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 Rating - 2002 BMW X5
  By Kelvin Brewington - December 17 - 4:03 am

  This vehicle is such a blast to drive. The interior is awesome and loaded with more toys than you can probably remember how to operate. Ive driven many SUVs, but none of them have come close. The price tag is a bit steep, but its worth it.

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  Better than the Camry! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By momsfudge - December 17 - 2:00 am

  My 740iL has been a joy to drive for the past year. I have had some problems, but after learning that the $dealer isnt the only option, I have had them fixed rather reasonably. My biggest complaint about BMW is the complete and utter audacity of the service departments who act like there are no other options for us BMW owners. I say, "Go Take a Hike" to the bastards!

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  530 Wow - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By kbkannady - December 17 - 2:00 am

  1st BMW. The car has more than met our expecations. Powerful, comfortable and good looking. I bought the 530 for my wifes 50th birthday and did I get this one right!

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  Most Excellent - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Pink Floyd - December 17 - 2:00 am

  First time Bimmer owner and now I see what James Bond was likin. I got mine used with 114000 miles on it and it is in tremendous condition. Well cared for. Love the mileage and the power. Corners like a dream. Live in Colorado and it is cool in the hills. No outlay for repairs yet...but Im sure they are coming. A hoot to drive.

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  BEST COUPE OUT NOW? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By SCENELOWE - December 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF ART...I THINK ITS A LITTLE ON THE SLOWER SIDE,THE 5 SERIES I HAD A WAS A LITTLE FASTER,ALTHOUGH ITS A SLEEK COMFORTABLE VEHICLE I THINK THE DESIGN IS GREAT AND IT MOVES VERY QUIETLY AND SMOOTHLY A LITTLE ROUGH ON BUMPS (WELL IM IN NY SO THATS NORMAL)IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A NICE COUPE THIS IS THE ONE.

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  E46 - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Barrabyte - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun, Fun, Fun !!! Dont bother looking at any other car :)

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  Best Car in the World - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By ntnylion75 - December 16 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 750il is the most magnificent car I have ever driven and owned. It is a unique blend of power, comfort and excitement. People who are afraid of the 12 cylinder engine due to 15 year old quality issues are missing the drive of a life time. This car is far superior to a 740il and is all around faster than the 540i. I know because I have owned both vehicles. Caution: be careful. If you drive one it could spoil you for other cars. Its that good.

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  Worlds best car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JPH - December 14 - 11:00 am

  I had a 2003 525i and thought it was a nearly ideal vehicle. This car, however, is almost perfect. It is roomy for long trips and hauling children as well as for looking really "cool" on the road. Low maintenance costs. The iDrive is very simple to learn, even for those who arent very technological. Other brands cant compare to BMW!

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  325i is awesome! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By groberts - December 14 - 3:13 am

  You will not find a more fun and safe car in this price range. The drive train is incredible and I still cant believe the engine is only 2.5 liters.

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  by this car make your life alot better - 2003 BMW M3
  By Scott T - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is the sweetest ride available. The comfort is unparralled coupled with this level of performance. The sequential Manual gearbox is a blast although it takes about 2 weeks to master it. I highly reccomend this option. My prevuois car was a 98 Z3 which I still own. My Z is great but its a child compared to this bad ass Machine.