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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  Fun value - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By commuter123 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over 4 yrs now, originally purchased as a second vehicle for local driving, mix highway and city. My experience has been overall very positive - the car can be a lot of fun to drive, despite the higher mileage it performs well, sticks to the road and handles like a sports car. Since 92 was the first year of the new BMW body design, the car actually looks like a much later model. With routine maintenance I had no major repairs and the car has been very reliable. All this for just over $10k as initial investment.

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  Its True (the Ultimate Driving Machine) - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Cella - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st BMW and I will always own a BMW from this point on. The car has features than are even listed. If you own or buying a BMW you have to read the manual. If I didnt I wouldnt know so many things the car does for me. It sticks to the ground like glue. The electronic governer doesnt allow you to go faster than 147 MPH. People asked where I get it that fast in Chicago. It doesnt take long and U dont feel it. If you are thinking about buying one DO IT!!! Drop that top and fly... HK Stereo upgrade a must!!

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  I LOVE this car! but... - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By c1 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in great condition w/63,500 on OD. Looked like a new car in and out. Very good deal-got it for less than my previous VW GTI new. This car has a GREAT engine! Be prepared for high dealer repair cost... I put in three saturdays of work in the car and saved over $2000 in labor. I knew what to look out for- the stock shocks are almost always blown by 50,000, but I would have switched to Bilstiens anyways. Put in a new water pump and thermostat , changed all the fluids and spark plugs. Did a once over on the car-Not bad for a used car that should be bullet proof for a while now.

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  The Car Turns Heads - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BMER Z4 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Have 2,500 miles on my Z4 and it is a continual joy to drive. It constantly turns heads. Handles well & 2.5l engine has plenty of power & runs like a fine watch. Would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Extraordinary Car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Beemer Daddy - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and everything about it. Its fast, nimble, tracks around curves like a monorail,looks great,has lots of interior room and the seats are very comfortable. As for the iDrive, I learned those functions that I want to use, like the audio controls, in minutes, and Im one of those types who still hasnt learned to set the clock on a VCR. I drive just fine without using the techno features I dont need or want to use.

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  BEST HIGHWAY AUTOMOBILE MADE - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By AJ FOYT - July 18 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE THE 2003 745LI AND 760 LI AND THEY ARE THE BEST LARGE SEDAN BMW HAS EVER MADE...........WE HAVE OWNED THEM ALL SINCE THE 80S. OUR DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN GREAT ABOUT SEVICE! NO MERCEDES FOR US, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE OWNED THOSE TOO BUT THE ARE NOT THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. I WOULD BY ANOTHER ONE IN THE FUTURE WHEN IT IS TIME.

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  My First BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By FirstBMWEver - July 17 - 5:26 am

  Got this car true European delivery program - had chance to drive this car from Munich thru Madrid. Never had such a blast. Excelent car in and out

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  Smooth and Powerful - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BigHal33 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the sound of the engine. They come up with the slogan the ultimate driving machine and I can see why. It is the most fun car I have ever owned. It absolutely hugs the road. Power is great but handling is even better. I am 63" with a bad back so my only problem with it is on long drives my back is achy when I get out of the vehicle. Has great support and lumbar adjustment but it must be my low position that causes me some problems. Not even close though its the best car I have ever owned.

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  Great car. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Lukasz - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great performance car, outstanding handling, sweet ride quality,

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  Love it!! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Looteye - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned mine for 7 years, live in Germany where it can stretch it legs which it does VERY WELL. I have the 6- spd manual trans, love using all those gears and moving along at 130mph. Averages 24.5mpg. It has 340,000km (212,500 miles), not a problem with any serious mechanical part of the car, and Im surprised to read about engine/transmission changes from those who have had these problems. Mine runs as good as the day I bought it 7 years ago, and it still does 157mph. I cant imagine selling it for any reason, workabee buds are forever trying to get me to sell it to them. Not a chance....