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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  Best Overall Sports Coupe! - 2005 BMW M3
  By TRB - March 27 - 5:46 pm

  Great looks with the performance to back it up. Everything you want in a sports coupe (performance, design, practicality, and overall appearance. Uncertain about SMG, but am quickly falling in love. The handeling is second to none, and the engine is always willing to give the driver more! All of this with ample space in the rear seats, and storage in the trunk.

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  Convincing my wife - 2002 BMW X5
  By Norm - March 27 - 3:23 pm

  This has been a great, but not troublefree, vehicle. Our first BMW. I had to convince my wife that she would enjoy this SAV. Now I cannot get her out of it. It has never stranded us, but we have gone to our dealer several times answering the "service engine soon" idiot light. This light has alerted us to a loose gas cap AND a bad catalytic converter. Both on the same idiot light. My wife uses automatic. I use manual shifting. It reminds me of my first car--a stick shift way back in the 1950s. Great cornering and passing power.

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  Good Vehicle - 2008 BMW X3
  By sgarg - March 27 - 1:19 pm

  Purchased in march. Nice car. Looks are attractive. Features are excellent except navigation system. Navigation system is really bad, Honda has much much better nav system. Fuel avg is around 17-18.

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  Great old car - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Nick - March 26 - 5:52 pm

  I bought this car used with over 200k on it, and have driven it almost 20k since. A few minor problems, nothing major but the car is 14 years old. Car is powerful, A/C is ice cold, and the trip computer is accurate. Lots of technology in this car.

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  Adult Rollercoaster - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By AdamFisch - March 25 - 10:42 pm

  Take 1 drive in this puppy, and you will realize why they call it the ultimate driving machine. By far the most fun I have had driving a car. Eats a lot of gas, the backseat is for looks not for passengers.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 BMW X5
  By Mike - March 25 - 12:13 am

  Best driving midsize SUV on the market. Fast and stylish enough for male and female drivers. Handling is second to none in this weight category. I can only imagine the 4.4 or 4.8 really gets down the road if my 3.0 drives this well! This is my second one and I am very happy with the updated features of the 2004. Must get the extra large sun roof and xenon lights.

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  BMW 330XI Rules! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Lawrence - March 24 - 10:02 pm

  I love my car. I bought it in 2004. It was 2003 with 6000 miles on it. I plan on keeping it forever. We have been across country together. I was hit by an 18 wheeler in 2006. I did not even get a scratch. The car had over $20,000 worth of repairs because the value was too great to total. Everyone told me to get rid of it. No Way! It has gotten expensive to maintain, but not as expensive as paying $40,000 - $50,000 to buy a new one. It drives just like it did when it was new. Find a good independent shop, and let them service your car. I have 134,000 miles on one. Love it!

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  The best BMW ever. - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By stan - March 24 - 9:55 pm

  This car has been amazing. I bought this car from someone who loved it but felt it was getting too old and too many miles (112,000). Ive had it three years and have put over 60,000 miles on it. It may not be as carefree as an acura or lexus but it makes it up when you take it for a ride. You will need to replace the water pump about every 50k, alternator at about 100k, suspension checked and replaced at 100k, power steering line has been replaced. There was a check engine light on when I purchased the car, the owner fixed this, some kind of air leak around the intake. Do not take this car to the dealer after warranty. Find a good mechanic who is familiar with bmws

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  New to me! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bg - March 24 - 4:27 pm

  I picked up a used 2005 325xi with 34k miles. Silver-gray metallic with the sport package. What a great car! Handles beautifully! Decent gas mileage as well (overall 22 / 28+ on hwy). Classic BMW style and comfortable too. Go and get one!

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  Love BMWs - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By D - March 24 - 12:04 pm

  I love my 330i since I bought it. The best gas mileage I have ever seen. This is my second BMW. I go typically one full week and two days off of a full tank, using 91 octane. My ultimate goal is to get a 5 or 7 series though. This car handles great at 120 mph plus. Mine is a 5 speed w/ sports pkg. Regretfully, I will have to sell it soon to get an SUV. I would highly reccommend this style for anyone looking to purchase one that has a smaller family and wants a head turner. They are not hard cars to work on. Servicing and tire rotation every 3000 miles help to keep from having any unforeseen problems, but only take to someone you trust to work on.