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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  BeamAH - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Chet - April 12 - 12:50 pm

  Solid and fun. This car is so tight it feels like I am driving on rails. I will never buy another domestic vehicle.

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  Run dont walk from this car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Yikes - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Door handle broke off in my hand. HVAC motors made squeaking noises. Power steering pump and hoses failed. AC clutch failed. Front suspension shimmy - bushings failed. O2 sensors, thermostat, idle control problems. Front chrome(plastic) grills cracked, fell out. Main drive belt needed replacing after only 20k miles. Now here are the problems still to come that are COMMON among other 740 owners: Radiator (plastic!!) hose neck will fail without warning and strand you. Catalytic convertors will fail. Transmission will fail at 60k. Oil pump bolts may be loose and thrown up into engine.

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  The Best Overall - 2004 BMW M3
  By SRY - April 12 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, & Porsche, the BMW M-3 is the best combination of performance and comfort Ive ever driven. And, its roomy enough for 4 adults.

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  JUST DO IT! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By AQUAMAN - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I saw the 6-Series at the dealer while picking up my 2004 530i after a minor service, and KNEW that I had to have the car. Living in LA, its destiny to drive a gran tourismo coupe. The cockpit styling is sublime, the Logic 7 Sound without compare. With active steering and roll stabilization it corners like on rails. Wish the moon roof actually opened, but then again they do make a convertible. Bluetooth phone ASAP please!!! Oh, dont believe the 18 city / 26 hwy. Im getting 11 mpg. But whos counting?

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  the best in open air motoring - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By rajiv700 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  There are so many plus points to this car, theyre hard to list. Ownership makes it even more likeable. It really grows on you.

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  102000 miles and still going strong - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Jojoman - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car (325i auto) used from a local independent BMW dealer. The car runs and accelerates smooth at all speeds. I have fixed most of the minor problems myself and get a lot of supports from the net. The engine can run up to 250,000 miles without rebuild. There are many sites selling parts for it. If you are a DIY guy, this car is definitely for you.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2004 BMW X5
  By Blondie01324 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is the best car built!!! It is a perfect family car yet still has that sporty look to it. It is a perfect road trip car just pile a bunch of people into it and your set to drive for hours. If your planning on buying this car DO IT!!!! It is the greatest thing.

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  one of the best machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By buk - April 12 - 2:00 am

  the X5 is a very advance suv compare to other brand is the most luxirious car and best perfomance in quality

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  BMW X5 4.4 - 2004 BMW X5
  By alanmg - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive now covered 5500 miles, with no problems, other than moisture appearing in the parking lights. After driving a 2000 528IA sedan for 3 years, I wasnt sure how Id feel about the switch to this SUV. After 3 days behind the wheel I was sold, and will probably never go back to a sedan again. This handles and rides like a BMW, but offers the typical function SUVs offer. Its luxurious, yet tasteful and not overdone

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  BMW 325Cic - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwnevy - April 11 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 325Cic is nothing short of exciting every time I turn the key. The car has a quiet engine but dont let that fool you-- it is quick and very responsive without guzzling your gas. Whether top up or down the noise is surprising quiet for a convertible. With BMWs reputation it will be a hard decision in 2 more years to even consider anything else than a BMW convertible-- no matter what the weather conditions are.