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 come true - 2000 BMW Z3
  By mebonitagal - January 1 - 10:10 pm

  Im finally a BOND girl! After 8 long years of wait, this is the ride of my life! The DSC, oh my and thank God, corrects my mistakes when going a bit too fast around the corners. The 2.3 barely keeps me out of traffic court! It seems everyone wants to race even when Im behavin... and Im finally getting used to the jealousy factor.

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  Fantastic - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By J. Stiles - January 1 - 8:41 pm

  Absolutely the best car I have owned. Love it in all respects. This is second BMW after 3 Cadillacs in 5 years.

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  Another great BMW - 2007 BMW X3
  By Ron - January 1 - 12:33 pm

  I just got this vehicle a week ago and I have to say it is amazing. I got it fully loaded with everything except the sport package. The interior and exterior quality is the best!

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  BMW 5 Series: Before it got ugly. - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dsidog - December 31 - 3:39 pm

  Great all-around car. A little light on power but I knew that when I bought it. Great handling for a sedan, always a pleasure to drive. I love this car. Ive owned 5 BMWs since 1976. I would not hesitate to buy another 5 series but for the looks. The new 5 is too ugly to look at every morning. Ill wait for the next body revision. They got this one right.

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  Buy this Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Nomar - December 31 - 10:00 am

  While the 323ci does not brag on large horsepower figures - this car provides plenty of entertainment. In everyday driving situations, when 120 mph is either stupid or impossible, this car takes care of the driver nicely. Plenty of power is available when needed, and this care handles great. It is always fun to drive and average miles per gallon for all driving is 27.5.

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  Great car even with no options - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By George - December 30 - 9:22 pm

  This is the first BMW I have bought. The car looks and rides better then any of the other cars I have owned (12) over the past 25 years. It may be a little high for most budgets but you will not be disapointed. Worth every penny. I only got Aust and had to have the navigation. The car is packed with features without spending tons on options. Completely satisfied with the performance on the basic 215 HP 525i.

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  Best all around - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By wdt - December 30 - 7:23 am

  Had a 911, have 3 kids, needed something comfortable for the family. Looked at the 550i sport and thought Id get too many tickets. The 535i sport is just a little more "real world", but still handles like a proper sport sedan. The xi models understeer more than Id like, and the sport package on the i model is a true bmw sport package (suspension). The twin turbo motor gives you v8 torque and horsepower, I suspect that the ratings of 300 each is understated. Saving 10 grand over the 550 sport was worth it.

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  E39 M5 The Ultimate Sedan - 2003 BMW M5
  By Mike - December 29 - 1:25 am

  I owned a 2001 540i Sport 6 Spd and a 2003 M3 when I test drove a 2003 M5. I was instantly hooked. I searched and found one of the last remaining new 03s in CA. I have had the car for 3 yrs and it is the ultimate balance of performance, handling, comfort, reliability, and craftmanship. Furthermore, considering it is a 400 HP, 4000 lb sedan it is remarkably fuel efficient. I have averaged 21.5 MPG over the past 3yrs w/30K miles in mixed Bay Area driving. If you are looking for a remarkable automobile dont hesitate. You can pick up an immaculate and low mileage 2003 M5 for < $50K. This is a no brainer considering this is less than a new 530i or 335i. I have driven both and it is no contest.

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  Car for car enthusiasts - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Bama - December 28 - 4:33 pm

  If you are into cars, you owe it to yourself to own a BMW 5 series. The technology is seemingly endless. One can set the temperature to cool off the car 30 minutes before you are scheduled to drive off. It has a motion detector as part of the anti-theft system. How about being able to check the oil from inside electronically? It is a little pricey but if you can afford just a little more, dont hesitate. The iDrive actually becomes intuitive after a while. With so many ways to set the personal settings, the iDrive is a necessity. Dont let it turn you off.

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  Down right AWESOME! - 2007 BMW X3
  By M. Thom - December 28 - 3:46 pm

  This is my first BMW and SUV - I love it! Definitely a nice upgrade from a luxury sedan (previously had 2 Audis). The ride is firm and sporty and the interior is plush. Lots of power and sports car handling. You owe yourself to take a serious look!