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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  Motoring Marvel - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By Motoring Marvel - February 28 - 1:46 pm

  Just bought this machine July 5th. Enjoyed a great road trip from New Jersey to Texas. The low rumble of the V8 at idle that then transitions to the high speed whine of the supercharged V8 is a thrilling experience. This is by far the finest auto I have ever owned. Even with fast highway speeds we averaged 21 mpg. Lots of looks and invitations to race. Hopefully, the limited sales into the U.S. will help to support the future value on this marvel.

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  Overpriced - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By vermont - February 28 - 3:53 am

  I previously owned a 2001 330xi and was looking forward to owning another. While the reliability is terrific, this car is not as well designed--and has developed many vibrations and rattles and does not handle nearly as well. The quality has diminished (for example, two of the speakers, one of the mirrors and the front brakes have all been replaced). There are many other cars on the market which offer better value.

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  Fun fun fun - 2005 BMW X3
  By akobet - February 28 - 2:25 am

  After trading my 2000 3 series for a 2005 X3 3.0, I though that I would loose that BMW feel. This car is an excellent replacement for the old 3. The X3 is fun and crisp to drive. My only complaint on the feel is the automatic transmission. It feels weird though - not sure - it seems to downshift late, and then when it downshifts it holds gear longer than it should, sometimes bucking. I find Sports mode makes the car smoother.

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  X3 hums - 2005 BMW X3
  By Steve Coleman - February 27 - 8:59 pm

  The best looking SUV around. Tough interior that can take some abuse. Gas mileage a bit disappointing but with its very good performance, not surprising. Superior warrrenty makes maintenance easy. Sound system is excellent. Unlike older BMWs, there are ample drink holders and good interior storage.

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  BMW 525i 2005 review - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By alan-jacobson - February 27 - 2:06 pm

  This car is awsome to drive, its, fast for the size of engine. It is very solidly built. The ergonomics are awesome, and the interior layout of controls are very easy to use, and easy to operate while driving. The handling is terrific, it drives itself pratically no body roll.

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  The ultimate machine ? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By MDontheroad - February 27 - 2:15 am

  Not a good car to have if you are busy and using it as much as I do. The radio goes out on/off. The seats wear you out after a long day and the a/c has its own temper. What really discourages me is that the radiator went out after 47,000 miles. If you need reliability dont get here.

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  70,000 trouble-fee miles - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By crazy4blues - February 27 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car new 7 1/2 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handling is very neutral, and spirited driving is always fun--never "scary." Ive never had any major issues with this car. Onramps are great fun, and I get about 28 mpg on the highway. 18 mpg City. It has started every morning and has never left me stranded. I have replaced the battery, the front brakes (rotors and pads), an AC module, and the water pump (as a precaution). While I have left it completely stock, this is a great platform for suspension upgrades and engine mods (CAI, Exhaust, Chip, etc.). I would definitely buy this car again.

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  Corvette Killer!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By charles - February 26 - 7:16 am

  My wife and I recently traded in my 2003 C5 Corvette for a 2007 BMW 335i coupe and we have no regrets so far. I was in love with my Corvette and did not want to get rid of it, but with a baby on the way we needed a car with more space. I was never a fan of BMW cars. I always thought they were overpriced and highly over rated until I took one for a test drive. Wow! now I understand what all the hype is about. Ive had my car for about a month now and it is simply amazing. The acceleration is actually better than my Corvette. The low-end torque from the turbos makes the car fly off the line and feel quicker than it really is. The handling is great and this car loves to be tossed around corners.

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  Best Sports Sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven Sistrunk - February 26 - 3:52 am

  Just picked up my 01 CPO 525i today. It has 51,800 miles but it feels exceptionally solid. Fit and finish is awesome...even after 4 years!!!

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  Great car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By TonyB - February 26 - 1:21 am

  I have driven Mercedes (including the Mercedes 500E) for the past 25 years, and this BMW has so far exceeded my expectations. Its lots of fun to drive and handles superbly. I am tall with hip and back problems and the seats are the most comfortable of any car Ive had. Also, the layout of all the controls is ergonomcially superior to any other car. Make sure you get the comfort acess option and heated steering wheel. Youd be making a mistake if you didnt.