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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  great vehicle and fun to drive - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By luisgo - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Fisrt its eye catching, the acceleration of this vehicle is great, but you will love when you are making shrp turns, you stay in youe seat at a 60 miles sharp turn, it will give you this type of reliabilty under any conditions. The inside is owesome and is fun to drive, people are always looking at your car, it gets noticied.

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  Fast, Comfortable, Safe - 2003 BMW M5
  By Goody4 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Its amazing how vault-like the M5 feels when you get inside and close the door. The interior feels great, the seats are the best Ive ever had. I find the dash--with its silver aluminum trim and black padding--a litte too Teutonic for my tastes. Its a (dark) look Im slowly getting used to, but not really warming up to. Surprisingly, the car is quiet under all conditions, even full throttle is a bit subdued. Its absolutely effortless to drive. It doesnt handle as well as my M3, but with 800 more pounds, I guess it isnt meant to. Still, its no slouch going into the twisties. It feels so composed under all conditions.

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  Pretty Sad!!!! Better off Buying a Ford! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By 2L8-IWON - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have to say I am thourghly dissapointed!! I have had two BMs and will never get another BMW Canada and their Dealers are most unhelpfull and inconsiderate, I have had to replace so far over $3,000 and BMW says I do not care sir even if you are only 3,500 miles out of your warranty, and then they say sorry you are not even the original owner so we will do nothing for you!!

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  Wonderful vehicle. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By DKGR - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it. It was absolutely spotless. Mine has the Sport and Premium packages and is beautiful both in and out. I was afraid that the 2.8L V-6 would not be powerful enough, but it is more than adequate for the type of driving I do. Besides, the wonderful suspension, brakes and steering more than make up for it, and your gas mileage is a lot better as well. I owned two Lexus ES 300s before this. They were both very competent automobiles, but cannot hold a candle to the 528 in terms of driving experience.

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  Super Luxo Liner - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Very Pleased - October 2 - 2:00 am

  After dealing with numerous electrical problems, I traded in my Mercedes E500 for a 745li and have been very pleased with the car. The 745 has effortless power and is as agile as a cat. I love the idrive system. It took me all of five minutes to figure it out. People who cannot figure it out should probably drive a Saturn.

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  What a sweet ride! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By speedfrk - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The 3.0 is fast and has great handling features. The sport package is nice with the 18" wheels and the sport control which makes the car even more responsive than normal. Love the looks and sound of the car as it handles every twist and turn. This is a true sports car and not one of those plastic clones. It is a big plus that BMW is going to pick up the tab for the service over the next 4 yrs or 50k miles.

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  Great car but not cheap to run. - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Enjoyment - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my 740i. With the Dinan engine upgrades and stage 1 suspension it is like a large sports car. Smooth and powerful with a navigation system/TV. So far, only the cooling system (radiator, water pump and resevoir) has broken. I hope that will be all but that is a lot for a 1997 with 60,000 miles on it. Certified warranty keeps costs down up to 50,000 miles.

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  1998 318ti with Sport Suspension - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By jobu - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Handles and looks great. Has been very reliable except for some bizarre problems for considering the age of the car. Catalytic converter went at 50k mark and we also found out that it was loosely connected so there was constant rattling from early on which no one could diagnose. Drivers window assembly collapsed at 40k mark. Gas cap has been a problem since early on...doesnt seem to fit well after a while causing a check engine light to appear as a result of a poor vaccuum.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2003 BMW Z4
  By DeNatale - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The power and handling of the vehicle is excelent. Theres ample room to be more than comfortable on a long trip.

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  A Great Car: For a while - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car for 5 years and over 50,000 miles until it had about 95,000 miles. Never a problem until about 90,000 miles and then there were all too many. Wonderful car to drive. Problems later were a/c and suspension. When I bought at 44,000 miles, it had a new short block, courtesy BMW recall.