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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  This car sets the NEW standard - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Johnny C - September 18 - 5:33 pm

  This car handles very precisely. Engine feels like a V-8 even though it is a V6 turbo. It is scary-fast... if you are not a good driver you can get in trouble with this much speed. the interior is very comfortable -- the Premium Package seats are highly adjustable and best I have ever sat in. I previously had a 2000 528i and a 2002 X5. BMWs build quality and design is just so much better than even a few years ago. For the money, this is the best sports sedan period. Better than Lexus, Infiniti and even Mercedes that costs $10,000 more. The iDrive is a little tough to use, but if you are technologically proficient, itll only take you a day or two to figure out.

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  good value and style - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By edl2 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Attractive car, fun to drive, 4 cyl has the power to accelerate and cruise along at freeway speeds - no problem. Easy on gas, solid car, fun to drive and attractive body style. Good value for the money.

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  BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Birdman - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The title says it all. The car handels great, except has a tendancy to hydroplain in wet conditions. Over 22,000 miles and have had no problems. Tire wear is a problem, so expect to pay a big price for moderate sports tires.

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  happy to date - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ca snow - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The look is absolutely fantastic. I was looking at the Infiniti G35 but the nose could be any car. This car is distinctive in its styling. Im obsessed with keeping it clean and nick free. Installed an invisible bra to keep front end damage to a minimum. I couldnt be happier with the interior and exterior look and feel.

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  Stuck w/ it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By TEXanne - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a really fun car, but the repairs and tune ups are very expensive. Be sure to include those costs when youre evaluating what car to buy. Even with my warranty, Ive still spent $2100 on repairs and the tune up inspection in one year! The service at the dealership in Austin, TX is beyond horrible (3 times they have told me I need repairs when the part isnt broken). If your BMW breaks down in Austin, take it to Black Forest Werkshop instead. My problem now is that with 91k miles, Im afraid Im not going to afford the repair costs much longer, but after driving this car, Im so spoiled that its hard to find a car Id rather have! :)

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  Family liability plus fun car to drive - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Matthew Kim - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile, fun car to drive and family friendly. I had a Volvo V70 previously and I personally like BMW better. More fun to drive around, more power...

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  No more German cars - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By grant faria - September 15 - 2:37 pm

  As a car guy my whole life I always heard how great BMWs were. So after years of Japanese and American cars with no complaints I decided to buy a 3 Series I could finally afford. Unfortunately I learned a BMW is no better (and in may ways worse) than a car that costs car less. It is a terrible value with poor fuel economy, higher than average insurance costs and unreliable parts that cost FAR more than a regular car to replace. I will never buy another German car after owning this car.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:41 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable.

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  balanced sport sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed Wormuth - September 15 - 1:36 pm

  If well maintained, the E39 BMW is an excellent choice for a daily driver that is fun to drive, safe and comfortable. I have since sold the car and bought a newer MB E350 coupe.

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  Fun car, great handling - 1997 BMW M3
  By Hokie_M3/4 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have been very pleased with the car. The engine pulls very strong from any RPM and the engine note filters nicely into the cars interior. The only problem is once I hear the engine all I want to do is STOMP IT, hence gas mileage has not been the best.