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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  BMW 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By skeetjunkie - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Great European sports sedan for the money. Unless youre driving the Autobahn or wide open roads of the West, the 528i gets you there plenty fast with much better gas mileage than its bigger brothers. Have owned 528s since 85 and this particular model design is their best yet.

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  330i no extras - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - February 13 - 10:10 am

  This car is fun to drive! Although Ive had a couple minor issues that were covered under warranty, nothing major, it still feels like a solid, reliable car . Interior design could be a little more convenient... ie, cupholders seemed like an after thought. For the price, should include more extras... ie sport seats, fold down rear seat, alarm.

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  Awesome Ride - 2003 BMW M3
  By Rascal-PDX - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My research led me to this beauty - no doubt the best vehicle Ive driven.

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  First BMW - 1999 BMW M3
  By Edgy - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Really like my M3 coupe. Its by far the sexiest car I found while shopping last year for a high-quality used sports sedan, and I got a really good car. I hated the purchasing process though, DO NOT go to BMW of Arlington if you can avoid.

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  BMW 740il - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Din Hasangjekaj - February 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome it has very great speed it flies like a plane. great comfort all electronic. awesome v8 engine

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  My new 02 X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By tnbldr99 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  After owning several Bmw vehicles, i have finally reached the pinnacle of bmw quality combined with a fun to drive machine. I am very impressed with my X5s power, performance, comfort and off road prowess during the unexpected snow storms we received this year. I will definitely be keeping this vehicle and look forward to getting another new one in 2 or 3 years.

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  Sweet Ride!! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Bigguy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  WOW! What a car! This car is a step up over the previous model (1997-my last M3). More power, better features.

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  X5-Love Hate Relationship - 2002 BMW X5
  By stanmb - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Have 2001 x5 3.0. This car while a fine performer has had electrical problems from day one. Found my windows open over 15 times. Car still takes twice to start. Remote only worked when it wanted to until recent trip to dealership when they spent 1 week to redo electical system. Taking off trunk cover is major pain-broke it twice doing so. Twice had rear deck wiper blade torn off in car wash-must have it bagged or else. Friend had his car in over a dozen times for similar problems and ultimately BMW bought car back. Dealer says problems are now worked out. Still love to drive this car but am disappointed.

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  You wont want to drive anything else - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By dewtex - February 9 - 9:36 pm

  Bought the 06 325 about a month ago and havent stopped driving since. Ive driven a lot of cars and this is one experience that cant be beat. Controls took some getting used to, but once youre educated it gets even better.

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  First BMW - Aquired Loyalty : 10 - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By S3vSt3R - February 9 - 2:00 am

  It is just unbelievable. Handling is just perfect. This car is such a solid performer, that it makes me smile every day when I have to drive it to work. I am against buying used cars, but after test drive I changed my mind on this one.