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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  The car you have always wanted - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By liberal_lawyer - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Truly an awesome experience ... the drivers seat feels like you are in the cockpit of an airplane -- and the take- off is perfection. I told someone the other day that if I won the lottery I would not buy another car - that is true satisfaction.

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  2004 545i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Todd Akes - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the looks and the technology. The I drive is great in my opinion and the lines of this car are outstanding. My only complaints is the drivers seat seems to be impossible to tune in for comfort and it seems to wonder at freeway speed more than I would expect from a 65k car. Never the less it is a fantastic car time may cure my seat issue and the dealer may cure the wonder.

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  great car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By marie reynolds - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle. drives great. looks great

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  the best - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By tjroseinc - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great fun to drive, lots of power, buttery smooth tranny, a real hot car, as close to 18 as I will ever get again, absolutely love it !!!!

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  Get this car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By wagonman - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is awesome. Smooth and powerful. Sports car lurking under a sleek station wagon. Get the 5 speed manual transmission to experience BMW technology.

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  smg is great - 2003 BMW M3
  By m2man - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely no regrets. Rides smooth when city cruising rides hard when pushing it. Windblocker on the cab means tunes can be heard in any weather. Sunny day and SMG means happy man.

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  M3 Convertible - Be one with your car... - 1999 BMW M3
  By m3rocksj - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car fits like a glove. I have owned Mercedes, Acuras, and a Porsche. This car, above all the rest, gave me the greatest sense of unity between a man and his car. That may sound very weird, but if you drove one you would know what I mean. I feel a sense of control over every aspect of driving. I first test drove the E36 325, and had a similar sense, but with the "M" engine you get the control and the incredible power. If you ever get a chance to drive the M3, take it and see what I mean. Just be prepared to miss it when its over.

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  750 il - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jambroziak - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Best car on the road. Bought used at 40k. Drove in 1 year 30k miles. No problems. Maintance is expensive: 12 qrts of oil. Tires 800$. Sparkplugs for 12 cylinders, 2 airfilters, etc. If you have a reset key it can be done at home, but needs oil changed according to internal lights every 9-10k. At 100mi/hr rpms are only 2200. Gas milage varies from highway 23-24 mi/ga on good gasoline to 16 in city, and 12 in sports mode. For little extra, much better deal than 740: much more power, torque, all leather and no vinyl, double security glass, lots of extras, and better quality.

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  Black BMW 325ic - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Venterra - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Great driving car. Quick and responsive engine. Five speed is better than automatic.

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  Theres Only One! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Vegas Bob - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been driveing for 30 years and have owned..everything at one time or another. My 528ia is by far the best machine I ever owned. Its now got 62,000 miles and its now just breaking in. It may be a six cyl, but it just chews on most 8s and spits them out as it goes by. The quality in every aspect is just the best. The only problem is I have to buy another one now that my lease is up. Theres just no driving anything else after this car.