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 wagon on the market - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Lover - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is great it has tons of room and is most of all safe i gave my car to my kid who is 16 now and he loves it as well he can fit all of his bag book etc in the back it is also cheap on insurance my carrier considers it a wagon so it is really cheap. I recomemded it 10 stars. A++

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  TOPLESS M3 IS FUN!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By macdbmw - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had the 02 M3 cabroilet for just about a year. I traded a Porsche Boxter S. This is a far superior car - No contest. It is abetter & less expensive 911 cabroilet with more room, the same or better performance and SMG, which Porsche does not even offer. I have the 19" wheels but would get the 18" wheels if I had it to do over for the ride.

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  Great car to drive but major problems - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By uncle george - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought an 02 with many software failures and engine that was replaced. Then got an 03 which has had transmission problems at 20,000 miles. Software and iDrive have been improved, but are still clumsy to use. You need to allow a lot of time for frequent dealer repairs.

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  ITS ABOUT TIME - 2004 BMW X5
  By DELRAY BCH,FL. - February 3 - 2:00 am

  VERY IMPRESSIVE. I TEST DROVE THE FX45 AND THE LEXUS GX470. ALL GREAT SUVS,BUT THE BMW IS ASTEP UP FROM THE OTHERS.

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  JUST PLAIN GOOD - 2004 BMW X5
  By FROG - February 3 - 2:00 am

  VEHICLE IS FUN AND FAST. ON THE DOWNSIDE VEHICLE IS NOT GOOD IN SNOW. THIS COULD BE DUE TO THE SPORT PACKAGE WHICH CONTRADICTS THE AWD PURPOSE.....PUTTING THAT ASIDE AND ADDING ABOUT $4500.00 FOR GOOD WINTER TIRES AND WHEELS, THIS VEHICLE IS AWESOME.

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  Disappointed! - 2001 BMW X5
  By Unhappy X5 Owner - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2001 X5 3.0 and it came with the pre-owned certification. Sold my Grand Cherokee and bought this and have total regrets. X5 only had 23000 miles when purchased and it has been back to the shop 3 times in the last month. Many little mechanical and electrical things wrong with the car. Fortunately Classic BMW in Mentor, Ohio has been fantastic and has fixed everything with no problems, but I wish I took my $35k and bought a new Volvo or Acura. Do your homework before you buy this car! Read the reviews, the problems people are having are real!

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  BMW 850i - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By fernandoan - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Exelent well build sports car, a true cruiser

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  540 6-speed - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By trainmandan - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle. Two years after the fact it still brings a smile. Great acceleration, smooth ride, good looks.Replaced stock differential with Dinan 3.15, added other Dinan upgrades.Acceleration from 70 mph to 120 is amazing.Wish the car had a bit more rear leg room. Only minor maintenence problems with light bulbs, key losing initiation and aux. fan. OEM Dunlaps fair, replacement Bridgestone Pole Position SO4s poor, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s by far the best. Has held its value well, by far the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Love my BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By durwiler - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Great all around sports sedan. Performance, comfort, and exceptional build quality. Dealer experience for maintenance has been stellar. I am hooked on BMW.

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  530i BMW - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Thomas Nancarrow - February 2 - 9:53 pm

  Driving this car is just plain fun. Handling is excellent. The new 255HP engine is very responsive, with plenty of power. Comfort seats are worth the extra money, very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quality control seems to have improved since introduction of the e60 model in 2004. I-Drive is not as difficult as many reviewers have made it out to be. The learning curve varies as to how much you have used a computer. It allows the dash to have a cleaner look to it. So far, the car has been a pleasure to drive and own.