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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  Yes, I have indeed arived. - 1997 BMW M3
  By Blackmind - March 6 - 2:00 am

  First off I never thought I would be driving a M3, but as they say never say never. This car is really something special. It has a fine blend of luxury and performance that is hard to match by any car out there. The looks are formost intimidating to say the least, and it has the POWER to back them up. The four door makes this car a "SLEEPER" for sure, and its great for people who cart others along frequently. Tight cornering, great acceleration, and smooth as silk, this thing really is a car you can get addicted to driving.

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  X5 - 2000 BMW X5
  By MKJ - March 6 - 2:00 am

  The BMW of sport-utes earns its stripes with outstanding handling and acceleration, coupled with class- leading ride quality and way above average fuel economy. My 2000 has never been in the shop other than for scheduled maintenance. At 42000 miles the tires have another 20,000 in them, and the front brakes were just replaced.

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  They almost made it - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By bto - March 5 - 2:00 am

  With out a doubt BMW took a chance and put all the technology available into one car. The result is a formidable driving machine. The problem with taking these kinds of technological leaps is who is going to fix it if there is a problem. We have owned the car one month and have had the second system failure in the car. The first problem was with the dynamic drive system. The dealer was very accomodating but it took a week to diagnose the problem and get the right parts. Now we have our second repair in one month. If we have anymore difficulties with this car I will return it under the Lemon Law.

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  Daily Exhilaration, > Fun Than Imagined - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By my540aye - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic response in power,braking and handling. Watch maint. issues: 1. Cat. Converters (8yr/80K from BMW) 2. Radiator & Overheating Issues 3. Vacuum Plate & Crankcase Valve. PURE SPORT LUXURY. Insur. Class is high 23 for automatic and a 24 for the 6- speed. The 540i is the wonderfully fun and still functional. A longtime car salesman told me the 540i (vs. 528i) was for people who really want a Porsche, not a BMW I now have perspective of his reference, yet disagree. I recommend the 540i for anyone over 21 years old. There is a reason the 540i resale is greater than the 740s. Drive one for yourself.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine is no lie - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By weatherman - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I just recieved my 325Ci a few weeks ago, and I just cant wait for the weekends to arrive so I can hit the open road. Im stationed in Spain with the Navy, so I enjoy plenty of different road types to drive on, from twisty, winding scenic country roads to the high speed toll roads. The car handles beautifully. Its comfortable and the climate control, stereo, and window controls are easy to reach. The interior lighting is fantastic as well.

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  top of its market segment - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By cjclemson - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Test drove a 2003 A4 3.0L Quattro and did not like the "loose" steering relative to the 325xi. The AWD version will not oversteer when compared to RWD BMWs. BMW just has more road feel than any other car we test drove. Backseats are a little cramped, but the performance, safety, and 4yr full- maintenance warranty sold us. We love the car and will probably always keep a BMW in the family for years to come.

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  M3 = :) - 1995 BMW M3
  By DesmoBob - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Review perspective: home mechanic/enthusiast. VERY EASY car to maintain if you DIY (note: dealer maintenance = expensive). The 95 is the one to get (if you can find one with low enough miles) because its OBD I. After 95, its OBD II (harder to retrieve fault codes for, more expensive to mod power-wise). Known issues: poor waterpump (aftermarket = better) RTABs, rear shocks & RSMs may be worn after only 50k miles if owner drove hard thermostat may stick open radiator neck. The M is more solidly built than the regular 3 series. An M3 in "fair" shape may indicate abuse. The M division built this car for one purpose, and it wasnt for grocery shopping.

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  The Car Of the Future - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By GEO6BAR - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic response.combined with the luxury comforts give the 745Li the feel of a race car yet the eye turning impression of a truly one of a kind machine. You feel proud and strong in this car. This is my 6th BMW and it is the best .It does all that the mfg claims and more ..Fantastic!!!

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  Poor quality from BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By PoorQualityX5 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Though I love the handling and performance of the X5, the quality and reliability have been TERRIBLE. We have documented 27 issues with this car in less than 2 years and with only 15K miles on it. It has been in for repairs 10 times. Some issues are small, such as the paint peeling from the door handles, the window motor sensors not working, and the key memory failing. But weve had at least 4 major issues with the coolant system and starter which rendered it undriveable. All of this on a car for which we paid $60K! Our $25K 2001 Tahoe has been in the shop exactly 1 time in the same time period. Which is the better value?

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By LukeNJ - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Mine is loaded - all available options 6 sd manual mystic blue conv. Gray Leather/wood trim. Best car I have ever driven. Wish it was a bit faster - will probably upgarde to an M3 next year. I have had this car up to 140 mph and the car handles awesome and purrs like a kitten. I love the sound of the motor, it is undertstated but you know its their.