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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  M5 MMM - 2007 BMW M5
  By EMM - July 20 - 11:23 am

  This is a great performance sedan, huge power and handling and braking capabilities when wanted, and easy docile cruiser otherwise. Wonderful exhaust note. Eye catching style/color, rare, and fine. 6 speed manual is state of the art, smooth, accurate, and fun. Gas mileage can be either OK or terrible, your results will depend on how often you dip into the high rpm full throttle antics. 20 hwy is doable with some restraint. Some minor nit picks but overall a great car, and great value even at the lofty price. A bit heavy, but solid.

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  Better vehicle to be designed yet - 2002 BMW X5
  By TerminatorX5 - July 19 - 10:35 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW and 5th in the family. Once you drive a bimmer, you dont want to drive anything else. I got the top of the line X5, fully loaded, OEM navigation, OEM TV, DVD changer, screen in the back, bluetooth, hatch, reverse camera, AV jack in the back, heated seats all around, integrated V1 detector, voice recognition. Mechanically this is not a car, this is a beast I have pulled 140 MPH on this car, and it did not even shake or rattle. It even felt like it lowered itself to the ground I know it has automatically adjust ground clearance. I had to back out, as it was too scary. I had driven in many countries, and cant trade a BMW for anything else other than another BMW.

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  2001 BMW 740i (sprt pckg) End of an Era - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By AMM - July 19 - 8:08 pm

  Best sedan ever made in general and best by BMW: style, comfort, performance and reliability. The 740i is a true dream machine. Goodbye to grace and hello to hideousy!! Whatever they replaced it with - a total disappointment with the introduction of the new 7 series, six years later, they still cant get it right.

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  BMW 540 with sport options close to M5 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By IL_Tim - July 19 - 4:49 pm

  I commute a lot and needed an auto transmission, therefore no M5. This was as close as I could get and no disappointment. ALWAYS get the 540 with the sport option, otherwise stay with the V6. Fine, fine car, best of sport tuning and luxury.

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  Running Young - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Dean - July 19 - 1:45 pm

  Soon to be 52 and adding a 16 year old daughter to the highway led to this purchase. Wow! Amazing how quick memories return to the 70s and 80s open tops of 280z, TR6, Spitfire and my first, 1969 Fiat. Wonderfully balanced handler, just enough interior space, stunning exterior lines. Hard to read electronic displays when top is down, cup holders a waste, and no locking compartments. Small issues given every minute of fun youll feel behind the wheel!

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  Great car, but very unreliable - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jstewart - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car except for having to take it in to get the latest computer malfunction fixed every few months. CONSTANT computer problems and other little things going awry, fortunately its under warranty but Id hate to think what the maintenance costs would be if it wasnt. Definitely not keeping the car past the warranty. Amazing handling for a car this size, I love all the bells and whistles, ultra comfortable, but the computer system is garbage.

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  Great car, fast, fun, reliable - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By A Meltzer - July 18 - 8:48 pm

  This was my first BMW and I love it. I spent 3 months/12 test drives before I found it. I got the 5-speed manual, vinyl seats (still look brand new), and no traction control. So despite the smaller engine, its a sporty ride. Nothing mechanical has ever broken. I just replaced the clutch at 125k, and the synchros on the tranny are starting to wear, but thats it. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, just make sure it is in excellent condition. Try to find a 1995 model - theyre the best. The 5-speed is rare but well worth the extra time finding one. Everyone that gets in this car compliments it. The paint still looks new. My dad has always had a Volvo, but now wants a 5er.

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  Love this car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JimB - July 18 - 5:06 am

  This car fits like a glove - the minute I sit in it, my whole body relaxes. Quick, handles very well, the only problem is that it is so much fun to drive, I tend to drive it really fast. The styling is classic, timeless. I have the iPod interface and the Harmon Kardon stereo, and the sound is really good. The only complaint, and I knew this going in, was that the back seat is tight.

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  When is a BMW a FoRD? - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By John Kain - July 17 - 10:43 am

  When its Fixed or Repaired Daily. The litany of problems with this "luxury" car dictates that you have to have access to a second car. Factor that into the cost of ownership. Things that never went wrong over the course of owning several Toyotas for hundreds of thousands of miles routinely crop up on this car. A true lemon. And of course the cost of repair fully justifies the BMW "Break My Wallet" sobriquet. The headlight switch fell out of the dashboard. Running lights cost almost $300 to replace. The worthless adaptive lighting broke and the estimate to repair and realign the headlights is thousand of $. The windshield gasket is cracking and has to be replaced. Ive had the engine gasket replaced TWICE, each over $1,000. Windshield wipers cost $55 at the dealer - theyre not available at auto repair stores. The engine oil and coolant fluid have to be topped off regularly. Oh, and the hood release doesnt work, so the car has to be taken to a mechanic for those simple maintenance tasks. The gas tank closure broke. And dont even get started on the run-flat tires. I order extras now because I know the winter pothole season will ruin one or two tires, and last year a rim, too. Buy this car to look at, and to show your neighbors that you can afford a "luxury" car, but dont buy it for reliable transportation. Unless youre married to an expert mechanic.

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  Perfect Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Daniel1979 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have a bmw 330xi with automatic transmission, navigation system,and heated seats. it cost me $2,600 down, and 496.00 a month. everything about this car is perfect. performance is very good, although for a $40,000 car it would be nice if it came with around 300hp rather than 225. the car doesnt have a lot of room, but it can carry 4 people very comfortably. drives excellent in all weather.