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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  Blew me away - 2000 BMW M5
  By saj - March 15 - 10:13 pm

  Everything about this car brings is amazing. A joy to drive everyday. Once you get over the sticker shock, this car is pure joy. The M5 is worth every penny.

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  The Ultimate Nightmare - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By quikslvr - March 15 - 4:38 pm

  1997 BMW 540I 6speed The car is fun to drive when it works. In 44000 miles the car has been flat bedded back to the dealership three times. The car has been back to the dealership five times in the last nine months for repairs to the cooling system. The car is leaking oil from the engine. BMW tells me there is nothing wrong with the car. The bottom line is they just dont care. This is definitely my last BMW.

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  Phenomenal sedan - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By sfgate - March 14 - 9:50 pm

  I have been considering a 5-series equivalent for 3 years, and the 535i is the most amazing car. The car is luxurious, yet when you drive it, it is like a sports car. The twin turbo accelerates so fast, that it pushes you backwards into the seat. It is so solid compard to my 330ci, and yet is accelerates faster. Cornering is not as nimble as my 3 series, but its a bigger car. I dont know why people complain about iDrive; its great. Anybody with any intelligence and who can use microsoft windows can use iDrive. It takes about 15 minutes to figure out, and it basically is a computer in your car without all the clutter. I have a 6spd manual, and I love it. It is smooth and sure. Amazing.

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  A Dream To Drive - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jbreeves - March 14 - 8:46 pm

  Finest automobile Ive ever driven. Hard pressed to find anything for BMW to improve on. Okay, 600 hp would be nice!

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  BMW M5 - 2002 BMW M5
  By Glen - March 14 - 8:15 pm

  Solid. Fast. Stealth. Fun. Hugs the road like a train on a track.

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  Very competent machine - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By jmillet - March 14 - 9:20 am

  After driving a high strung, feisty Zed 3 M Coupe for five years the transition to the Zed 4 M Coupe borders on boring. The car does everything you ask it to do in a very uneventful manner. Ive done four driving school events with the car and it performed flawlessly. Install high temperature competition brake pads, mount R-compound tires, turn off the DSC and you have a thoroughbred stallion ready to go fast and take any turn you can throw at it. This one is definitely a keeper. BMW has raised the bar very high with the S54 powered Zed 4 M Coupe.

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  Not Bad - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWMAN - March 13 - 10:31 pm

  My bmw 325is is 10 years old and runing great with 105,000 miles

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  An economical, yet sporty roadster - 2002 BMW Z3
  By tooloose - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought used, I got a great deal on my 2000 2.3 Z3. On sunny days there is nothing like this great performing car, especially on winding 2-lane roads. It accelerates, brakes, and handles like sporting cars twice its price. The interior is very roomy and comfortable, and its ergonomics are second to none. Everyone should have a Z3 in their garage.

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  My Awesome Car! - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By nikad_gm - March 13 - 1:23 am

  Man, i just got this car...a white 325i coupe...and i love it...its so smooth you cant feel the ground going 80...its amazing...i can hit turns very hard because it handles like no other...the interior is very comfortable, even better than the new bmws...i believe they cheapened them out...overall the look is great you can do many things with this style of car..adding ground kits and such...making it more advanced...my spedometer hits 160 but it will top out at 175

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  Best SUV By Far - 2002 BMW X5
  By Ax - March 12 - 6:52 pm

  Excellent on highway or city. I had a 5 series sedan and the X5 compares very favorably on driving fun but I can also throw my bike in it as well as on top. AWD will take you anywhere a sane person should go. If you can afford the entry price and the maintenance get one.