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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  Just Like The Car Mags All Say - 2002 BMW M5
  By Quincy McDoogle - February 26 - 7:24 pm

  The M5 is everything the car magazines claim it to be. It is a very solid well built car that not only handles well but has endless power. The ride on the highway is smooth and well controlled. It is much smoother than you would expect for a car with 35 series tires on the rear and 40 series tires on the front. The car is the best Ive ever owned.

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  323 IC - fun in the sun - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Randall - February 26 - 3:17 pm

  The 323IC is best with the top down and driving with the open air feel. If I could only use a one word description for this car, it would be "SMOOTH".

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  The Ultimate Machine (under statement) - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By AAA - February 26 - 10:45 am

  The best car I every driven. The Lexus GS300, Acura RL, Benz E300, absolutely no comparison!

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  Excellent overall car! Very reliable. - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By mevande - February 26 - 10:40 am

  Best Car I have ever owned! Never needs service, except normal check ups. You can drive the car hard and have some fun and it wont "break".

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  Is it over yet? - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BStokes98 - February 24 - 5:20 pm

  Where shall I start? I park my car in the garage and never lock it, one day I went out, opened the passenger door to get something, closed it. The next morning the battery was dead. When you open the passenger door, the headlights dont go back out.... I have had about 4 sets of tires on the front, when you hit a pothole it feels like you were in an accident... Also 1 new set of rims... Engine performance is great. Navigation is a mess... The bluetooth works really well and the AWD system is flawless.

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  Are you kidding me? - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By twisttoopen - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best handling vehicle I have ever driven. The perfomance is amazing in every category. Even though I have a tendency to drive faster with this top notch engine, I also feel considerably safer due to the way the 545 responds. Go get one...but not in my neighborhood. I am the envy of all!

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  SMG/Sport Fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Viking644 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased an 04 325i with the SMG 6-speed gearbox. Wow! This baby flies. The exterior of the car glows (electric red) and is a blast to drive. I have owned many cars, from Honda, Acura, Ford, Dodge, Chevy, to Mitsubishi, none compare to the solid feel and safety I see and feel with my family in this German bullet. The vehicle comes with two programable keys that have customizable features. I was disappointed to learn that the initial setup of these keys at the service center was not covered in the purchase and runs $40.

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  Day One - 2004 BMW X3
  By boji - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the X3 today after not being able to get together with the VW Dealer on a Toureg. More money than the VW but I think I will really like the choice. Tested the X5 also. The X3 seemed as comfortable...felt a little lighter... and more nimble. Feels more agile than the Toureg. Opted for Met. Black w/ 6speed manual. FUN!! Quality seems great, fit and finish perfect, milage shows about 21.5. Clutch is touchier than my Jetta TDI but am getting used to it. The 3.0 doesnt seem as quick as my wifes A4 with the 1.8 turbo. Im sure after it loosens up it will be quicker. Corners, stops, accelerates on packed snow flawlessly. So far am lovin it.

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  Gators review - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Gator330 - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a more perfect car. Its fast, beautful, and simply fun to drive. The longer I own it, the more I love it. Problems have been non- existant. The only issue I have is BMW service...but compared to other service places I have dealt with (Audi, Caddy, Ford, etc.) they are fine.

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  Good Stuff - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By TommyD - February 20 - 1:42 am

  Great Car. Fun to drive and zippy for a 4-cylinder. Handles great and turns heads. 108000 miles and still running strong. All kinds of nifty features found on this car that you never would have thought youd appreciate. Not so great in slippery conditions, respectable handling in snow considering it is a rear wheel sports car.