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......with sport package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By billm3 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  great buy now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,will keep for 10 years

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  Driving Excellence - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By BobnNan - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is our first BMW and we really love it. We previously drove a 1998 Jaguar VDP and while it was a good performer it lacked comfort and was totally useless in the snow. Before purchasing the 745Li we looked at the new Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes S500. I liked the style of the Jag and the Mercedes better than the BMW but for handling, features and comfort the BMW came out leaps and bounds ahead. So far it has been a great driving experience!

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  Cant ask for much more - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By brian323is - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent! There are not many other words to describe this car. I am a performance driver and this car takes all that I give it and responds with a smile as it grips the road and asks me to push it harder. I have had no major problems with the car ever and it is still running strong. I have raced the car a few times and have been very happy with the results. I ran a 14.5 in the 1/4 mile and the car is bone stock. BMW really does build the ultimate driveing machine.

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  street legal road racer - 2003 BMW M5
  By racecar - August 14 - 2:00 am

  this is a true racecar for the street. last year,as a benefit of buying the M5,i attended the performance track day in south carolina where we got to thrash M5s around the rack and skid pad for a day. these cars just keep giving and giving....power and control at the same time. i love this car it doesnt turn heads like a ferrari would, but it elicits appreciative glances and thumbs up from knowlegeable car folk. and it ran nose to nose with a ferrari 360 one sunday morning on interstate 95 from the entrance ramp to well north of 150mph. the ferrari quit

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  Great new design - 2003 BMW Z4
  By skemmis - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a Z3 for three years prior to purchasing the Z4, I have a sound basis for stating that the Z4 is in a whole different league. It is a much higher quality vehicle with sophisticated design and luxury accessories. Performs at or near the top of its class. Very likely the best value in the under $50,000 category. A sports car truly worthy of bearing the name BMW!!

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  My 9th Bimmer with no surprises - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 6 speed Black on Black in April 2003, with no surprises. Ive got 5,000 road miles already. This car is truly a great performer. Ive had BMWs from 1983 to now and the improvements in performance has come a long way. This by far is the best E39 Ive had. The more mileage this car gets, the better it runs.

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  Best Ever - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By beegee - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Highest rated car by Consumer Reports for a reason. Wicked-fun to drive, as long as the weather is nice. If it snows, leave it in the garage and take the bus. I still get 2nd looks and compliments 2 years later mainly because of the M-style wheels that came with the early Sports Package.

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  Have enough cash for numerous repairs - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By superjunkyard - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car new. Many problems popped up over the years. This car can drain the money in your pocket fast because of constant repairs that are very expensive. Repairs range from wiper motor, turn signal problems, radiator hose leakages to leaky transmission fluid pan, etc. Engine is decent, but not that powerful. The paints on the body is crappy.

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  2001 X54.4i - 2001 BMW X5
  By Beachbum - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Engine Power-its a 540 with a fridge on the roof. This SAV gets up and goes. Digital stereo has amazing sound Overall comfort supperior to any other SUV. Plenty of leg & shoulder room. Great for long drives. Handles just like any other BMW - like ridding on rails. VERY safe car -5 Star rating. Cons: I use the BMW Term SAV is stead of SUV - since there is little utility in the cargo bay. They need to stretch the cargo bay 1-2 feet more. No wonder they offer a travel trailer to pull behind the X5. Fit and Finish of the door pulls. Mine have been replaced twice, my finger nail scratches the finish off.

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  BMW is BMW after all - 2001 BMW X5
  By candyman6688 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing, great quality, design, ride and etc. When going 80 MPH it feels like 40 on a regular car.