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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  New 5 Series is Outstanding - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sascholfield - July 4 - 2:00 am

  An absolutely outstanding vehicle. Looks fantastic, drive beautifully and has the best interior features Ive ever seen on a car. Congratulations to BMW on an incredible job!

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  Get one - you wont regret it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By P2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  In the 38 days that I have owned and drove this vehicle, I am just as excited today as I was the day I purchased it. I am a firm believer of their MOTTO: This is the Utlimate Driving Machine. Will definitely own BMWs for a long while now.

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  Best Car Yet!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Feed em Beans - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Almost three years and 41,000 miles and I love this car as much as the day I bought it. Still tight, fun to drive, great power curve. Looking ahead a few years to my next one!!!!

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  A great and timeless BMW! - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Rusty - July 3 - 11:58 pm

  Although Ive owned this car for less than a month I can already tell that itll be in my possession for years to come. Its the perfect mix between luxury, sport and all-around quality.

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  Worth the patience - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By LiftThis - July 3 - 6:06 pm

  Ya know how you never buy a 1.0 release of software. Consider that for a car. While the dealership was wonderful, and we would definitely buy a car from them again, it took several trips back and forth to the dealership to work out some of the bugs in the cars firmware. Once that was fixed, WOW! I love this car. Its faster, handles better than my 2001 Porche 911 cabrio, and is quite the sleeper. I have also driven a 2005 E55 Mercedes Benz AMG, and I will take my 550 any day. The handling and braking are superb. Most folks wont be disappointed in the acceleration either. After a few M3s and Porsches, as a car lover, I can tell you that I love this car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By J. Gray - July 1 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car after owning other luxury cars. It outranks the others by far. The handling and solid ride speaks volumes. The downside is it is so smooth on the open road, you have to watch the speed - it is moving faster than it feels. Quality and handling along with style. One small issue is that the cup holder needs to be re-designed, its not in a good place. I am totally sold, all my cars in the future will be BMW.

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  the best car I have driven - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By goozgkh - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you would want in a luxury sedan. The ride, performance, the looks and comfort are top shelf. Has great fuel economy also.

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  The best car Ive ever owned! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By loud - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great ride/handling, excellent materials and build quality, well- thought out features, a quality entry- level performance/luxury vehicle.

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  Love The Look, Too Many Little Problems - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JoeH - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 325i sedan used in July 2002. I loved the look and passed up a similarly priced Lexus because of the look and nameplate. It was a mistake. I must have had it in the shop at least 6 times in the 15 months that I had it. The window came off the track (2x), the front passenger door leaked (2x), brake pad replacement, and even once when the engine just started smoking and stalled at a stop light! The leather interior is inferior to the Lexus as well. Overall I really wanted to like the car, but too many little problems will keep me from buying it again.

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  BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Kelly Ann - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its the best mini SUV you can find. Every peny is worth the spend. Drives like a 325 with lots of room in the back.