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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  Amazing - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Adam Goldberg - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This an excellent car. Best Seller in my world. They have finally made a great ride with gadgets.

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  fun and exciting - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Richard Ornstein - February 21 - 2:00 am

  A real drivers roadster.Push it hard,enjoy the fel of a great engine,and just what a roadster should be.This car makes me smile big time.

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  Best car on the road - 2003 BMW M5
  By josevelez - February 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car that drives like a Ferrari, is as safe as a Volvo, allows you to carry your family and enjoy driving, the M5 is it. This is my second one and for sure Ill have many more.

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  for autobahn drivers not commuters - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By rajdc - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.

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  the ultimate family wagon - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By gillie - February 20 - 1:16 pm

  Quality of build is noted just openning the doors. Interior appointments are perfecto. Compares favorably to my M5 in terms of finish and the good feeling sitting in drivers seat engendors. The iDrive is simple, perhaps too simple for the auto critics. 28 mpg on the road is just fine. I wish it were a couple of thousand cheaper but this car is a keeper so the price is not so upsetting.

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  Total Winner - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By bearcat - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 22,000 miles and now it has 210,000 with fantastic reliability. Comfort and great performance for a luxury car. Even with the years it looks great and has lost none of the characteristics you expect in a BMW. The passenger room and cargo space are exceptioanal...why have an SUV?

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  Total Winner - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By Bearcat - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 22,000 miles and now it has 210,000 with fantastic reliability. Comfort and great performance for a luxury car. Even with the years it looks great and has lost none of the characteristics you expect in a BMW. The passenger room and cargo space are exceptioanal...why have an SUV?

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  Best of the bunch - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By pmichaelis - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth BMW owned. One 6 series, remainder 3 series. All cars have met expectations, particularly the 1999 328ia. This car has all the attributes expected in a high priced small car. It handles well, is comfortable on a long trip..1400+ miles, and has been utterly reliable. The only negative has been the brake pads wearing out at 24,000 miles. Excellent mileage, 32+ mpg on a trip, nonexistent oil consumption during service interval. My basis of comparison is a 1997 Porsche 993 C2S.

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  BMW 3 series a bust - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By CABMW - February 19 - 2:00 am

  There are so many things wrong.Dont know where to start.Plastic radiator lasts maybe 3 yrs at best.Always in the shop.Never buy BMW again!!!

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  Superb Euro Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Blondebeard - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The Â’97 E39 540i Sport is a study in contradictions, completely in-line with expectations. IÂ’ve had mine about a year, and just crossed 72K miles. On the whole, the car has been a splendid purchase. They stop on a dime, handle well, and start to really shine where other cars sign off. With the right tires and fresh clutch, theyÂ’re a blast at track days, too. Imagine that: a family sedan that performs well at the track. Short of an M5, I cannot recall another sedan that can make this claim.