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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  Love it all year round. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Beamer Boy - March 9 - 1:47 am

  Have owned BMW 3 series convertibles for almost 10 years and this thing just gets better with each new series. Fun to drive, getting better traction control each time with nicer firm ride, appointments and power with each upgrade. Cant imagine owning another convert. and I have driven most. Well, maybe the 6 series.

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  BMW 530i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Spidel - March 8 - 10:25 pm

  I have driven BMWs for 27 years now and this is my favorite yet. The I Drive is definitely improved over the 7 series version, but is still the least attractive part of the car. The handling is superb... typically BMW. Most of my experience has been driving on the Autobahns where this car is simply unmatched. Driving here in the States is a bit more challenging, but still pure fun.

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  What a wonderful car! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By CJ Kim - March 8 - 8:26 pm

  This is such a responsive and performing car. So smooth at the same time powerful! The gas mileage is suprisingly good for 8 cylinder car. During last 3000 miles, it averaged 21.5 MPG. One complaint, the cup holder sucks.

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  BMW 325xi - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KadeeBelle - March 8 - 8:13 pm

  So far, im very pleased with this car. The engine has enought get up and go for everyday driving, and its a eye-catching ride. The electric red paint is bright, but the clear coat seems to EASILY scratch and gather swirl marks. :-(

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  Wunderbar - 2005 BMW X3
  By gbkirsch - March 8 - 11:44 am

  Solid German build quality, superbly beautiful paint quality, reliable transportation, BMW expert service, decent fuel mileage, incredible sunroof opening which is the largest I have ever had, very comfortable and heated seats with (in my case the necessary) lumbar support, a wonderful stereo with rich low tones and crystal clear high tones, rich light wood accents and my wifeÂ’s favorite feature, a heated steering wheel. This winter, we had to go to northern Ohio to pick up our son from college and despite sub zero temperatures, massive snow and seemingly impassable roads, the X3 handled it all like a genuine off road 4 wheeler in spite of all its sophisticated amenities!

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  The Shy Sports Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By skikid787 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 540iA Sport is a wonderful veichle to drive. The sport seats provide more than enough support, the steptronic transmition shifts precisely, and the accelleration is exhilerating. It is a true drivers car for the family man who has no room for a Porsche and needs an automatic for daily commuting.

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  E-34 --- The best kept secret ! - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Josh S. - March 7 - 6:57 pm

  Ive had my 525i for about a year and a half, and have no regrets about the purchase. This car feels like a "real" car. It feels safe and solid, the 2.5 straight six is adequate, and the car handles well. The 50/50 weight distribution is one reason for this. The build quality is outstanding and the design seems straightforward and no-nonsense. It looks timeless, and as a used vehicle, I think one gets a lot for their money with this car. And besides, since this car is designed to be stable at 130 m.p.h., imagine how stable it feels at 70 m.p.h.! Since I enjoy fixing my own vehicles, I consider parts availability and dealership cooperation important. My local dealer has been obliging!

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By albmw - March 7 - 1:25 am

  I had a Lexus GS 300 prior to my 2005 BMW 525. I love the way my BMW GRIPS the road while driving. My previous car was a little more "zippier" at lower speeds, but once you get into higher speeds there is no difference between the two at all. The acceleration is very smooth and very powerful. My last car seemed to have "dead spots" when switching from one gear to the next and was a little jerky at times. On a different note... Personally, I like fast accelerating vehicles. With its higher HP and smooth acceleration, perhaps I should have opted for the 530i for more power (however... probably not worth the extra $$).

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  Total blast! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By mexibec04 - March 6 - 2:47 am

  This is my 3rd BMW (325 96, 528i 99). Its a total blast to drive! I loved the 528i handling (which reviews made the best production sedan ever), but the Z3 must use some technology that flat-out reads my mind. I mean, the handling is just telepathic. I caught myself changing lane in for sure less than 0.1 second at 80 mph (typical on a non-jammed CA highway) by a slight movement of the steering wheel. This car means business. It goes where you want it to go, and DSC keeps the the oversteer in check (the Z3 *will* oversteer when pushed agressively with DSC disabled) It jas the looks, the handling, and the cachet, and IMHO, no other roadster (Z4 included) matches its sleek styling.

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  Flawless 4 yr 330xi - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By EJKrew - March 5 - 9:54 pm

  The car has been trouble free and a blast to drive. No need to worry about the weather ahead of you with full time AWD! Oil changes and brake fluid replacement has been all that has been needed. Rock solid, no rattles or squeaks.