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 dream of a car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Stephen - April 28 - 6:16 pm

  I initially looked at the new 3 series, but the 5 series is in a different class with much more space and elegance. The car feels so refined and performance is exceptional. It remains refined and composed no matter how you drive it. It corners like it is on rails and accelerates strongly. Brakes are powerful and progressive with great feed back. Steering is agile and sensitive with good feed back. Build quality throughout the car is excellent, interior materials have an exceptional look and feel. Interior controls are confined to those used most, others are accessed via the iDrive, which I found extremely easy to use.

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  Great little SUV substitute - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By cwpnewpaltz - April 26 - 3:48 pm

  After three SUVs that had trouble getting to 21 mpg on the highway, I finally concluded I needed hauling capacity, not testosterone, and this little BMW wagon. It is a joy to own and drive. My seventh BMW since 1980, and the first non-7 series, I find it has enough creature comforts to be near luxury class,and the reliability is 100%. Free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance (not that Ive needed this service) are a nice plus. Couldnt possibly like a car more.

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  05 325 upgragde - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Autobahner4 - April 26 - 11:53 am

  Bought this for my wife to replace her 05 325i. Wow, what a great decision. This car is the most fun weve had in yaers. Both of us cant find much excitement in autos from past industry work. This car has awakened the romance of vehicle ownership!

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  One of the best luxury SUVs out there - 2006 BMW X3
  By mysecretavatar - April 26 - 11:10 am

  X3 is a perfect all-weather luxury SUV with many safety features: front airbags, chest airbags for front passengers, head protection side curtain airbags, ABS, stability control, AWD, daytime running lights, flat tire warning system & telematics assistance. X3 rides comfortably but not softly & it handles better than all other SUVs IÂ’ve driven, including Cayenne, XC90, ML350, RX & GX. Noise & vibration are well-controlled. Interior quality is great & itÂ’s significantly better than those in XC90 & ML350. ItÂ’s roomy for 4 passengers but 5 is a tight fit. Reliability is great. Mileage is not good: 12 mpg overall with mostly city driving & a range of 17 to 20 miles per gallon on highways.

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  Fifth BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pmichaelis - April 26 - 2:00 am

  We have owned five BMW cars and this one is the best by far. The handling and mechanicals are superb. We have a Porsche 993C2S to compare it with and I cant say enough about the 5 speed automatic transmission which makes the Porsche Tiptronic feel primative by comparison. The only thing missing is the steering wheel shift controls which would make the 330Ci perfect. Comfort wise, the the car is ideal for long trips. The toll booth Grand Prix is great sport when youre driving a winner. The handling with the sport option is top notch although the current tires cause some tramlining.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Fraser Katz - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is one great machine 530i automatic. Quiet, seamless balance of power and handeling in a classic package. It really is the "ultimate driving machine". It puts you in a different world where driving is really fun.

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  Fun Car To Drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - April 24 - 2:56 am

  My wife and I looked at the 335, 528 and the 535i. For the price, the 535i was the best buy. Comfort is extremely good; performance is amazing for a car this size. Fun to drive – it is a blast. At 70, when floored, it will pin you back in the seat. It wants to cruise at 100 mph. I traded in a Honda S2000 and it was fun to drive, but this BMW is almost as much fun to drive and it is much more comfortable. Everyone wants to take a ride and drive it. Even my kids think it is great, but they want the 335i.

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  Excellent - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By chris870 - April 23 - 1:44 pm

  Great car - handles better than my Audi S4, great in the snow thru 2 winters, and excellent build quality. Highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Luv It - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Pam White - April 21 - 8:50 pm

  This is the second BMW I have owned. The first was a 1999 323i and it was my most favorite car - but I totaled it on the ice. It saved my life, as I slid into ongoing traffic and was hit in the driver door with a van on the interstate. I walked away without a scratch. I finally found the 2004 325i that I have now. It is now my most favorite car. More power, came with arm rest and doesnt hesitate at starts into traffic

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - April 21 - 1:48 pm

  I purchased the car used with about 30K miles on it. I have been driving it for about a year and absolutely love it. I drove some used Audis and Mercedes and they just didnt have the sporty/luxury feel I was looking for in a car. The engine is quick to respond when you step on it, and there is just enough room in the car for my 67 frame, with enough to fit my average sized friends in the back. I test drove the 525i and there wasnt enough power. Loved the 540i, but didnt want the gas mileage problem. Couldnt ask for a better car, love it and I never see myself going away from BMWs.