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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  1993 325i 4dr - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By mark n - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the absolute worst for quality that weve ever owned and the most expensive to repair. In the 10 yrs and 105,000 miles on the odometer heres a sample of some of the problems. Radiator replaced at 60k, transmission seals and clutch at 65K, drivers window fell out two times. Replaced window elevator. Passenger window fell out one time. Rear wheel bearings at 80k ($700). More problems that I wont list. A miserable winter car (Wisconsin) even with Blizzacks on all wheels and it has positraction.

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  High Quality - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By engineer1 - June 27 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car (325i sedan) 5 months ago with almost no options except for automatic transmission. The A/C is fast and cold compared to my 04 Toyotas. The variable-valve 6-cylinder engine gives you enough power when you need it. Steering and ride handling is a 10 out of 10. The rims get a little dirty each week from the brake dust, but that is nothing new. The car is black and very good-looking. The standard leatherette is refined and very comfortable. Rear-passenger room is superior to its competitors, head-room is very good.

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  Hard to Beat - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By ThinGuy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car (6speed, Sport Package) is a hoot to drive. Insane amounts of torque, and a suspension that strikes just the right balance between comfort and capability. If you want a reasonably roomy sedan that shows the world how successful you are, buy a Lexus or a Merc. If you want a sedan that delivers a superior driving experience, buy a 540. My car was in the Certified Pre-Owned program, so it has warranty until 100K miles or 6 years from the original in- service date. With 13K miles when I got it, it was indistinguishable from a new car, with a better-than-new warranty.

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  loving the autobahn - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By back2backbimmers - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive my 530i(sports premium,18" wheels) from Heidelberg to Frankfurt on a weekly basis. One word..exhilarating. If performance,quality ride, and luxury is what you want, then this is the car to buy. All I can say is that I love to see the "unlimited speed" signs.

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  OSSOM - 2003 BMW X5
  By BRIAN LEE - June 25 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR- VERY FUN TO DRIVE AND ZIP AROUND TOWN. A FUN CAR TO DRIVE IN ON CURVY ROADS.

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  Mikes BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sticklmj - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Transmission is best feature that provides smooth shifting matched to a capable engine. Steering, handling and suspension are excellent. The ride is ultra-smooth without sacrificing handling and performance. Climate and CD/radio controls are not driver friendly. Rear seat leg room is tight. Trunk is tight. Conti tires handled well, however they started making a "whining" noise after only 15,000 miles. Love the intense windshield washer fluid and the automatic wipers.

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  See you in my rear view mirror - 2003 BMW M3
  By M3 hot rod - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car ROCKS.I cant believe someone actually traded one in for a vette. Anyway, This car goes like a jet, and looks like a million.Its not cheap, but when compared to other similar priced vechicles (Like Lexus SC430)it is no comparison. SMG is fun and easy,Beautiful interior etc. Whats not to love?

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  323IS - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By C4Cabro - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a Great Car. Not is it just a BMW it is a Dream Car. I love driving Everyday. Just becuase i want to Drive it. i highly Recommend it.

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  Nothing Better - 2002 BMW M3
  By Printman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is what BMW is all about. If you like to drive you will love it. Perfect power band, race car brakes, rock solid suspension. The only negitive thing I have to say is that the car isnt cheap. But remember, it is the ultimate driving machine.

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  needs better feature quality. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By patrickandmike - June 23 - 2:00 am

  great drivers car, but why do so many things break on it? seems ours is cursed by that and being a "target" of problems (keying of total car, rock chips in windshield, nails in tires, shredding of tire sidewall when rotating, cupholder breaking, shimmying at fwy speeds a couple of times for no reason, cd changer jamming up, etc.). love the engine, but needs better interior quality.