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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  Shop Visitor - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By TGL - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 325xi is a well-built, sporty, exceptionally-handling vehicle. Its fun to drive, handles well in snow and ice and very well designed. The only problems Ive experienced is that its difficult to keep out of the dealers service department - have had many, many minor headaches, electrical bugs, warning lights, and other minor headaches.

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Reddog - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2004 in November off the show room floor. Have previously had Corvettes, Mercedes, and Infinities, and this car beats them all. Love the new styling look and the Steptronic 6 speed. My wife loves the automatic drive. Excellent acceleration, handling and braking. This car has a whole bunch of style. I was looking at 2003 models when I saw the car I bought on the show room floor. My wife and I looked at it and cancelled our ongoing deal on a 2003 and bought the 2004 right there on the spot.

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  Parked my M3 Convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By 4ocious - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have permanently parked my 2002 E46 convertible with only 9100 miles on it. I plan to sell it ASAP in the Spring. This car has never lived up to its hype. There are a lot of cars out there (ZO6, E55 AMG) that give you better performance, handling, and that good ole kick in the pants kind of feeling. I dont think Ill buy another BMW.

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  Best Money Can Buy - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Robert Cantrell - December 6 - 2:00 am

  We have owned most every luxury vehicle sold in America, at the present time I believe we have purchased the best money can buy in our new 745i. Comfort, style and drive are all to be commended as the top of comparable autos sold. The price is still a bit pricey, but no question can be in doubt regarding all the features we were looking for in a new car. We have traded our 745il in to update and have found the upgrade to be superior to our older model.

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  Lemon - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By TSE - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than three months. The car has been in the shop for more than 10 days already due to electrical problems with the eye drive. THis is my 2nd 745i with similar problems.

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  what a machine - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By GrkBanker - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at this car for the last 8 months.Coming off from a Mercedes this car is the ultimate machine>i hope they can define some details like the navigation system..but this car has everything I want..comfort luxury and performance to die for

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  Love it, Love it!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Rebalol - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a convertible sports car all my life and I fell in love with a Z3 (by site only) back in 98. When I could finally afford to buy what I wanted, I did lots of research and decided the Z4 was my best buy. It has not only met all of my expectations, it surpasses them. I love the speed, I love the handling, I love the looks I get when I drive it!

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  Cheetah on the autobahn - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Reed - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The car is impeccable in quality, fit and finish and a pleasure to drive. She easily accelerates to 125 mph and continues to climb effortlessly from 140. I pushed the accelerate button from 140 and it took off like most cars do from 65. The factory limit is 156 mph. At this speed the car is very stable although imperfections in the roadway, absence of road crowning and non-banked curves on the autobahn become apparent. At 156 mph she turns 4500 rpm, well below the peak hp of 5500 and below the redline of 5750. Theoretically the car could do 190 but you would need a good road. Write me if you have any doubts about the thrill of driving this car.

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  Fun fun fun til wife takes the bmw away - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By shortyusa - December 5 - 10:00 am

  My 540i drives like its on rail road tracks. Fast, takes curves like no other sedan. Build is great. Sound of the engine can make a grown man cry with joy. Cost is only about 10k too high. But there is no car that comes close for less than 80k. Why could BMW not make a better cup holder?? Come on Herman it just has to hold a darn cup from McDonalds!!

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  best car I ever had - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By HoustonianBMW - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 140,000 miles almost five years ago. I now have 225,000 miles on it after daily commutes and a trip from Texas to NY. I have changed the fuel pump and a few rotted hoses, but this car is super reliable. I was hit from behind by an accord last summer, and while it crushed in the entire front end of their car, I just suffered a small dent, and a slightly crumpled exhaust. The car still drives great after the accident and even after the big flood in Houston which left me with water over my seats. If I ever replace it it will only be for another BMW!