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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  the best of the best - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By tony wyan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  What can I say other than this vehicle is fun fun fun-not just transportation.Add the streptronic transmission and you get the thrill of a lifetime-driving a true sports machine and loving every mile you drive.I have driven them all but this one leads the pack in all catagories- the best..

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  Best car ever - 2004 BMW M3
  By Pants - June 1 - 2:00 am

  this is the best convertible ever!!! i got a 2002 convertible with every option except the smg, but im fine with the stick.

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  Still the ultimate driving machine. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By johnbmw328 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The car handles like no other. Haven driven many other types of cars, BMW is the most fun. It gives me a sense of security while driving, and for that I would pay any price. Yes, the cost is high for repairs but all good things do not come without a price. Find a reliable mechanic. Avoid the dealership.

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  Great car but low reliability - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By LuvChiana - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first BMW, and it was the best car I ever owned -- until its second birthday. Great handling, braking, overall feel. Above average marks on luxury and comfort. No problems until the two year mark, then all sort hit in fairly quick order. Including: electrical system problems stranded me three times in two weeks, rotting trim, radio & climate controls, and computer display panel fading out. Traded car after Internet research - - BMWs OK reliabilty in general but if you get one that goes bad it really goes bad.

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  Just got 2004 525i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mikehell - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 2004 525i automatic with cold weather package, xenon lights (which are way nice!), leather and premium package...very nice car!! I had been researching extensively new BMWs, Mercedes, and the like for the last 5 months. BMW is a very solid car. You feel very much in control. Even though I have only had it a week, it so far has proven excellent to my high standards (I plan on updating this entry in 6-8 months to see if all is still well). I was also torn between the 530 and 525, there really is not much difference in the engine perfomance considering an extra $5,000 for 39 more horsepower.

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  lenrunner5 - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lenrunner - June 1 - 2:00 am

  great ride,handling, fun to drive...i love my bmw

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  2nd time around - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By luvinlife - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd conv BMW and I am just as happy with my 2004 as I was with my 2000. This is a great car, fun to drive and recommend it to everyone.

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  watsons 645cic - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By gbwatson - June 1 - 2:00 am

  gorgeous car that drives beyond belief. what more can I say? Thank You BMW!!!

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  Ulimate Discomfort Machine - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cobo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The sport seats have nearly crippled me. The seat cushion sags even under my moderate 170 lb. frame. This causes spine to flatten and forces a slouch position. The lumbar support tries to force your spine into normal curvature, but it is poorly positioned, hard as a rock, and not adjustable. Ive never been so pleased with a car, and yet been unable to enjoy it due to the major discomfort of the seats. Ive owned 10+ cars and driven countless European, Japanese and American cars on business trips. Ive never had a seat bother me before, despite very long trips.

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  BMW 740IL---ULTIMATE MACHINE - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MITCHELL - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A CAR THAT JUST HUGS THE ROAD LIKE IT IS ANGRY AT IT...WHAT A MACHINE...THE NEW STYLE IS A COMPLETE DEBACLE OF CRAFTMANSHIP, BUT IF THEY WOULD HAVE LEARNED NOT TO MESS WITH PERFECTION...GO OUT AND GET A 2001 WHILE THEY ARE STILL AROUND..UNBELIEVABLE CAR