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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  The Ultimate Drivers Car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By KG - April 29 - 6:38 pm

  BMW 5 series is the ultimate luxury car this side of $50K. Its ride and feel is sporty yet comfortable and smooth and quiet. I bought a CPO 530i which was 3 yrs used for $30K with only 25K miles on it and Premium pack, Navigation and Xenon lights but no Sport pack. The ride is smooth and refined for everyday commute and long journey yet very tight and balanced for the mountain curves and quick maneuvers. The 6 speed auto transmission is AWESOME and it feels like a Japanese V8 as per power delivery goes. The turning circle is awesome. The fuel economy is amazing as I get 25 mpg combines for my mostly highway commute and 20 local mostly city commute when my wife drives it.

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  Best in this class - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By illa - April 29 - 2:34 pm

  Last December it was a time to return my 2006 Impreza from a lease, so I spent good month in advance to shop around for new car. Right now any new one good loaded mid size sedan will go easy up to 30k, and if its German then you are looking around 40k. So I decided to buy 2006 certified car, had to drive 2006 C-class, A4, Jetta, etc. They all good but not impressed until I stop by at local Bimmer dealer and took 325i with premium pack for test drive. Guys I couldnt believe that car could be made so well balanced suspension/power/comfort. I just felt in love with it plus 0.9% financing for 5 years, two first payments made by BMW, and great price to clean the inventory by the end of the year.

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  The Best Drive Ever - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim - April 29 - 12:46 pm

  I have owned BMWs before and Lexus. This new BMW 750li is sweet. The overhead view speed literally in the windshield etc...is amazing. The I Drive is very easy to use.

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  This is my second 645 Ci ! I LOVE IT! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By BFLONY2 - April 29 - 11:15 am

  You should know youre going to have a timeless classic that is the best driving car you will ever own! Just drive one; any one. You will want it and make it happen if youre lucky. It is perfectly designed and balanced with flawless road manners. My mouth waters, thinking of it. I keep it in storage for the Buffalo Winters. My first one, I had on the road for occasional winter driving and it was fine.

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  Worth the wait! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By dhump33 - April 29 - 11:13 am

  I love the way the car looks (Mystic Blue with gray interior) with sports package. I feel safe in the car because it is so solidly made. Its so much fun to drive and to be seen in! I had an epiphany when washing my bimmer for the first time by hand. It reminded me of my first Hot Wheels toy car, a BMW, orange and a 300 series from the 70s. AS I was washing my car I felt like I was washing my toy car.

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  Awesome car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By AP from CA - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Got this puppy last month before they change the design. I am not a fan of the new BMW design trend. Love the old design. Anyways, test drove a E class and a C class as well. C class is no comparison. E class possible. But this is the best choice considering the price and what you get for it.

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  lots of fun - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By vincentlight - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for just over 2 years now. I wanted the stick, but settled for the automatic (due to supply constraints) and I think would have preferred the stick. Otherwise it a fun, comfortable car to own.

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  Problems - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By PJ Klunk - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle currently has 5281 miles on it, It has been flat bedded back to the dealer ship 4 times so far, it is the most unreliable "new" car that I have ever owned, problems consisted of the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) and the charging system (Alternator). When the warranty runs out its gone.

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  WOW !!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Ferraristi - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The M3 convertible is an ABSOLUtELY AMAZING automobile. A Thriller to drive!!!Mine is Phoenix yellow in color with cinnamon interior--an ultimate eye- catcher.

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  carboi review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By carboi - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!