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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  First BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By yost - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 67 years young so have owned many autos both domestic & import. My 530i is by far the best car that I have ever owned. My grandchildren beg me to let them show it off to their friends and love to drive it. BMW is my friend for th rest of my life! This year & model is so good that I feel it will become a collectors classic in years to come.

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  Best luxury sedan on the planet - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By FaustoMD - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The new BMW 745 (I own a fully loaded Li), is, hands down, the best sedan on the planet. Ride, finish, performance, convenience and looks are all straight 10s. The trunk is actually one of the most attractive (and debated over) features. Audi, VW are about to debut with new flagship sedans, but I think only MB in 2005 will be able to come close to this car with the new S series. I also own a MB E430 4Matic. There is no comparison with the finish and the ride. I am very happy for the choice Ive made.

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  I love it the 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Marcelo Ribas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I am glad I bought this car, it is simply the BEST luxury sedan of the world. I love it even more now after I tested the Mercedes S series (what a piece of junk). I make excuses to go to places and drive this AWSOME car.

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  First-Timers BMW - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jjackson60 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Initial bugs in software (switching from miles to metric, arming microphone, etc.) Also, early problem in seat-belt restraint. None of these fixed yet, because I havent had time to return to dealer.

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  PERFECT!!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By SMS394H - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is truly perfect, i love the all wheel drive and the traction and stability are excellent, the ride is great and there is pleanty of power.

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  AMAZING CAR - 2002 BMW M3
  By Kleenex - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints. This car is one of a kind. I have it in Phoenix Yellow Exterior and Black Interior. With SMG-II. Fits four people comfortably.

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  Love the SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By Andreas - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car does it all and more: - Daily commuter - Baby transporter - Occassional track day - Incredible performance, beating both the 911 and c32amg

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  Brand New - 2002 BMW M3
  By GaryK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my new M3 convertible just one day and it is beautiful. My convertible has the SMG transmission and I just love it. It performs just as you were shifting the car with a clutch, but without the sensitivity of the pedal. Also, driving in the automatic mode is a terrific accomodation to my bride. I cant wait until it is broken in to see what this machine will really do. I hope to get many fun years out of this baby.

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  Nice Car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By SB - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with the car has been absolutely outstanding. No maintenance issues, and it drives like butter. i would recommend this car to anyone considering buying one. Until youve nailed the accelerator on a 740i you havent lived!!

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  Get more than you pay for! - 2002 BMW X5
  By kds84 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing else like it. The X5 is a wonderful do everything big sports car.