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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  Definitely the ultimate driving machine! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Arlene - August 30 - 10:02 am

  Driving my BMW feels like a million dollars! Of course the top down on a beautiful day is beyond comparision. Drives like a dream. Service is top notch. They treat you like you should be treated. Id recommend one to everyone. I keep telling my friends if you want one get one! We deserve it. Got mine preowned (1 year, 9000 miles) and saved thousands. Its the way to go.

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  I WILL NEVER BUY DOMESTIC AGAIN! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Tina - August 29 - 7:30 pm

  This was and is my favorite car by far I have ever owner, its handling, cornerings, styling for the price are by far superier to any other car out there. The reliability in impeccable, as well as the general stylings of the car. I would highly recommend this car to ANYONE! Young/old, male/female!

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  Whats not to love? - 2005 BMW Z4
  By woo hoo! - August 27 - 5:16 am

  I had the Z3. This car is a vast improvement. Hugs the road & corners much better. Smoother ride. Many luxury features the Z3 didnt have, such as rear glass window, auto top without anything to hook or unhook, xenon headlights, run-flat tires freeing up trunk space, roomier interior with new retro design, great cup holders! Better stereo sound than the Z3 too.

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  The best ever - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ubla - August 26 - 8:13 pm

  I drove my sons 2002 325 manual for a year - I did no like it, I have posted a message to this respect. Now, this 2006 also a manual is a totally different thing, I love it and I am convinced it will be grow to be a legend. Please do not buy this car as an automatic it make no sense. The only reason one would want an automatic is the heavy traffic on an incline. This manual solved this problem by engaging in the 1st gear just by releasing the clutch and then it you are on an incline the beaks release only when the clutch is engaged therefore there is zero rollback. Thank you BMW.

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  naveed - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By naveed - August 26 - 10:10 am

  Great car, enjoy every moment of driving it

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  Favorite Car Ever - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cbren007 - August 26 - 1:56 am

  After 6 1/2 years and 123,000 miles, its time to get a new one. Best car I have ever owned. Aside from Cam Sensors,a Blower Resistor and a power steering hose, only other thing I have done is std stuff like change the Oil. Rule of thumb with BMW is never to use the dealer unless it is a electrical problem and you will save big bucks. Manual and sport pkg is the only way to go. Great performance and avg 25MPG. Car, both inside and outside looks like it did the day I drove it off the lot and performs like new. Unreal fit and finish that lasts and is a Gold Standard for automobiles. My new 530i is on order and I cant wait. Expensive yes, but worth it if you love to drive.

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  Not perfect, but so much fun - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By 340paul - August 25 - 10:00 am

  So far, this car has been so much fun to drive. I dont know how BMW does it, but their smallish 6 cyl feels big. It rides and drives wonderfully. As for complaints, it seems as if we all have the same problems. Ive had the driver side window regulator replaced twice, and all other windows once. Sunroof shade clip broke just like the others too. Brakes put out tremendous amounts of dust, and wore out at 30000 miles, but they work! Stereo speakers definitely not up to the standards of this car. Overall, I love this car, but Im not looking forward to my warranty running out. My next one will have a 5-spd and sport package.

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  The Ultimate Test Drive - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer FIEND - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this vehcle with my father and I am hooked on it. The ride quality is superb on the suburban roads. Unlike my dads Buick Park Avenue, this car absorbs bumps and immediately recovers whereas our Buick bounces for a while after. Pulling onto the freeway my dad (I do not yet have a license) just tapped the gas and we were off. I probably wouldve floored it. Even mild acceleration is a rush though. GREAT at cornering. This car cruises very well. BMW is loosing fans fast, however, with there new designssuch as the Z4 and the upcoming new 5. Why mess with such a good thing.

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  Best New car Ive ever purchased - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Larry oliver - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The car was flawless from day one. There were no factory defects to address!!! The 525i has plenty of power. I couldnt justify spending another $3,100 for the 530i. The only other option I would have gotten is an automatic diming rearview mirror. My previous vehicle was a 95 Ford Windstar, no comparison!

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  GRRRR, Love the Power - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By DCNH - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This will be my 3rd BMW. I have owned the 3 series in the past. I love the power/torg of the 540. Handling is superb for a V8. Extremely comfortable and queit on the 18 wheels. Plenty of room in front / rear. Xlnt highway car. Going 80 mph feels like 30.