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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  Coolest Looking Wagon - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By andre - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Built like a tank but handles like a sports car. I have the six cylinder version. Sometimes I long for the 8 but overall performance is strong, particularly at high cruising speeds.

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  Coolest Looking Wagon - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Built like a tank but handles like a sports car. I have the six cylinder version. Sometimes I long for the 8 but overall performance is strong, particularly at high cruising speeds.

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  It doesnt get any better - 2001 BMW X5
  By Dave Jensen - January 17 - 2:00 am

  The looks of this vehicle alone, both inside and out, sold me up front. Then I drove it and it is really an awesome machine!

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  740i SPORT Has it ALL - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By jason_740iSport - January 17 - 2:00 am

  After careful, detailed research for a high performance car that is safe and big enough for my family and 3 additional adult passengers - I decided on the 740i SPORT. The SPORT is the key to add the performance and fun to a great automobile. This car is better than I had hoped it would be. Extremely fun to drive (auto or manual), handles great, and extremely comfortable for long trips.

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  Major Disappointment, Shop Other Brands - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - January 16 - 1:40 pm

  Bought my CPO 328i in April 2008, and the first problem was to already be fixed. Hey, it was small, no big deal. From there, the electrical problems never stopped. After its fifth time in the shop, went to close the door and the whole panel popped off. The problems never stopped until I traded it in for an Audi A4 two months later which made me much happier. The dealer nor BMW corporate would stand behind their product. 2005 was the last of the good years, now they drive like an economy car. They are completely living off their reputation and building lesser quality cars. After four BMWs, I am done!

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  Love Hate Relationship - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Bimmer Man - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 95 Bmw 740i for almost 2 years now and it has been a love hate relationship. I love it when its running like it should and hate it when its not. The 740i has great handling and beautiful acceleration, all made available in a 4 door sedan. The Bimmer is great but watch out for reapirs. I have spent many "green backs" keeping this baby running like it should. If you want unsurpassed luxury and the opportunity to turn heads at every traffic light purchase one. If your frugal and looking for economy try the 3 series! Happy motoring!

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  Fun To Drive, But..... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Pro Akron - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW and its fun to drive and I feel very safe with the AWD and all these airbags. However, the trunk is so small that on a business trip we ended up having to put items on the backseat. The feel of the road is nice for driving but my elderly mother suffers from the bumps and potholes. Next time I will have to look for a larger, smoother riding car.

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  740iL, Simply the best 4-door driven - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By JT928S - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 97 for the past 3.5yrs. And it has been the absolute best driving, handling and performing, not to exclude safest car Ive ever owned. My 2nd car is a 85 928S owned since nearly new. So if you want near true 2- door sports car performance and handling without the cops pulling you over too often the 740iL is it. My car has been driven nearly 50K miles since I bought it and only the typical services had to be performed and it still runs like new. Those are the facts. Only thing better 750iL...maybe my next car.

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  The joy of driving - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Brent T. - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my new 325xi for three whole days. What I can tell you is that the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. Sure, the car looks great, anyone can see that, but when you drive it, it becomes almost an extension of you. I continually catch myself speeding because it doesnt take long to get to the speed limit, and the car never gives you the feeling that youre starting to go too fast for any road Ive been on. My advice, if youre going to buy a 325- -DRIVE IT!

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  I love It!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By prudentbuyer - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I (fortunately) just sold my 98 ML320 and the difference between the X5 and the ML is unbelievable.