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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  540 6-speed - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By trainmandan - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle. Two years after the fact it still brings a smile. Great acceleration, smooth ride, good looks.Replaced stock differential with Dinan 3.15, added other Dinan upgrades.Acceleration from 70 mph to 120 is amazing.Wish the car had a bit more rear leg room. Only minor maintenence problems with light bulbs, key losing initiation and aux. fan. OEM Dunlaps fair, replacement Bridgestone Pole Position SO4s poor, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s by far the best. Has held its value well, by far the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Love my BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By durwiler - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Great all around sports sedan. Performance, comfort, and exceptional build quality. Dealer experience for maintenance has been stellar. I am hooked on BMW.

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  530i BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Thomas Nancarrow - February 2 - 9:53 pm

  Driving this car is just plain fun. Handling is excellent. The new 255HP engine is very responsive, with plenty of power. Comfort seats are worth the extra money, very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quality control seems to have improved since introduction of the e60 model in 2004. I-Drive is not as difficult as many reviewers have made it out to be. The learning curve varies as to how much you have used a computer. It allows the dash to have a cleaner look to it. So far, the car has been a pleasure to drive and own.

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  OUR BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By mcfam - February 2 - 2:00 am

  WE GOT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT LOOKED YOUNGER THAN A MINI VAN BUT WE HAVE LOVED THIS CAR MORE THAN WE EVER THOUGHT WE WOULD WE KNOW THAT WE WILL NEVER OWN ANYTHING BUT A BMW THEY ARE THE MOST WONDERFUL CARS YOU CAN OWN

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  Want the Best? - 2004 BMW X5
  By Soldes - February 2 - 2:00 am

  If you are in the market for an SUV, you owe it to yourself to test drive an X5. The Comfort, luxury, safety and performance of this car is like no other vehicle in its class. Take a steep curve at 45 mph, and you will see what I mean the Xdrive (the 4 little angels in the comercial), really works!. This is the best car that I have ever own. Its worth every hard earned dollar(or pound, or peso or yen)!.

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  Bulletproof - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Wally R. - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is without a doubt the best used car purchase Ive ever made. Car had 90K miles on it when purchased and now has 151K miles. Great gas mileage and STILL a blast to drive. Fit & finish still very good no squeaks or rattles. Not bad for an 11-year-old car driven daily. The M42 engine is practically bulletproof - just change oil every 3K miles and no problems.

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  This isnt your mothers wagon! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By srw66 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  While it is true the sport suspension gives you precise feedback, I find the handling and roadfeel to be one of the best characteristics of the car. For those who are looking for a true perfomance car with the practicality of a wagon look no further. Put four snow tires on the car and winter is no issue. For those seeking to drive your living room this is not the car for you. The BMW 540ia wagon sets the standard for fit and finish among its rivals, and passes them in so other many characteristics and qualities. This is a car I can drive for 8 hours continually arriving without an ache.

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  BMW 525i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jerroldl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. They call the BMW the ultimate driving machinem and they have the right to do so.

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  Proud Owner 2003 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Lou81 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Car is an excellent ride. Only draw back is that most dealers do not have them instock with navigation and most people including me do not want to wait 2-3 months to get one in from Germany...If you have time go early and order one with Nav inside.

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  Love my 330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By drauschkolb - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my 330ci, after 8 months driving it I will definately get another one when my lease is up. It is a joy to drive.