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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  Overpriced - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By vermont - February 28 - 3:53 am

  I previously owned a 2001 330xi and was looking forward to owning another. While the reliability is terrific, this car is not as well designed--and has developed many vibrations and rattles and does not handle nearly as well. The quality has diminished (for example, two of the speakers, one of the mirrors and the front brakes have all been replaced). There are many other cars on the market which offer better value.

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  X3 hums - 2005 BMW X3
  By Steve Coleman - February 27 - 8:59 pm

  The best looking SUV around. Tough interior that can take some abuse. Gas mileage a bit disappointing but with its very good performance, not surprising. Superior warrrenty makes maintenance easy. Sound system is excellent. Unlike older BMWs, there are ample drink holders and good interior storage.

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  70,000 trouble-fee miles - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By crazy4blues - February 27 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car new 7 1/2 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handling is very neutral, and spirited driving is always fun--never "scary." Ive never had any major issues with this car. Onramps are great fun, and I get about 28 mpg on the highway. 18 mpg City. It has started every morning and has never left me stranded. I have replaced the battery, the front brakes (rotors and pads), an AC module, and the water pump (as a precaution). While I have left it completely stock, this is a great platform for suspension upgrades and engine mods (CAI, Exhaust, Chip, etc.). I would definitely buy this car again.

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  What driving should profess to be... - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Marc - February 24 - 12:59 pm

  Overall I would rate this car a definite buy with a few caveats. First, take a close look on all the repair work done on this vehicle. As most 1998 Beamers will have over 100,000 miles, I would be aware of what has been done and what is needed to ensure no surprises and fun in the sun. Make sure all 30,000 mileage inspections aII have been performed along with upkeep with the interior and tires. In addition, I would check all BMWs part recall information such as the thermostat replacement. My experience with the Z3 for the last 4+ years has been great. The car has a great engine and I feel the handling is decent. If you do your homework, youll be very happy...

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  BMW 528iT Auto Used - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By T. K. Hill - February 23 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car because the 528i sedan we got three years earlier was so solid. I wanted the sport and premium packages, which is what I have. The ride is very good and aerodynamics great. The stance is low and performance wheels light, so I hit low barriers and bent wheel. The replacement wheels are $600 per. The radiator sprung a leak at 64K. Otherwise it performs as expected.

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  My Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Brian - February 22 - 2:55 pm

  Fun in warm weather, not so up North, tight fit for taller drivers

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  back from mercedes - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By sgpnx - February 19 - 1:05 am

  head turner when they see the v-12 on the side.Was orginally worried about the i-drive but mastered in a few days.Great driving experience and real feeling of safety on the road..

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  Wagon utility with sedan performance - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mybird67 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I live in northern New England. I have two adolescent ski racers who go in different directions all winter long. My wife drives a Toyota Sienna as the family hauler. I needed a daily driver work commuter that could double for weekend jaunts to races in ME, NH and VT. This 325xiT suits me well. It gives me SUV utility without having to drive an SUV. It gives me handling and driving pleasure comparable to my 325iC but with AWD and extra storage space. From the outside it looks like a sporty wagon, from the inside it feels like a sports sedan.

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  5 month review - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Hootie361 - February 17 - 3:02 pm

  Time for the 5 month review. Highly recommend buying the service manual and an error-code reader ($250 total for both). My car had little things, such as bulbs, sensors, filters degrade and required replacing. These cars are CAKE to work on so long as you have the service manual. Most repairs require very basic tools and a couple hours of patience. My first winter encountered no driving problems, even on snow-covered roads. The DSC kicks in as needed to keep the vehicle from slipping, even with all- season tires. I still cant get enough of this auto...

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  This is a BMW? - 2005 BMW X3
  By Emily - February 17 - 5:36 am

  When reading this rating, know that I am comparing it to other BMWs. I was greatly disappointed in pretty much everything, especially after driving a 330ci. The X3 was a rough ride, the manual transmission felt empty, the automatic just wasnt that impressive. The quality of the vehicle itself wasnt up to the usual level BMW offers. The only thing that reminded me that I was driving a BMW was the symbol on the steering wheel.