards are plentiful. My friends are in awe of this automobile, it is time to take the automobile into the next century and I applaude BMW for being at the forefront. Those who critize havent spent the time to master the technology. After watching the video and working with the electronics driving this car is once again a very enjoyable experience. The car is also beautiful!

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  xi AWD Safety and Performance to boot - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By smileywm - June 19 - 2:00 am

  xDrive ROCKS! Handles flawlessly in any road condition. Combination of AWD and Dynamic Stability Control makes this vehicle as near to fool-proof as you can get behind the steering wheel of a car. If safety is high on your list, but you do not want to compromise too much in the way of performance, ride or comfort, consider the 325xi.

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  Love it - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Nat - June 18 - 10:03 pm

  Bought the car used, with a whopping 600 miles on it. Have had it for 3 months and added 7,000 incredibly fun miles. I have owned 2 jeeps (both soft top), 2 Volvos, 1 Lexus, 1 Benz, 1 Ford and 1 BMW years ago - this is by far the most fun to drive and the only one other than my first Jeep that has garnered great comments from other drivers. Took it in for regular maintenance service early at 7,600 miles as I dont want to wait til recommended 15,000 miles. I expected to pay for this one myself, but dealer took care of it anyway. Great car.