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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  What a car ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwfan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly a joy to drive. The Sports Package makes it especially fun and the 5 speed gearbox is a blast. My advice to anybody looking to buy a 5 series is to buy it now, before they switch over to the new 5 next summer. I believe the 530 offers the best price/performance trade off.

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  What a car ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWFan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly a joy to drive. The Sports Package makes it especially fun and the 5 speed gearbox is a blast. My advice to anybody looking to buy a 5 series is to buy it now, before they switch over to the new 5 next summer. I believe the 530 offers the best price/performance trade off.

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  My experiences - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By no problems here - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I was just looking over the Edmunds review of the 2002 330i an thought Id look at the other reviews by people like me to see if they were as satisfied as me. I cant believe that people are complaining about the 330i. I (and the Edmunds reviewers) have had no problems regarding reliability. Truth be told, my wife and I do a rock, paper, scissors EVERY morning to determine who gets the privilege to drive the 20 miles into the City to work. I make up reasons to go to the store just so I can zip around some. This car is fun.

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  Buy two so you can drive one - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bad Decision - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has spent way too much time in the shop. If I wasnt so upside down on trade-in Iwould unload it and get the 320 or maybe the new Saab.

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  A joy to own - 2006 BMW X5
  By Leon Biren - December 22 - 11:49 pm

  This is our second X5 (2003) which we loved and kept in the family. The 2006 is even better with tighter steering, an improved rear gate and a navigation system.

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  This car is awesome - 2007 BMW M5
  By don hurley - December 22 - 7:31 pm

  The M5 is a legal race car. So many things to love about this car. It is also an eye catcher, mine is Indi-red exterior and red interior, very sharp! The SMG does take a little to get use to, but does give the car a racing feel. Oh, and the exhaust note is heaven.

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  Pure pleasure - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Harry R. Culp - December 22 - 10:16 am

  I had owned 8 Merecedes wagons. This is my first BMW. The quality seems much better than Mercedes. It is a little smaller in the cargo space by about 7 cubic feet. I added the racks and carrier for the top to help this problem. Overall, I feel I am driving a quality and good looking station wagon.

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  Many Improvements Needed - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TechJunkie - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Ti silver 04 330Ci with sport and premium packages and Al trim. PROS: Extremely fun to drive on any road! Smooth, sleek, beautiful and sexy exterior & interior. Plenty HP and torque. Tight suspension. Precision steering. CONS: Has issues cold starting in winter months. The climate control is not intuitive and doesnt remember to recirculate air. Too much wind noise at 70 MPH. Lifting seats will smash the back passengers feet. Insufficient leg room for rear passengers. Horrendous brake dust problems on wheels. Quirky electronics: trunk light flickers, OBC inaccurate. 60 cycle hum out of speakers on all 3 Series w/wo premium HK sound. 1 CD in-dash player w/o song repeat.

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  No Comparison - 1997 BMW M3
  By RAB - December 21 - 10:19 pm

  My 4 dr E36 M3 is an automatic with the luxury package - leather and wood trim. I think of it as a total stealth bomber - I catch a lot tuner cars by surprise. Cant say enough about the power, handling, or braking. Fit, finish, and craftsmanship are first rate. My M is 10 years old and still feels like a new car. Prices have plunged and I cannot think of a better way to spend $15,000. Helps to have a good repair shop, as relying on the dealer can be suspect. HAVE to be prepared to take care of an older Bimmer, but if you do, you will be well rewarded. There are brand new sports sedans that cannot compare to this car - in 97 it came with huge tires, 17" wheels, & huge brakes.

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  Worth the Aggravation - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RAB - December 21 - 9:57 pm

  OK, Ive had problems. Most recently the alternator overcharging. BUT - there is nothing else like this car at this price point. I bought a fully loaded low mileage 02. Once you familiarize yourelf with the Steptronic transmission, you will never buy another brand of car - the performance is that good. And you have to consider the real source for a lot of the little issues - Germans simply do not care about brake dust, wind noise, or cup holders. They want a fast sport coupe that handles well and stops well - period. If you like driving, then the 330Ci is for you.