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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  Best bang for buck - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Charlotte 745i - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Test drove S-420, QX-4, LS-430 and nothing comes close in style, performance, interior finish and comfort. 745 was recalled for computer and fuel pump issues, but we were given a 745 loaner. No complaints. This car is simply the most athletic car Ive ever owned. Power and refinement, what more could you want?

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  Id buy it again - 1998 BMW M3
  By MMMGood - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used 2.5 years ago with 35000 miles on it. Has run nearly flawlessly since. Clutch slips a little if you do some power shifting and beat on it, but aside from that, the car likes to be driven hard, and responds wonderfully.

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  New 525i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gms - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Bimmer and I am quickly finding out way consumer report has rated this vechile the best value in its price range. This machine is responsive and quick! The automatic steptronic transmission is probally by far the best way to feel the solid platform. Besides, the transmission makes this car extremely fun to drive. If I had any complaints, it would be that I expected more comfort when snuggled in the bucket seat. In this department the Volvo S80 has the Bimmer beat (we also own a 2001 S80.) Other than that, if you are looking for fantistic machine that is blast to drive, go for any model in the 5 series line up.

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  BMW Rules - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Solomon - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is just plain solid. I drive it in all conditions--yes snow too. Put some blizzaks on for winter and youd think you had 4-wheel drive. Buy a used one to save the money and be in double heaven!

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  Candid Comments - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By M. Walters - September 10 - 7:16 pm

  Just purchased a 2006 530xi this past weekend. The car is everything youd want in a BMW -- styling, speed and sassy. Few disappointments though: No compass, armrest storage compartment is small and a single CD player. I can understand the CD player, but not making the compass standard on the rear view mirro is odd. And, BMW has a long way to go in understanding how to best use storage areas in their cars. In any event, the car rides like a dream and the blue tooth synch into the car phone system is flawless. If you enjoy the open road, youll love this car! Ill have this car for a long time.

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  Released with bugs - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By fisheater80 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Awsome handling and an absolute road machine for highway or country roads. But way too many bugs for the BMW flagship. Should have waited to release. Intermittent window, radio, trunk release, phone keypad problems. I- drive reprogramming better, but still has bugs. Hesitation at stoplights is the most maddening thing.

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  A roadsters roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Hunter50 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Great drop top roadster. Very fun to drive, secure and comfortable with excellent handling.

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  BABY BOXSTER BEATER IMO - 2003 BMW Z4
  By ROADSTER-Z4 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  NICE FIT AND PROGRESSIVE LOOK. REMINDS ME OF THE FIRST AUSTIN HEALY 100 FROM THE DESIGN POINT OF VIEW. GREAT HANDLER AT .91 DRAG. AND FASTER THAN THE BABY BOXSTER.

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  lower the price - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Dreamer - September 10 - 2:00 am

  after reading the other reviews I would have to consider myself lucky as I have had no problems thus far. My rating is based on owning the car for 3 weeks but perhaps I will change my mind in the next year.

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  iDrive Failure - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By I.M. Frustrated - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 97 days. Unfortunately for me, it has been in the shop 55 days and counting. The iDrive system locks up frequently and when it does you lose the radio, phone and navigation systems. I might understand it if this was a buget priced Daewoo or Kia, needless to say, it is not what I expect from a car that costs $80K. As many other people have noted in the consumer reports, the dealerships are worthless at solving the problems. The one Im working with in Buena Park, CA, is no different. BMW does not understand Customer Service.