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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Doug - March 11 - 11:40 am

  WOW! What a pleasurable car to drive. This car makes you want to simply go out for a drive. The design of the cockpit helps the occupants feel like they are part of the car. In the sport mode this car is a fast and tight luxury sports car. Its very agile, and responsive. I was searching for one for about a month when I just got a smoking hot deal. Be patient, and you will find a very nice model, that you will not regret buying.

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  U gotta get one to understand - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Oregon 7 - March 11 - 6:26 am

  This is my second 7 series. Last one was 00 iL. I now have 01 "i" sport in silver. Awesome car that has short comings like expensive repairs and some reliability problems but I wouldnt trade it for anything. I disagree with some of the posts here. If you pay $300/ tire, you are getting ripped off and oil changes dont cost $200. Matter of fact, I have coupon from dealer for $51 with synthetic oil. Ride is rough but its the sport package and I love it. Keep in mind these cars orginally cost 70K plus, and this particular body style is no longer made so make sure you inspect them really well. Look for bad instrument pixels, Power Steering leaks, radiator fan replacement. Great cars though.

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  Great Santa Cruz Mountain Commuter - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon C - March 10 - 5:33 pm

  I just bought this car as my wifes 1st car. She is arriving soon from Thailand and has never driven a car. I wanted something fun but safe & reliable. I bought the car for $7,500, 83K miles and put about $500 more into new bushings, hoses, belts, and fluid changes etc. The car is a lot of fun and quite a bit of fun to drive. The body and interior are flawless, mechanically it is very sound. My regular mechanics ordered the dealer parts and made the repairs I needed cheaply. This is a fun and cheap little car. I have read all the crying and hand wringing on this site but I have been lucky. It needed an alignment and bushings as stated but nothing else major. Ill follow up if it implodes...

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Tom M - March 10 - 1:48 am

  I expected to be driving a 2001 S600 or maybe a Lexus two months ago. But after test drives I found nothing comes close to the 745Li in comfort (luxury seat pkg w/ massage), and sheer pleasure to drive. The car does everything I ask of it. The iDrive is not as intuitive as it could be but there is often more than one way to do something eg change radio stations/CD to radio by voice, a/c by dash buttons, etc. Once I got a couple of free hours to read the manual w/o the usual kid and other distractions it was fairly easy. The 6yr/100k mile warranty was appealing as well. I do wonder why BMW discontinued the infinitely variable intake manifold in the 2006 745s.

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  A wagon thats a sports car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By jimg - March 8 - 4:56 pm

  Previously owned a Mercedes E class wagon and this is a totally different experience. I do find myself still comparing the two vehicles. I think the Mercedes seats have more support and my biggest disappointment with the BMW is the turning circle which is not nearly as tight as the Merc. Getting used to the iDrive but I still think theres too much confusing and unnecessary engineering in these new-age vehicles.

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  Solid improvement over the Z3 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Marc Beaulieu - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Prior owner of a Z3 which was also a great automobile. However the ergonomic improvements from the top to the trunk including the handling capabilities make the Z4 a solid improvement over the Z3. I loved the classic look of the Z3. The Z4s more modern look is starting to grow on me. I have not seen anything in the Z4s price range that I like better.

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  ITS THE BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By illjumpu - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS RELIABLE. IT HAS A GREAT EXTERIOR LOOK. IT IS SMOOTH AND FAST.

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  545i Great Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By fall in love - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great performance and handling. Have tested drive E500, E500 is pretty nice too but not as fun to drive as 545i. So if you wanna play, go for 545i.

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  BMW 325i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By AbzoTech - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have extensively test driven many cars before my purhase. Some cars I have tested had more power, but none came close to the handling and solid feeling of a this car. Truly fun to drive. The service at Koni BMW in Beaverton, and specially at BMW Northwest in Fife is excellent.

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  2001 330ci sport/premium - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dixon Downey III - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This precison workhorse of machine is incredibly fun to drive with the tight suspension of the sport package and 17" alloy rims with the accompanying Conti Sport performance tires. The acceleration is head and shoulders above the 325, the 323 and the 328. It has consistent torque and power above 3000 RPM up to 100MPH. The layout of the interior and the overall feel of the car as a solid dynamic whole give it tremendous attitude as a touring master. This will go down as a classic BMW model and apart from the M which may be a bit over the top, may be the crown jewel of the 3 series thus far in this owners opinion.