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 Test Drive - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer FIEND - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this vehcle with my father and I am hooked on it. The ride quality is superb on the suburban roads. Unlike my dads Buick Park Avenue, this car absorbs bumps and immediately recovers whereas our Buick bounces for a while after. Pulling onto the freeway my dad (I do not yet have a license) just tapped the gas and we were off. I probably wouldve floored it. Even mild acceleration is a rush though. GREAT at cornering. This car cruises very well. BMW is loosing fans fast, however, with there new designssuch as the Z4 and the upcoming new 5. Why mess with such a good thing.

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  Best New car Ive ever purchased - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Larry oliver - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The car was flawless from day one. There were no factory defects to address!!! The 525i has plenty of power. I couldnt justify spending another $3,100 for the 530i. The only other option I would have gotten is an automatic diming rearview mirror. My previous vehicle was a 95 Ford Windstar, no comparison!

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  GRRRR, Love the Power - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By DCNH - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This will be my 3rd BMW. I have owned the 3 series in the past. I love the power/torg of the 540. Handling is superb for a V8. Extremely comfortable and queit on the 18 wheels. Plenty of room in front / rear. Xlnt highway car. Going 80 mph feels like 30.

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  Most fun Ive had driving a car.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By BeemerConvert - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a roadster, and was somewhat skeptical about the reviews I was seeing for the Z4. However, I was quickly convinced after the test drive I took down a hilly, winding road. The car I test drove was a 2.5 without the sport package. Still, I was duly impressed. A few weeks later, and I now have my own WITH the sport package.. WOW! is the best way to describe it....

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  A Great Sporty SUV! - 2014 BMW X1
  By CG - August 24 - 9:22 pm

  Drives like a nice little SUV sports car. I would recommend the xdrive over the sdrive, the xDrive has a much better drive feel.

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  2006 BMW 750Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By woodwrkr2 - August 24 - 8:31 pm

  After 2-1/2 months of ownership I find the 2006 BMW 750Li a dream to drive. I dont understand what all the fuss is about the I-Drive. Its very easy to learn and once you do its very convenient to use. I also think the interior room, especially for back seat passengers, blows away the competition.

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By John - August 24 - 11:49 am

  Love this car... what a sweet ride. It handles very well despite the 3800 lbs, interior is perfect away from the useless cupholders, sport package is great. Be careful & watch the speedometer, youll think youre doing 65 & really be doing 105.

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  BMW Fun - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By roger - August 23 - 5:47 pm

  The 525i has been an exceptionally reliable and fun car to own. No significant maintenance problems for a car of its age. As for performance and handling... its tough to beat on the highway.

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  Amazing Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By G - August 23 - 3:19 pm

  The 325ci is everything you could want in a sporty coupe. Its unbelievably responsive and the power is smooth and evenly spread through the RPMs. The handling is air- tight.. you will have nothing to complain about with this car at all... I havent tried it in the snow yet though but I dont think it should be too much of an issue.

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  Black 2.5i Convertible - 2001 BMW Z3
  By 4Amy - August 22 - 1:14 pm

  I purchased this one owner car for my wife. It is in amazing condition. The handling is great and it is a real head turner.