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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  528i can go a long time - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By budokan - March 14 - 2:00 am

  needed new cat conv at 135K, various bulbs, trunk release, interior lighting, headlight bulb, minor oil leak seal housing. fun to drive. safe. fast. got 147k now going for 200.

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  Solid engine, solid tranny, solid car! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By PTS - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Paid $32,000, 2 years old and 29,000mi. Drives like a dream, especially love the engine together with the Steptronic, so willing to take RPMs and shift. Adaptive feature great in mountains, better than normal auto tranny. Manual shifting is great for downhill control. Interior feels solid and luxurious. Wagon has some nice features with the bar that allows you to close off the trunk, put up a net to prevents pets from using leather seats, even when rear seats are down, the bar can be moved in front of the rear seat and still have preventive net, great engineering.

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  I cant part with it. - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By TimC - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a 99 540 iA w/ Sport Pkg. for 4 years now. Had a 95 540 before that. Ive been looking hard for the last couple of months for a new car replacement. I cant find anything I like better...except a 2003 BMW 540. So the decision was made...Im keeping the 99 for my wife...ordered a new 2003 for myself. I couldnt be happier...I just wish Id kept my 95 too. Theyve all been exceptional rides in every detail.

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  Best Sedan Ive Ever Driven - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By SemiNo.1e - March 13 - 2:00 am

  It responds to your will. I smile every time I drive it.

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  So this is what heaven feels like... - 2002 BMW M3
  By scipio1 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I made the mistake of giving up my 1997 M3 for a 2001 330i, Ive been itching to get behind the wheel of the E46 M3. Its been well worth the wait. With the 330 goin back at the end of its lease, I decided to indulge in a new M3, this time the convertible. What can I say? Every time I take a corner or shift a gear, I cant help but break out in a big [well, you know what]-eating grin. Life could not be any better than this. Comparing it to the old M3 does the E46 no justice. The new M3 is a beast, a snarling, roaring animal of a car that will frighten old women and small children on the sidewalk as it prowls past.

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  Not perfect, but very, very good! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By JAD - March 12 - 4:36 am

  Would have given it all 10s but couldnt because of the flimsy exterior mirrors, the bad cup holder design and, worst of all, the run flat tires. These have to go, and as soon as I have the time I will get rid of them and replace them with regular high performance tires. The RFTs make the ride rough and the cost of replacing them is ridiculous. These tires are my biggest drawback about the BMW. Fuel economy isnt as good as Id like but Im not complaining about that because the performance of the car is excellent. Test drove the C-class, but once I drove the BMW I knew right away that its a much better car. Too early to tell about reliability, but so far its looking like a keeper.

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  V8 s/b more fun - 2001 BMW X5
  By ciaomingming - March 12 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. wish it is as powerful as the v8, especially with its fuel economy.

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  Freude am Fahren - 2001 BMW M5
  By Bob Westlake - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever, and I mean EVER, owned. Everything is perfect and its easily the most fun you can have with a 4-door on the road today.

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  I love my wagon!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By rbud - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Other than lousy cupholders, this car is the best I have ever had. Solid, safe, reliable and fun to drive. Great visability. Lots of cargo room (I haul our two labs from time to time). Snappy features, such as tool kit hidden in the hatch panel, red safety lights on doors & hatch. Quality fit and finish. Airbags, side bags and head curtain ahad of anybody.

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  EconoHunk - 2001 BMW M3
  By Coquin - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Performance bargain of the century--prodigious power, grip, braking. It makes my E36 M3 daily driver seem weak kneed and wobbly. And the exhaust note is Wagnerian. If a Ferrari 360 sounded like this car, it would sound better.