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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  Juicy - 2003 BMW Z4
  By bob the builder3dafa - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Awesome totally perfect top speed of 200 320 watt sound system and 400 horse power.

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  Wow! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jbmead - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever driven or owned. Exceptional performance coupled with outstanding comfort--comfortable seats, plenty of leg and head room. The sport package gives you two cars in one as far as ride goes. Feels more substantial than the Boxster (Ive always preferred the BMW ride over Porsches) and the Mercedes SLK (which had little leg room and made me feel boxed in). Wind noise is virtually eliminated with the top up, and is minimal with the top down due to the fact that the driver sits so low in the car.

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  Exactly what you would expect from BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By hondaguy2000 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  As stylish as SUVs come, superlative handling, ferocious V8 acceleration, opulent yet understated interior. BMW clearly sweated the details on the X5 - look at the quality of the dash plastics, of the shift knob, of the steering wheel, etc. Mine can even be programmed to ventilate itself twice daily - no more leaving the office to enter a steaming car! Of course, you can always drop your foot on the gas and enjoy the 300+ ft-lbs of torque.

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  BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By Evan - October 31 - 12:27 am

  Its a cool car. Ive had many SUVs before, and this X5 is best Ive ever driven. Really sticks to the ground

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  My Best Car Ever - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By kworben - October 30 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car used in 1997 with <20K miles. I have maintained it myself and with the help of the Bentley manual found it easy to work on. With 145K it still has the original clutch. With snow tires and LSD it handles well in the snow. Other than ball joints, have done nothing but routine maintenance. Handles great (I added Bilsteins) and gets 30 mpg on my 80 mi commute. If you find a well maintained low mileage example, buy it!

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  Pleasure and pain - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cobra27 - October 30 - 6:19 pm

  I bought the car w/38k miles. In the 22k Ive put on it, its given me lots of smiles, and also had me cursing at it. Its a great performer and handler, but Ive replaced a mass air sensor, camshaft sensor, CD changer and more. Im not sure if I would get another one.

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  Cuts the road like a hot knife in butter - 2000 BMW M5
  By Dr Dirt - October 30 - 5:17 pm

  Makes one very aware of where you are... and if you want to go anywhere you simply look and go! Excellent brakes and performance.

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  Am I the only one? - 2014 BMW 2-Series
  By Bored - October 29 - 7:08 am

  I purchased a 2014 228i with 9K miles after an exhaustive look at other cars such as the Audis, Mustangs, and Cameros. This was the comprimise between what I wanted (Audi A6 w/ 6 cyl) and what my wife wanted (Camry). Love driving it. Drives wonderfully. Quick, steers well, and is fun to play in. However, Ive only had the car for 8 months and it has already been in the shop more than any other car Ive owned. Every little thing seems to want to fail. Since I bought it: replaced the radio/nav (still doesnt show traffic), replaced rear shocks, fixed the sunroof, replaced the AC control unit, fixed/adjusted several different sensors and ninnies... Even as I type this, I have it scheduled to return to the shop tomorrow to fix more issues. Unfortunately, depreciation is forcing me to keep it a while longer, but Im afraid that once the warranty is over next spring Ill be on the hook with a non-stop list of fixes. Maybe I got a bad one. I hope so, as I love driving the thing and all of the reviews are positive relating to its reliability.

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  Excellent Car, Questionable Value - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By quikkash - October 28 - 11:23 pm

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. The engine is smooth and feels more powerful than its advetised 215 hp. Manual transmission is slick and precise. Base model is well equipped, which is fortunate because options make the price unreasonable very fast. Keep the pedal off the firewall and fuel economy is average. Zing it to the redline between every stoplight (much fun!) and economy will suffer greatly. Ride is firm and controlled with base suspension, but not harsh. Have had no mechanical problems in the 3000 miles Ive owned it. Base stereo is passable, but disappointing in a car of this stature. A great car, but probably not the best value available for your money.

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  Great and funny coupe - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Osvaldo Daniel Messi - October 28 - 10:31 pm

  I have a BMW 325, 1994, black. It is fast, easy to drive. Fine leather upholstery. Classic coupe design does not look old nowadays. I strongly recommend you to find one and buy it. My car only has 50000 miles (real mileage). Probably I will pass it to my son!!.