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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  First 10,000 Miles - 2003 BMW X5
  By AzX5 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my X5 for six months now and put a lot of miles on it--thus far Ive loved this car and it has had no problems whatsoever. Its fun to drive (a little too fun--you find yourself wanting to go faster than you should because you feel so safe, stable, and in control--One speeding ticket already). I recently drove a friends brand new ML 350 and it couldnt compare...The BMWs seats were softer and more comfortable, the brakes felt much better, the acceleration more zippy.

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  X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By JASJASJAS - May 20 - 10:00 am

  BMW made a whole bunch of "goofs" on thsi vehicle. The X5 only confortably seat 4, because the middle seat in the back has all of its comfort taken away by the petruding centercolsole in teh front. Still, trunk space is extremely limited.

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  Luv2plz - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Hai614 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Im so in love w/ bad boy. The ride is so smooth and responsive, way better than I expected. The body styling is so buff and sexy that catches many eyes on the road.

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  My second BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ameriyreal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second BMW, I bought it with only 900 miles. I traded in my 323i 00 for this awesome 325ci. This car is much better than my 2000. Silver, silver trim in the inside, sports package, the sound of the engine for the 5 speed manual is very aggresive. I am going to buy the Xenon lights since I miss them (my 2000 had them). BMW is the way to go. Girls are attracted to them.

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  Good, but.... - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Tenngizmo - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I like a lot of aspects of this car. Great appearance, pin-point handling and rock-solid brakes. However, Ive had several annoying and far too numerous electrical problems. I dont think this car has ever gone more than 90 days without a problem of one sort or another. Ive heard of other people with the same kind of problems. German build quality is good, but they should send their electrical guys back to school.

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  M3 convertible - 2003 BMW M3
  By tenn40 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Awesome looks, quick as lightning, corners like a dream, cannot wait for breakin period to end!

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  Better Every Day! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By gary41 - May 19 - 5:46 am

  Pictures and quick test drive do not do justice for this car. It excels in every arena; from getting 40mpg on the fwy to having tons of power to the interior comfort, I cant wait to drive my 325 each morning and look for excuses to go somewhere.

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  Best overall Sports Sedan - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Robert In OPKS - May 19 - 2:44 am

  This is my third 2012, 2014, and 2016 BMW 550 Xdrive. It ranks tops in more segments against other GS, the Audi A6, the MB E550. It had power to spare with all wheel drive system that manages all conditions well. Previous vehicle was a 2006 Mercedes E-55. I have two kids both on car seats which makes the rear a tight space.

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  1995 BMW 325i - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By riskytakr - May 19 - 2:00 am

  An outstanding vehicle for the price (<10K). A good way to experience the ultimate driving machine at less than half the cost. Due diligence is necessary though as our vehicle was previously damaged and undisclosed/ignorance claimed by the dealership about the trunk and right rear quarter-panel. Despite this, the vehicle proved to be mechanically top notch with replacements necessary only for track use. This is our daily driver and it is solid. It averages around 21 MPG which is approx. the norm despite the occasional spirited driving.

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  When you have to drive the best - 2001 BMW X5
  By MrTeeinSB - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV on the market and the fastest. German engineering all the way. all my freinds that have driven mine, have bought one (five). The biggestbang for the bucks, nothing compares to it.....nothing. In a league of ite own. try it and youll see. warning..you have to be smart enough to know the difference.