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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  My 2000 540i Sport 6-speed - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By jimi3 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The 540i Sport is as close as you can get to the Ultimate Sport Sedan, the BMW M5, for thousands of dollars less. The ride quality and all-around performance characteristics are top- notch. The DSP sound system is also without compromise for a factory installed system. The braking and clutch operations leave little room for improvement. No wonder BMW is called the "ultimate driving machine."

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  2002 M3 SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By matrixone - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional acceleration and handling the ride is what one would expect from the sport-tuned suspension. The SMG seems to work well in LA freeway traffic or on the open road. Styling is understated, subtly sporty, and belies the fact that this is one ferocious muscle car. Current supply/demand situation means paying premium over MSRP.

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  Best car I ever owned. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By James 328is - June 16 - 2:00 am

  There is not one bad thing I can say about this car except that oil changes are a bit pricy. Bmw seriously rock. This is literally the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned many. Nothing compares to the quality and reliability and comfort of bmw.

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  Simply the Best.. - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By JDs BMW - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can say is you do not know what you are missing until you drive one. They are fun to drive and you will enjoy every momment of the ride. They truely are the Ultimate drive machine.

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  The Best Car in the World - 2000 BMW M5
  By mrwzrd - June 15 - 2:00 am

  The magazines are right. The new M5 is simply the best car in the world. Total luxury for five and blinding speed. What else could you ask for?

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  BEST SEDAN EVER! - 2002 BMW M5
  By IPK - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car you can buy! Well worth 80 Gs

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  the 325ix is a great car for the price - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By bmgillen - June 15 - 2:00 am

  the old 325ix is a great car, with a couple of thousand of dollars in improvements, at the top of the list being such as the dinan chip and a K&N filter, this car will run with the newer 325xi and give you all the control and stability of the new 4x4 325 at a fraction of the cost. Although a 13 or 14 year old car can be a bit fussy and demand attention from time to time, if you want to look cool on the road, and show up the new 325xi, get yourself an old ix, fix her up nice and the newer BMWs will have nothing on you, especially when the weather gets crappy !

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  Certified Great! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon Graham - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I was in hell during the initial part of the test drive... you know when the dealer has to drive it off the lot. I couldnt wait to take the wheel, and when I finally did, I fell madly in love with the performance and handling. I love everything about this car. Although the symbols on the interior controls take some getting used to, I find them very easy to use after a couple of months together. My wife gave what I feel is a great compliment when she said it was "easy to drive." It takes care of the mundane things and keeps me safe, yet it doesnt over think for me. I still have control.

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  BMWs are fun to drive! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By shentz4768 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It has had some little problems which were covered by the warranty...fortunately. I had a window that malfunctioned and a radio knob that would turn the radio up instead of down. Everything was replaced completely at no cost to me.

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  X1 not a BMW - 2017 BMW X1
  By Jlk - June 14 - 11:09 am

  Take car out for a day drive.