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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  My Fun Secret - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By Hwy1Cruiser - September 12 - 6:19 pm

  I purchased this car for $2500, with 180k miles on it so it needed some basic mechanical attention. Mostly tired parts, but nothing wrong with the engine at all. Being that I have access to parts at cost and I do all my own work, it may not be a fair assessment however I LOVE this car! For me the parts are cheap, the work is easy and as long as you take care of the wear items, it will run forever. OK maybe not forever but I recently turned 200,000 miles and Im proud of it. I look forward to hitting the 250k mark. I will drive this car anywhere without worry. This weekend I am taking it to LA from San Francisco and expect it to be a sweet ride down Hwy 1!

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  First BMW and loving it !!!!!!! - 2005 BMW X5
  By jdo4394 - September 12 - 5:23 pm

  Love this SUV - 05 3.0i artic white, truffle brown leather seats, dark wood grain, premium package, cold-weather and climate packages. This SAV handles like a dream. It’s fast and very smooth shifting of the auto trans. Interior noise is almost zero unless you’re doing 90 or above, then you hear the outside mirrors whistle. Driver’s view is great. The full sunroof is awesome but yet quiet when closed. Everything about this BMW is top shelf in my opinion. I am just one very happy owner.

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  A solid car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Fun in the 40s - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Test drove most the usual suspects: G35, ES300, X-type, 3.2TL-S, 325xi, 330xi, 525i, 530i, Passat AWD. We thought the X-type was the next best option, especially given the very aggresive pricing what we were offered. In the end though, it came down to getting the 330xi or a 530i. I loved the 530i in Sport trim, but my wife voted for the better poor-weather handling of the 330xi. So far, very happy.

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  A Bimmer for any season. - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Sid - September 12 - 3:00 am

  Have owned this one for over 9 years - 325is 5spd with the legendary M techinc suspension. The only odd repair has been a radiator leak needing a new one. All else is simple maintenance of fluids and the odd brake pads. Have over 185,000Km on it and it still behaves new. Give us hill, curving roads and watch the generics fall aprart in your rear view mirror. Impeccable handing. Put on snow tires and run cirlces around any SUV. You will save enough on gas to put your kids through an Ivy league!!

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  Cant beat it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jgala - September 10 - 11:30 pm

  This car is WONDERFUL--so glad it comes with AWD--and boy did I use it last winter--complete safe and secure feeling and unbelievable performance. Service at dealer is fab--I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Landshark Rules the road - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BayAreaBMWFan - September 10 - 4:40 am

  This is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine. I have an SMG transmission which allows you to shift manually with automatic clutching. I have the control of the manual with no clutching hassles! With the Sports mode on, the car gives an amazing feel. The engine sound and in the gut acceleration really gets the juices flowing. The steering is responsive and the suspension tight this is not a touring sedan. I test drove the Z3 before buying this, and this car feels and drive very differently. It is a lot more powerful and "manly". When I look at it from the front it reminds of a shark & the Z4 rules the road like one. BMW leases are not expensive get a Z4. Money well spent.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Scott - September 10 - 1:00 am

  This is a great car for driving in the wind and sun. At highway speeds you dont even get wet in a light rain or drizzle. Handles like a dream on the curvy roads in Austin. Cupholders are a bit odd, but other than that it is hard to complain. The 2.5 has plenty of oomph for the weight of the car, and the sport package was well worth it.

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  except for lousy gas milage ,love it - 2005 BMW X5
  By jdo - September 9 - 7:16 pm

  My x5 3.0i automatic was purchased in March 2005 new. I now have 5800 miles on it and have had no problems what so ever. The SAV is alpine white, the paint and fit and finish is perfect. The interior is charcoal rugs and dash with dark popular wood trim. The seats are truffle brown. Plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom. Interior is ultra quite no wind noise or traffic can be heard I’m not kidding this SAV is out side noise free at any speed. Performance is outstanding for a 225 horsepower straight 6. Had it up to 120 mph not to long ago and had no vibration what so ever, SAV was like floating on a cloud also had plenty of gas peddle left. Electronic climate control is beautiful, gas mileage stinks.

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  Now I understand ... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By sotampa - September 8 - 10:49 pm

  This car is not a speedster. Gearing is for practicality (wagon and touring version). This is a road car. A dream on the highway. Solid cornering. It is a GREAT car. Im up over 212,000 miles on this car and it is still GREAT! Sample problems have been: Door latch had to be replaced. Brake light module failed. Fuel pump replaced. Got to fo the a BMW pro on this car. Parts are always from the dealer. You can feel nickel and dimed (dollar and fived?). I have had several excellent up-end Japanese cars. The power is with the Japanese but the car itself along with the driveability goes to the BMW. I NEVER expected to get hooked. I am.

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  Best mid-size SUV yet - 2005 BMW X3
  By X3 - manic - September 8 - 8:53 pm

  I decided to replace my 2-yr old Jeep Liberty with a sportier SUV, and found the perfect choice with the X3 3.0i. It is the perfect balance between function and luxury, not as soft and plush as the Lexus and not as utilitarian as the Subaru Forester. Handles like a BMW 3-series and has the hauling capacity of the Jeep liberty.