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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  get a lawyer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By boycottBMW - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Anyone got a good lemon-law lawyer?, cause this company sucks!!!! The car handles well as it should for all that damn money you spent on it, but as far as reliability is concerned, it is horrible! back and forth to the shop, oh, and no loaners. The car keeps staling on me almost killing me and i spoke to all the managers and finally they tell me not to get a lawyer, hahaha. Just did and now theyre freaking, cause now they have too spend money for my lawsuit. Wanted to upgrade at first, but now will never buy/lease one again.

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  I have driven alot of cars..... - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By falkonv7l - October 24 - 2:00 am

  And this one ROCKS!!! The most pleasant car I have ever driven. I have the sport pkg, constantly in contact with the road yet the suspension is not rough, the grip is amazing, the steering is on par with a Porsche! This is truly a drivers car. The chasis is as stif as the day it was built (now I have over 80k miles) Oh did I mention it is a very good looking car as well!

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  Great SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By italiafam - October 24 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I were looking around for a new suv for both of us. We test drove many SUVs. After driving the X3, we were sold. We purchased two X3s August 2004, one black and the other silver. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, I was T- boned by a toyota on the passengers side.The other vehicles whole front end was demolished. My X3 stood the test. I was protected by its well built solid body and I was not harmed.

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  Great experinence in progress. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Luis Angel - October 23 - 5:46 pm

  I did not like the style initially, but got used to it and saw the advantages and improvements in design as I drove it. Every day I fall in love with it.

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  Lemon Law - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RJC11 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive-when I have it. Vehicle has been at the dealer twice for a total of 18 days so far with the same electrical problem. Going back for a third time. 3 Strikes and youre out.

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  a long time BMW driver - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By wanger - October 23 - 2:00 am

  While new is usually better, in the case of the new 2004 530, it is not. After driving the 1998 528, and a 330ci, this new 2004 530, while technologically more advanced than the former model, is like driving a large sedan. It does not feet like a drivers care. It feely heavier, the radio controls make it a lot harder to switch between channels, the attention to deatil to save costs are noticeable...no longer is the gear shift knob in wood. Thats a $150 option. The door panels are too large, making the passenger windows too small. If you are a back seat passenger, you are wedged too far down in the seat to be able to look outside. Overall, go find a 2003 530/545 and dont let it go.

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  I hate this car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Pissed Off Norma - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the worst BMW I have ever owned! Over the past 18 years I have had six BMWs. This car is nothing but trouble. Too many "bells and whistles" and not enough thought put into anticipating problems that the car could have. The acceleration is jerky at best. The car idles so hard it shakes you. The A/C shuts off when it "feels like it". Many, many problems with the trunk (closing/opening) and key systems. I have it in the repair shop more than I get the drive it! Also, BMWs customer service has done downhill - I had the car in recently and they kept it for two weeks and found over 300 things wrong with the car! BEWARE!!!!!

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  hate the inside - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim Yost - October 23 - 2:00 am

  nice looking, wonderful to drive, comfortable, the the interior design and controls are from bad to awful. the dashborad displays are too small for me to see with out my glasses but i do not need glasses for driving so it is a problem. the i control for sound system and heating is too complicated to remember and use while driving. the electonic park neutral drive reverse is downright dangerous as you can open the door and get out without realizing it is not in park

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  2004 bmw 745 i - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Egon - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I just love that car 26000 miles and I have had no problems .

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By duncan0802 - October 22 - 2:53 am

  I havent really had a lot of time to drive this vehicle but it is incredible. After test driving this and several competitors, this was the one that stood on top. It just handled like you wanted a car to but felt you were riding in a more expensive vehicle. I highly recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive and wants to enjoy the ride and relax at the same time.