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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  nice ,fun,safe - 2005 BMW X5
  By b52ethel - March 3 - 10:00 am

  New black 4.4,great dealer,even picks car up for any service,have all the toys,nav.is very helpful,Sirus radio is heaven,really no problems.I have owned many SUVs and test drove this sold on safety,comfort,power,great zenon lights,buy premium stereo ,great sound.

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  BMW 325ix -Great value - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By ix1990guy - March 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive, reliable, and comfortable. Maintenance is a bit more expensive than my small Japanese cars have been, but this car feels more solid and is just a blast to drive. The real benefit comes in the heavy rains and snow. When others are on the side of the road, I keep on going! Overall, a good value for the money but not so practical that its boring -- its a blast.

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  Pure Bliss - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By genie2k1 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car provides the most satisfying driving experience u can get from family car with four doors. Sufficiently fast, excellent build quality (except for a few minor glitches), superb handling and performance. This car is just great. Get a feeling of euphoria when driving it, so much that I find myself looking for excuses to drive it. Pure confidence. Engine has nice muted growl, gets ur adrenaline pumping. Acceleratoin is great, even with auto. Cant believe there is only 2.5 liters under there, feels more like 3.5. Styling is timeless. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE.

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  4 Months and Still Happy - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By buyer4568 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive now owned my 2003 745Li for four months, and I couldnt be happier. The car performs like a dream. Ever want to go 70 miles an hour around a 45 degree curve with minimal body roll? This is the car for you (and me). The handling is superb. The shear exhilaration from 0 to whatever speed is indescribable. Who knew they could improve upon the prior model? They’ve done it. It is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Fun to drive...but SECURE? - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By barmem - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, amazing acceleration, tightest turn radius Ive ever seen, and corners on a dime. Had some intermittent mechanical/electrical problems - but heres the concern on this car, people: Its been stolen twice in the last month. Both times, the thieves bipassed the FACTORY alarm without tripping it and started the car without touching the ignition or damaging the column whatsoever. BMW said it was impossible until they saw the car once we recovered it. Then they said there must be another key out there...until they accounted for them all. BEWARE...theyll say its theft proof...but its not any more.

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  1998 M3 - 1998 BMW M3
  By ace24 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is a perfect balance of power, handling, fit, function and finish. My wife has an audi A6 which I will admit offers a smoother ride but does not compare regarding feedback from the road. At times I feel as though Im one with the road...feeling the slightest ripples in the pavement, smallest deviations in the tarmack, every grain of sand..etc. It gives the driver a sensation similar to that of driving a go-cart (light in weight, very responsive). When all is said and done my "silver bullet" is just plain fun to drive....

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  Best Car in the World - 2000 BMW M5
  By M5 Greatest Car - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Do you like to get whiplash while accelerating? How about blowing away Porsches and Ferraris? Then you should definetely drive this car!!! The power is amazing and the the handling is superb. This car has style, elegance, comfort, and to date, the most power out of any sedan in the WORLD!!! No car even come close to the overall feeling you get from driving this truly exceptional machine! Once again, BMW is way ahead of competition such as the E55.

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  The 3 Series is a car like no other - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Thomas Herrera - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I love the way it handles. It is a car that definitely turns heads. I like the close quarters feel of the drivers side. I am in absolute control. It will hold its value well into the future and will be the pretty car that it is, ten years from now. You cant go wrong with the 3 Series.

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  BMW 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ALF - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but lacks all the extra "gadget" goodies of the Infiniti brand.

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  BMW 7451 - Awsome - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By dman - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th BMW. Unbelievable ride, you dont want to stop driving. Cant wait to take it on a long trip. I-Drive is easy. Be patient.