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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  Fun driving big sedan - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By fmnoutcast - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and so far in over a year its been fairly reliable - the only problem was a battery that failed about 2 months ago. I expected a competent sedan - but realize every day that this is a performance sedan first, that also happens to be quite luxurious. I cant imagine having more fun driving four of my full sized friends in exceptional comfort...

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  Wonderful Automobile - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By noworries - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the most wonderful car Ive ever driven. Its so smooth and the power is right there. I feel very, very safe in this car. The premium sound system is fantastic. The interior is beautiful. There isnt one thing I dont like about this car, except maybe the fuel economy but thats what you get with a big V8 engine!!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2003 BMW M3
  By wrinkledoc - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is as good as it gets for someone who wants a performance vehicle that has a back seat. The SMG is easy to learn and is great fun. The car rides much better than my 2000 Boxster. The car has the performance of a 911 yet is more understated. The stereo is great. I love this car!

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  cant beat a 5 series - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By nmexmatt - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I am a BMW fanatic. I currently have an 850 and a 528i. The 5 series is just a superb vehicle. Very solid. Love the steering wheel controls. I prefer the locking system and cruise control of my 8 series better, but other than that the 5 is an all around great machine.

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  DONT CRY--DONT TELL - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By cruslo - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE 2004 325CI WITH 16 MILES ON IT 3 WEEKS AGO. 2WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS MALFUNCTIONING BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE.I AM TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT THE CAR IS A CAR THAT NEEDS TO WARMED BEFORE DRIVING. I DECIDE TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AND I COME TO FIND THAT THERE IS A SILENT RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. I AM GIVEN DOCUMENTS STATING , FROM BMW, THAT IF A CUSTOMER COMPLAINS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE HE OR SHE IS A CANDIDATE FOR A UPGRADE REPLACEMENT. OTHERWISE IF THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT COMPLAIN DO NOT SAY A THING

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  BMW 7 Series - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Capcityman - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The software revisions and minor glitches (like a KM spedo) were annoying but after those early problems, the car has been carefree/

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  THE BEST SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By DOGBIMMER - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I own my x5 for 1 year already ,and only one world is capable for this vehicle...exelent.Alot of people complain about small cargo area,but when you bought a bmw for 60g your concern is not put a 4x8 shetrrock inside a bautifull leather and wood truck.There is not other like the x5.

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  A recent addition to the BMW Family - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By DEE528SP - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my first BMW(528IA Sport) and I have certainly been missing out on life! The performance of this vehicle is phenomenal, and the styling is distinctive and impeccable.

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  AWESOME MACHINE - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Warnz - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first BMW in December of 2000 and love it, love it, love it. 24K miles now. Should have bought the sport package and exact opinions I wanted, but got antsy and bought one off the dealers lot. - a mistake you should not make. Premium package is a rip off, You can get most of the options seperate. Im experiencing my first problem. Need to take it in next week - a creaking noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel. I am hooked on BMW!!

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  sweet & sour - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By johnmn - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car. Hate to fix it.