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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  Outstanding: BMW 325xi Wagon - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jdelbosco - January 23 - 6:50 am

  We highly recommend the European delivery program. Nothing like breaking a quality car in on quality roads!

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  BMW 2002 - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jgutmanmd - January 23 - 2:00 am

  The best car "ive owned. Better than the Mercedes in quality and fun to drive is unequaled.

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  2nd and last BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By Fred Tramutola - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Fast and good handling as long as the road is bone dry. Slides on wet roads even with anti skid. Snow is the worst. Doors and windows freeze shut in sub freezing weather. Locking system is impossible. Pieces of molding fall off. No where near worth the high cost.

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  1994 740i stay away - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Golf - January 23 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has a short block issue. The car run good at high speed, but performs badly at stand still. Idle is low due to a leak down engine problem. The problem was well noted by BMW and 180,000 units were affected. The Engine is this car does not do well with American gas due to a Nakusil material that the short block is made of. Theres material on the web that supports this claim. The car is no good for that year. I wonder if the BMW engineer was terminated. The dealer sold me the car knowing that it had a problem that they could not fix. As a consumer it only to me one day to late to figure that out.

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  Does it get any better than this? - 2004 BMW M3
  By bmwsloy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been my dream car for the last 10 years. After ordering my 2003.5, Im happy to say its even better than I hoped for. Its just an amazing piece of engineering that excites you just looking at in the garage. On the road, it absolutely blows your mind!

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  Love our BMW! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Pistol - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used (a one owner lease return) 528I w/sports package and 38,500 miles last year. Have driven it for 10,000 miles and it has been flawless. I have never owned an automobile that felt soooo secure - this car really handles. Previously owned a Saab and a couple of Volvos. My wife drives it every day - I get to drive it on trips - she says she never wants to own another car make - only BMW (and I dont disagree!)

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  Uber Wagon - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By JAMindfw - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Not only the best wagon on the market, but the best car. The wagon actually gives you 50/50 weight distribution. Handles better than the sedan. The extra torque of the 540 is worth the investment. I have used it to haul and road trips, etc. Did a euro delivery too, so got to drive it on home turf. Seeing euro delivery is actually cheaper, one would be crazy not to buy that way. New wagons wont be available (E60) til 2005-06.

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  my baby - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By MICHAEL WATTERS - January 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT ON IMPULSE FOR A DATE OVER TWO YEARS AGO, I HAVE NOT REGRETTED IT FOR ONE MOMENT.THE CAR HAS STARTED FIRST TIME EVERY TIME EVEN WHEN NOT USED FOR 2 OR 3 WEEKS.TO DRIVE ANY OTHER CAR MAKES ME REALIZE HOW AMAZING MY CAR IS, MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A BMW.

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  The "quarter to eight" tops all !! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By CEO Joel - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Before I purchased the 745li BMW - I would catch myself staring at it at every dealership, as it cruised by in the freeway, or on bmws website. I saw nothing on the road like it! Everything is is comparable - but when you see the 745 on the road - theres no mistaking it for something else. I could only imagine that all those that stare at my car are thinking the same thing as I ride pass them. The only complaint I have is that no one can keep their eyes off this vehicle.

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  Bug Alert - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Bummed BMW Buyer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  If you happen to get one which has some sort of bug in the complex computer system which runs the vehicle, you are doomed. I have had the same problems over and over again. Faults in the airbag/restriant system keep occuring. Something is draining on the battery and keeps shutting the car down such that interior lights dont work, the convenience package portion stops working, CDs keep shuffling through the changer and starting at the 1st CD every time, etc. Things have a mind of their own and reset themselves constantly. The bells and whistles dont work half the time. My advice, the vehicle is not worth the money they are charging.