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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  more fun than I expected - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bimmerman - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the pleasure of driving my X5 in Germany for six months before coming back to the U.S. The X5 handles like a dream especially at high speeds. Even if the rear storage space is a little tight, it has come in handy on numerous occasions. The X5 is reliable and the performance is great.

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  X5 Review - 2001 BMW X5
  By Al2002 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will do anything that a SUV is suppose to do. Its priced similar to the Chevy Tahoe and yet drives like a sports car. I really like mine.

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  PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Dean Shari - August 25 - 2:00 am

  PERFECT CAR. This is my 4th M3 and cant wait for the V8!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go BMW.

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  1999 740IL - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By meemygirl - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The ride is excellent but too many gadgets have had to be repaired: rear and front cup holders, rear glass window up and down, car phone electronics still do not work, glove compartment latch. I could go on, but the smooth ride is still the best.

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  Its a BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By wrld traveler - August 24 - 10:00 am

  2nd Bimmer, first a 96 328is which I loved. Decided to go for the new design in 01 w/ the 325ci. I got one of the first ones so I took what I could get. Prem. pkg, auto trans., no xenons(big disapointment!!). Great car, handles like a dream although! Perfect for a college student (a kid has an M5 on campus..parents must want him dead). NOT too fast, but not too slow at the same time and its extremely safe. I drove the 330ci after much hype (sales guy was like "this thing is a rocket, better be careful!") my girlfriend and I were very disapointed..we were expecting a very fast car..even my 328is felt faster.I will probably always stick with the bimmers..next up is the M3 coupe w/SMG

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  Best car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By yuriy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Combination of comfort, control, and capability is unmatched in its class. Sport package with M-technick sport suspenssion is a must. Velvety smoothness and refined sounds are coming from the engine.

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  So glad - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jason - August 24 - 4:50 am

  Just got the car 3 days ago and man is it awesome. Went to the dealership to get M3 info, walked out with the 335i coupe. Traded my 07 vette for it, and I dont regret it one bit. Its not quite as fast but it drives much better. It handles well, the interior is rich and comfortable with options galore. Its like the current M3 in performance with a smoother, more quiet ride. Perfect for me. The new M3 surely will be my next car, if I can get one in the next 2 yrs. I still need to get used to the iDrive and all the features it comes with. Real time traffic will be useful.

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  The Finest in German Engineering - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Trin->Starr - August 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BM used in 2002, and this car is AMAZING. There are few quirks that seem to happen with all BMWs but they are not life threatening, or highly irritating. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone. Dealership fees are a bit exorbitant, but look around where you live, you will find some that specialize in BMWs and other german cars. The internet also has a great repository of information on how to fix/repair, and troubleshoot. Most of them can be done by yourself

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  An expensive disappointment - 2004 BMW M3
  By elizabeth bonan - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Excited, I turned the ignition in my carbon metallic black on black, loaded M3.After a long test drive, I was ready for all the performance and style.Behind the wheel, the thrill turned to FEAR OF STOPPING. Taking off at a light, from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear the car morphed into Linda Blair in the excorcist. I dont mean the hesitation as SMG mimicks manual. The car bucked hard until I depressed the accelerator as behind me cars honked and screeched to avoid colliding. This still occurs randomly, with different drivers, in all drivelogic programs. BMW claims that this is normal for SMG. If so, the M3 is unsafe to drive in normal traffic.

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  JUST AWESOME - 2003 BMW X5
  By DENNIS SEHNAL - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever been in, owned, drove, etc.