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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  Nothing but a Beamer! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By PAScott - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Just brought home my 02 Certified Pre- owned 525i after I traded in my Z3. I cant believe its the same engine. It does lake a little bit, but this car is SUPER responsive. I have the Sport + Premium Package. Nice. I must agree...the cup holders arent worth the plastic their made of. (COME ON BMW). Overall...a step up from the Z3. I LOVE this car

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  worth every penny - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By mieciu - July 1 - 2:00 am

  My first, definitely not the last.. I left it for a service and got a Chevy Tahoe as a loaner. What a difference in steering. I could not go straight! Once back in my BMW I felt like being bolted to the road. Great overall smooth ride except sharp bumps (those joints on a concrete highway).

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry Martensson - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many, many vehicles for the past 45 years new and used foreign and domestic. (BMWs, Saabs, Volvos, Hondas, Toyotas, a VW Beetle, Fords, a Buick, a Chevy, an Olds.. and maybe some Ive forgotten!). The 94 740i I now own is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It looks good, drives beautifully, has plenty of power (I outrun many a car!), and has had no problems. The Nikasil block was a problem but most have been replaced. Mine has the Nikasil and has no problems (and since sulphur in gas was the culprit.. if your Nikasil is OK now... dont worry since sulphur is now greatly reduced in our gas).

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  I love my car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joevicki - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun car I have ever driven. It handles so well in the rain, that I actually enjoy splashing thru the puddles. The dynamic stability control is to thank for this - you can feel it take over as water attempts to change your course. Its turning radius is unbelievable and its easy to park. Its beautiful (metallic green or teal) and really turns heads. It has great acceleration even at 80 MPH. You have to watch for cops, tho...my husband got a 93 MPH ticket in central Texas and it was easy!

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  Fun car to drive - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Thebitz - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car in 10/03 and I absolutely love it! For a 98, it looks and handles great! I test drove it on the west side of Cincy on curvy SR roads and it was an instant sale. The only problem I had was replacing several seals on my convertible top/front windshield, but I guess that should be expected with a 6 yr old convertible. I had to drop $2000 the first month I owned it and now another $500 for a carb sensor, fan or something. I knew the maintenance would be expensive, but that hurt a little. Even with these costs, I still love the car (as long as another $2K bill doesnt come up within a yr)

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  BMW 323 Outstanding - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rmanning - June 30 - 1:13 am

  A great driving expierence, well worth the money.

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  Car Phone didnt activiate - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By RLCPAPC - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 silver metallic 745i with a phone that wont activate. The dealer give me a new one and it works now. Stereo is great but dont have XM. Havent tried Sirius yet. Seats are very comfortable and am finally getting used to all the controls. I like this car.

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  JPDZ4 2.5 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jpdz4 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 is my first BMW and it the best driving experience I have ever had. The looks grow on you and the uniqueness and rarity of the car draws a lot of attention. I had first intended to buy a Porsche Boxster but the current style is boring and they are very common in my neighborhood.

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  driving used to be a bore - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jody Wilks - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I hve driven this automobile in driving nighttime rain, through snowy mountain passes, the deserts of the southwest, windstorms that closed mountain passes and finally, cold icy roads in Alaska. It has always been a joy to drive.

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  Love my bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemybimmer - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car 3 days but Im already hooked. Ive driven over 350 miles...thats how much fun it is to drive my 325i. This car handles beautifully...stops on a dime and is extremely responsive to the driver. I can now understand what BMW owners mean when describing their "ultimate driving machines". Go get one...you wont be disappointed!