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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  Satisfied customer - 2003 BMW M3
  By adam reuben - May 24 - 2:00 am

  After three months of waiting my M finally arrived and it didnt dissapoint. This is the most powerful vehicle I have ever driven, there is power in every gear and throughout the entire range of the tachometer. The response of the car is immediate and when pushed the car pins you to the drivers seat for an amazing ride. The interior is comfortable and supportive and the controls are functional and easy to decipher. In my opinion this is the most complete GT on the market.

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  fun - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By great car - May 23 - 7:53 pm

  This by far is the best car I have ever driven! The handling and comfort is incredible. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great the body style catches everyone eye!!!

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  x! REVIEW - 2016 BMW X1
  By Mark OMalley - May 23 - 6:14 pm

  BUY PRICE SHOULD BE FOR INVOICE

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  Looks Great - 2000 BMW Z3
  By mikeyg - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and classy looks. A real headturner. Just a beautiful looking sports car that stands out from the crowd. mfg11@aol.com

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  My first BMW in 15 years - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Marty Freifeld - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I like top of the line large German sedans. For the part 15 years I have driven Mercedes and Audi. I wanted a car with performance, handling , and luxery that mede a statement - and was at the leading edge of design. This BMW fit the bill - no longer is it behind the big Mercedes in solidity, performance, and was ALWAYS ahead in handling. I love this car.

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  Sweet Car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Mojorider - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This Car is amazing it handles like a porsche 911, (i have one, i would know...), is smooth and the power just seems to keep coming. Those who dont like it are just...not very sophisticated in their tastes!

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  Awesome SUV, but Quality SUCKS - 2001 BMW X5
  By Davil - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Dear BMW, Please build your next X5 line with two major changes: 1: Do something about the terrible build quality. I have owned mine for almost 3 years now, and its been in the shop about once every 2 months (or more often) the whole time. The worst incident was when it took your dealerships repair folks THREE separate attempts to fix my leaking radiator expansion tank (and I may be about to make a 4th trip to get it fixed AGAIN). 2: Make the damn thing 6 inches longer, and put all the extra space in the cargo area (and btw, offer a 3rd row seat while youre at it).

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  2001 540iA - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By timmcgarry - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 540iA automobile is one of the finer cars I have had the pleasure to drive. The handling and cornering is the best I have had experienced on an automobile. My sole complaint is centered on the stability of the automatic transmission. It slips. Several trips to the dealer have failed to resolve the problem permanently.

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  This is the ultimate driving machine? - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By bardi - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This car drives well but suffers in the reliability category. Something seems to go wrong every month. Numerous attempts to fix the same problem seem to have failed. Build quality is poor relative to price. Of course, when the car isnÂ’t in the shop it does drive like a BMW should.

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  what happen to the gear shift? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By DR. TOOTH - May 21 - 2:00 am

  745LI ABSOLUTELY DRIVE LIKE A DREAM, THE CAR IS SO RESPONSIVE CONSIDER ITS SIZE. BUT MOUNTING THE GEAR SHIFT BEHIND THE STERRING WHEEL IS WHAT REMINDED ME MY MOTHERS OLD OLDSMOBLE. AND FOR A BMW WITHOUT THE ABILITY OF UPSHIFT IS NOT A TRUE BMW.