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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  Thrill to drive - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By geno - February 28 - 12:06 am

  I just purchased a 335i sedan and took delivery 10 days ago. Without a doubt, this is the best car I have ever owned. I was a diehard Audi driver for many years (A4, S4, A6). The handling and acceleration are phenomenal. This car is nimble, agile, and very quiet even at cruising speeds of 80mph. I am getting 21mpg in city driving and the car has not even been broken in yet. The torque curve is great and allows for acceleration in any gear without any engine stress. I cant wait to open it up a little after the break-in period. I even like the run flat tires (sort of). I was pleasantly surprised at the ride they give coupled with the sport package and manual transmission. Get this car!

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  Last BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jake - February 27 - 6:56 pm

  I have driven BMWs for years but this is my last. Replacing the run flats at $1300 every 8 months didnt make sense. Plus, run flats gave it a terrible ride and handling and very noisy. I replaced tires with non run flats. Handled like my previous BMWs but no spare, no room for a spare. The resale value didnt hold up well. I bought a new Audi A4. Handles better, more features. I will not buy another BMW.

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  Buy one now! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Itstoobeautiful - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The styling of the E39 is perfect-- understated, sensuous, mysterious, and with the right wheel package, subtly aggressive. Performance is incredible-- tracks through corners like its on rails, accelerates quickly, cruises effortlessly at speed. Leather is buttery soft. This is the kind of car you will never tire of driving. Havent had any mechanical issues yet. It will need routine maintenance and parts replaced as it has 100k miles on it. Still--it drives like its brand new. Smooth, quiet, and fast. This car is just plain beautiful.

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  Built on a Friday - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Ericz3 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  My Z3 was in the shop about 20 some odd times. The problems ranged from leaking softtop, blown thermostat, busted sending unit, and so on. Fun to drive, and I love the look of the car!

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  Wow and then Oh No ! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill in Cincy - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW,new 2004 325i,4dr sedan,jetblack w/tan interior,Premium package,sunroof, steptronic transmission. Beautiful Car! Wow, this is a sports car in a practical sedan. Handling is unreal which makes driving fun and ride is smooth & comfortable. Oh No ! comes from transmission having to be replaced at 1000 miles!! BMW apparently outsources the transmissions to Ford/ZF(are you kidding me, junk)and told me they are experiencing a "seal leak" where transmission doesnt engage

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  Bottom line: 2004 530ia bimmer - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By joejoe91 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Bottom line: 5 series bimmers still provide "The Ultimate Driving Experience" hands down! In my search for a new car over the past 6 months, I have reviewed and test driven over 10 different makes of 2004 vehicles including BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, & Infiniti. The BMW 5 series is, to me, the VERY BEST in every category.

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  Intimedated by the i Drive ? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By elicojt - February 26 - 2:00 am

  As my first entry into the BMW line-up its hard to beat. I was looking at the new 5 but found its size may not meet the needs for a family of 5 (even though the kids dont see much of the back). A perfect match of perfomace (19" wheels, 325HP) and Luxury. i Drive should take about 1 week to master (going through each menu screen) and loading some favorites then its a matter of how much you want to know while your drivig. If you have trouble with Windows XP maybe maybe you should think about a Lexus & touch screen.

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  The Ultimate Convertible - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By RockonRocko - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years and it has been very reliable. 4 seats in this convertible makes this guilty pleasure convenient too. I have the sport option which offers 16" wheels, lower/stiffer suspension and power sport seats. 5 speed transmission is extremely smooth. Great car!

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  great car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bernie - February 25 - 6:33 pm

  Ive owned many high end sporty cars and this is clearly the best. Fun to drive, solidly built, classy, and gets compliments all the time.

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  I love the car! - 2004 BMW X5
  By Rebeka - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I changed my ML 320 to an X5 and Im happy I did. The X5 is fun to drive and has a very sporty feel to it. Everything is easily accessable. Overall, I am very happy with the car.