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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  German perfection - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Troy - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. I will now own nothing but BMW.

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  First BMW is a hit! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By reidster - January 7 - 9:23 pm

  My wife and I love our 2006 330i Sedan. This was the first year for this body style and we loved it the first time we saw it in person at the Dallas Auto Show. After driving it, my wife decided she wanted the standard suspension/wheel package after driving the sport package equipped model. After driving all of the competion, none of them held a candle, so we leased our Monaco Blue model.

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  Good - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By mbbollman - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have invested in many mods for the car and the performance can fairly easily be greatly imporved. I should have arouind 230hp and it is fast! Only complaints I have are the door panels( bubbling) and the tilt on the sunroof and the grey plastic under the car.

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  My favorite car...ever. - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By cork - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Your best bet is to buy a used one with higher mileage. I bought my 1997 in 2002 with 100K on it. Ive put on 20,000 trouble-free miles. It had a sticker of close to $50,000 and I bought it for $18K. The car spins like a top. High quality fit and finish, comfy, and fun to drive.

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  You Are What You Drive! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Stetamrunning - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 BMW 530i with Premium / Sports Package and add the Steptronic Automatic is all the car one could ever ask for! This is my 7th BMW over the years. My Wife thinks I was nuts to purchase another one until she drove this wonderful machine. Now we fight over the keys!

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  Fun to Own - Worth the Money - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Owner - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is definitly worth the money, however, have it inspected first to ensure the prior owner took care of it. Yes parts can be expensive, but use the internet for all of the online distributers and your maintainence costs drop dramitically. The engine is incredibly strong throughout the RPM band with torque and horsepower consistently available (especially in sport mode).

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  BMW M3 Convertible-1 year later - 2004 BMW M3
  By woolen - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have now had my convertible m3 for 1 year and enyoyed it tremendously. The summer was spectacular and the winter was definately enjoyable with winter tires.

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  Love the new 7 - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Vik Malik - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The 745 came with a lot of baggage....so called experts criticizing the new look, the i-drive, the complexity, etc. The proof is in hte pudding, as they say.....BMW has sold more 7 series cars in the US since they came out with the 745 than ever before and now sell more cars than Mercedes in the US. I love the new look of the 7. It is distinctive, masculine and the wave of thefuture. The Mercedes S Class looks not much different from the Lexus or Acuras of the world. Well done BMW. The 745Li runs smoother, corners better, hugs the road firmer, accelerates faster and generally outperforms all cars in the luxury sedan class.

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  Most fun, great value, man-toy yet! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By raman - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Fewer features than my top of line Pathfinder, cost about the same, but much more fun to drive. If the sex appeal of the Pathfinder is that of "bloomers in a convent", this is the neatest "thong in Rio"! Have yet to drive it somewhere w/o someone commenting on how snazy, cute, sexy it is! Abs love it!! The friendly adoration of strangers offsets the open envy of some male friends!

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  Dies ist ein großes Auto! - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Ed in Atlanta - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This by far is the finest automobile I have ever owned. Bought it certified from the dealer. They have been great. This car is fast, quiet and a great handling vehicle. Maintenance items covered under warranty: New radiator, rain sensor, valve timing sensor. The regular maintenace items are in line with what a car this complex should cost.