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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  2008 335i Coupe - Likes and Dislikes - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ched - February 15 - 5:40 am

  Dark green, beige leather, premium, sport, comfort access, cold weather, iPod, iDrive. This is a 3,700 mile/6 month ownership update from an early post. My third BMW. (Still have the 73 2002tii I bought new.) Moved to 335 from an 02 330 Ci, which I loved. I look for excuses to drive this car. Handling is superb, engine smooth and alarmingly powerful. I like the iDrive. I really dont like the run flat idea (though they handle well). Drivers cup holder is goofy. Upgraded audio, iPod and Bluetooth excellent. Nav screen doesnt switch to black background at night - dumb. Gas mileage OK for this much power, but.. Too early for reliability, replaced brake bulb.

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  Not quite a vette... - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Rich OConnor - February 15 - 2:00 am

  ...But the next best thing I could afford to buy. Picked mine up at a Porche owned used car dealership complete with Dinan flow through exhaust and modified thottle body boosting HP to 215 or so from stock 195. Has a deep, throaty sound and definitely can keep up with other pocket rockets. The 17 inch wheels/tires also help keep this pup on rails. Loves to cruise right around 80- 85 and has a great rollover through 110- 115. I love driving this car ! Bright white makes this a head turner too !

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  540i The Ultimate Sedan - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Kevin_mahopac - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my 540i 6spd. It is fast 0-60 in 5.x sec, and luxurious. Having owned many true sports cars I was afraid the BMW was going to be too big to be fun, was I ever wrong. The car is an animal on the highway, cruising at 90mph @ 3,000rpm and has a huge reserve of torque in any gear. My only complaint was the shifter throw was long which was remedied by a short throw shift kit. this car has it all looks, quality, comfort, and gobs of speed.

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  BMW 528i - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By skeetjunkie - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Great European sports sedan for the money. Unless youre driving the Autobahn or wide open roads of the West, the 528i gets you there plenty fast with much better gas mileage than its bigger brothers. Have owned 528s since 85 and this particular model design is their best yet.

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  Worth the wait - 2002 BMW M3
  By EXT - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Extremely fast and fun to drive at this price range (although not cheap) the best combination of value - luxury, power, handling, and investment.

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  BMW X5 is a lemon - 2002 BMW X5
  By hatedx5 - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Goes back to dealer monthly for electrical problems

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  Its very close to perfect - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By patrickwine - February 14 - 2:00 am

  The Times and others complain about the I drive - but for anyobe that can send email the problems are close to zero. i love this car

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  330i no extras - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - February 13 - 10:10 am

  This car is fun to drive! Although Ive had a couple minor issues that were covered under warranty, nothing major, it still feels like a solid, reliable car . Interior design could be a little more convenient... ie, cupholders seemed like an after thought. For the price, should include more extras... ie sport seats, fold down rear seat, alarm.

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  A Poor Choice - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By AlmostEXBeamer - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The yellow caution flag unfurled shortly after I took delivery of a 745i in May, 2002. The clock lost time, the sound system developed a roaring hiss and the navigation system intermittenly stopped working. The clock module, the computer screen, and the navagation system were replaced. The car lost battery power once. Last autumn, an engine malfunction developed. The alloy coating the valve stems flaked off. One cylinder was scored, so the ENGINE was replaced! Did I mention a defective ignition coil after 9000 mi? I think the dealer did as best as possible. No matter how much sugar you put on a lemon, you are still left with a sour taste in your mouth.

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  Awesome Ride - 2003 BMW M3
  By Rascal-PDX - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My research led me to this beauty - no doubt the best vehicle Ive driven.