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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  Z3 Coupe (50k miles) - 2000 BMW Z3
  By adkeeney2 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved this car from the very beginning. It is powerful and fun yet a little more practical than the roadster. We are able to get a decent amount of stuff in the hatch. Handling is superb.

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  97 BMW 528 - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By dasherhart - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought used which saved quite a bit of money. It is very quiet, comfortable and very easy to shift this 5-speed. It is very enjoyable to drive and has great acceleration and handling. The A/C and Heater work very quickly. The backseat leg room is good and trunk space is plenty. Maintenance - the thermostat has been replaced 3 times at no cost and the water pump was replaced after 5 years. The scheduled maintenance for BMWs is a bit pricey but they take care of so many items at one time to keep the car running well.

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  Great car! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jnr - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this car, and man what a fun ride! The only thing that I can complain about is those stinking cupholders!

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  1995 530i - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By cjnel - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from a friend that has taken great care of it. Very roomy inside. Much better than a 3 series. V8 engine that provides good top end power and has the fuel economy to prove it. A little slow out of the gate though. Maintenance is a real problem. Its hard to get the parts to fix it ourself and the guys down at the shop want too much. Ive had a lot of problems with oil leaks and each time I go in to have them fixed, it costs me around $500.

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  a great car - 2003 BMW M5
  By m5lover - July 31 - 2:00 am

  it is a great car. it is powerful strong and fast as hell. it has got a greate start time and a even more impressive top speed.

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  happy - 2003 BMW M5
  By ru - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Its like driving a porsche with the interior of a jaguar. It makes you feel powerfully rich....

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  My First BMW - The 525IA - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Stan Davidson - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am a car lover, and own 4 cars. The BMW is the most refined of any car I have ever owned. Excellent service with only oil changes and routine maintenance required. The comfort and handling are very good.

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  Great Date Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By littlehorses - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Found it on a used Corvette lot. Sat in both but found my old body liked the BMW better. Every woman in my life perfered the BMW. Drives and looks like a dream.Havent had all the electrical problems yet except it says to "check coolant" from time to time, nothing wrong. Had to replace the low pressure power steering hose and the fan belt tensioner assembly. At 65K miles the tensioner pulley would scream at start up. Never owned a car that required that fix. The dealer spent close to $1000 fixing or replacing the top cable system.

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  wonderful 528i - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By jeffjjh - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned! Not one problem in 60,000 miles. Gets 30 mpg on the highway and 25 to 27mpg just running around. The guality is superb and the car is worth every penny! It rides and drives just like it did when new. 80 mph feels like 55 mph. No wind noise and SOLID at high speeds.

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  my 1st and my last BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By blt1926 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  got car in Sep 2003. Bring back in Oct 4th,problem early in the morning,put car into reverse, then back to drive,car still going backward, in order to drive again,turn OFF engine,put into drive. Dealer said need to reprogram software (11 days) not fixed,bring to another dealer, advisor says need a new transmision but BMW of America does not have in stock (the largest consumer of BMW in the world does not have a new transmission !?),must order from Germany,(car stay in dealership for 34 days and still in the dealership),get call today 12/04/2003,wrong transmission shipped, do not know when the new one will arrive.