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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  A lifesaver!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By JHG - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 2000 323i until my husband put it into a tree just off the interstate going approx. 80 mph. The car was totalled but he came out with just a mild concussion and few abrasions from the glass. Thank you BMW for saving his life with such a well built car! We will be in soon to order our 2004 3 series very soon!

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  exceeds my expectation - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By sweetcar - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 03 automatic model with all possible options including sport package, M aero kit and suspension for US$40000, what a steal. The 530i totally exceeds my expectation even on BMW high standard. It accelerates with sweet smoothness, handles with sharp precision with the just right sporty and European taste.Drove the 04 model, all I can say is get the 03 while you still can.

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  08 528i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By sut - July 26 - 9:30 am

  For $48k it should come with a bigger engine. Itll go when pushed but it lags at first. Car handles like it were glued to the road while providing a level of comfort you would expect in a luxury car.

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  Best Ever - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Walter Cho - July 24 - 10:56 pm

  This is by far the best BMW I have ever owned. This is my seventh BMW ranging from 94 750il 95 325is. 97 M3 99 540i 02 Z4 and 04 745li. This cars performance matches many sports cars.

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  BMW X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Buddy_1616 - July 24 - 8:51 pm

  Handling as good as a sports car. Rear seats are way too rigid - not comfortable at all. This car is for city drive, not a real off-roader.

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  2006 X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By sfishman - July 24 - 6:13 pm

  The X3 is one of the best cars Ive ever had and Ive had a lot. The only complaint is its gas mileage which I know can be better. Other than that the care is very well built. The aluminum wheels also need to get better, they pit very easily.

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  Id recommend it - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tall Tex - July 24 - 4:43 pm

  Its been over 2 years Ive been hauling around in this baby SUV, and Id say its been a great car. The styling is excellent, the quality is there, and the XDrive feature has great in heavy rain and at the beach. Its small enough to park but the interior is surpisingly roomy (Im 65" and fit just fine). Its the first car Ive ever owned that the seats go back farther than I need them to.

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  X5 3.0i as commuter car - 2001 BMW X5
  By jeffh - July 24 - 4:01 pm

  My requirements were simple: safe, fun to drive, reliable, stylish, and able to both serve as a commuter car and tow my boat. Answer: A 2001 BMW X5 3.0i. Its gotten safety awards, seats 5 comfortably, drives like a BMW, looks great, and both tows my boat and serves as my daily driver, averaging 19.2 MPG in Chicagoland traffic.

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  Wow !! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - July 24 - 6:22 am

  This car is amazing. My girlfriend and I were looking for a nice used luxury sports car and i had read many reviews on this vehicle. The reviews dont do it justice. This car is very quick and very nimble. I was really suprised at how much life this car has left in it with having 68K on the odometer but it purrs like a kitten. It also has great curb appeal. If you are looking for a great handling sports car, look no further. This car has it all and then some. The only downside is the interior plastic door handles squeak a bit. This may be do to the fact that the previous owner may have had them taken off the car.

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  Love the car but my wallet doesnt!! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Al - July 23 - 2:27 pm

  My second bmw. I had a 325i before and loved it. Decided to get the 528i later. Car is great. Love all the features and the DRIVE!