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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  Z4 Quality Mini vette - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Carlos Noguera - November 15 - 2:00 am

  After looking at z350, 230 slk, and the Z4, the BMW was the most fun balance car.Auomatic, Selecting a White with red seats (grey dash/carpets)Sports/Premium/Zenon/ Convie/and heated seats, the Z is FUN. Handles like a GO Kart. My every day car is a X5, also wonderful, but with the Z$ I feel like 20s again.

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  5 Series Excellence - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Oscar Laud - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The 5 Series 2003 model is the apex of design and build excellence. The six cylinder (an engine BMW has perfected) is smooth, quick and dependable. The sport package (with rims and M steering wheel) is well worth the price. Buying this vehicle in 2003, before the new controversial style, was the smartest auto purchase Ive ever made. The 2004 has considerable shoes to fill. Keep in mind that this version of the 5 series scored the highest rating ever in Consumer Reports. Ever.

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  Great Car... But Get A Vehicle Service Contract! - 2007 BMW X5
  By Owner from Atlanta - November 14 - 5:39 pm

  I really enjoyed owning a 2002 X5 for several years, and was looking to upgrade to a newer model. I decided to go with the 2007 which provided a newer body look and technology, and was at the right price point for me. I bought the car from a reputable used dealer, and a hunch decided to purchase the Safe-Guard vehicle service contract -- and thank goodness I did. The car is at an age where some things begin to wear out, such as bushings and gaskets. I took my car in for a service and to diagnose a couple of minor problems and turns out I needed repairs that totaled over $6,000. BUT, the vehicle service contract covered pretty much every single thing. Now my car is in tip top shape, and all I had to pay for was a wheel alignment that wasnt covered. If I hadnt had that VSC, Id be SCREWED. A great car, but repairs are very expensive. Make sure you research before buying.

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  BMW--NO OTHER - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By lionel - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Smooth,strong, silent ridelow maintenance.

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  One Fine Performance Sedan - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By bdbd - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car far better than the new 745 solid, performance oriented ....

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  Its a Love Hate - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JWG - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Having owned a 750il and a 840ci, and now with a 03 760 li, I feel I can speak to BMW cars. Ive owned S class Mercedes between then. The 03 760 li has been a near disaster since delivery- - out of round tires,engine hesitation and cut outs. This problem will show up on most new 7 cars eventually. The pre 9/03 760 productions dont even have the ability to have satellite radio installation (or retrofit)-- an asinine oversight in a car of this price. As Ive said with the V12 BMWs- when they run right they are a dream, when they dont they are a melting dreamsicle.

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  Tight M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Ronnizzle - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The M3 is the best sports car for its cost and can compete with some of the greatest cars in the world. It drives extremely well in daily traffic and such.

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  Too fun not to drive - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By 31 year old - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 72k on it. Can honestly say that it is the greatest sport sedan land yacht around. The power plant could use a little more punch but is more than apt for the application. The DSC is a true lifesaver. I am 6 foot 6 inches and I can sit in the driver seat with my legs completely straight. Comfort is available in every seat. The rear seats are more like a nice leather couch. One thing that was added were wheels from the new 745. The 18" wheels have helped the performance around corners.

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  X5 - 2000 BMW X5
  By na193 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Corvette and a 4X4 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV until I purchased my X-5. The BMW combines both vehicles into one. It handles like the covette and has the utility of the Grand Cherokee. I will never by anything else.

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  I love it! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By voxfuzz - November 11 - 10:00 am

  What a load of fun to drive! Great experience!