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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  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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  You get what you pay for... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By innkeeper 40 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 330i thru ED. Fantastic option for purchasing a car. There is simply no substitute IMHO for driving one of the finest cars in the world on some of the best roads in the world. If you can afford the time exercise the ED option. You wont regret it. BTW, have you ever heard of someone who did the ED option ever not recommending it?

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  - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Thomas Wartenberg - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car, but much too complicated to drive. I have had several near accidents trying to use the seat adjusments, nav suuystem, etc. Its going to be traded for an A 8, ASAP

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  Dont Believe All That You Read - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Robfisher03 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The much maligned iDrive is a marvel. It has a learning curve of course. It combined with the active cruise control make for a pleasant and SAFE vehicle with performance and handling to set the standard for all other cars.

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  The Ultimate Batmobile - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By pistorp - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Just a really great travel car. We drive 700 miles with our 3-year old son and we are not even tired. Incredible performance, a greaty interior and so many super gadgets, I think its my best car ever

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  745Li 2003 - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JeffAA - July 30 - 2:00 am

  the car is great. Have a 96 750IL and this blows the doors off it.

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  Problems, less than 30 days into car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By mochamix - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The "rankings" they ask for do not allow for functional problems to be addressed. I have had this car for less than 30 days and I already have a message telling me that the restraint system (of all things, safety) isnt working! Air bags and seat belts... While it is a pleasure to drive this car in general and all "expected", it is only the ultimate HANDLING vehicle, not the ultimate DRIVING vehicle as it has nothing on driving a cadillac down the coast as far as comfort goes...BMW should take note of how cadillac masters luxury DRIVING especially at the price they are asking for the 745s.

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  Dream Car - 2001 BMW Z8
  By Hamer - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased a used 2001 Z8 with less than 300 miles of actual driven miles. I now am looking for a longer route to and from work to be able to enjoy more driving time.

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  Excellent street car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Bimmerconv - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best sport car out on the street

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  Solid but quite Sluggish overall - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By dieter maximillian - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle as second owner (bought 2 years used with 20,000km). Have only two complaints. Firstly when engine is hot (riding around for several hours in summer heat) car shakes in first gear... starts smoothly directly from 2nd at a red light with a little longer cluth action. Electrical should improve - lights out often. Funny I still like it.