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 Car Ever Driven - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By E39 Lover - August 24 - 2:00 am

  What an awesome, fun to drive car! Best combination of sport and luxury on the market. Car handles incredibly. Ride is supple and quiet. Car has 33K miles and accelerates like new. Its hard to get me out of the car, I find excuses to run errands.

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  Looking for another brand next time - 2000 BMW X5
  By mf - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Many small things have gone wrong or broken in the vehicle, which meant many trips to the dealer to have them repaired. There were two major recalls, one regarding faulty acceleration, I almost gone plowed over by a tactor trailer when the truck did not accelerate through an intersection. The other for the braking system. Not a very pleasnt BMW experience for me and I was a tried and true customer. This was my third BMW. I am looking at other brands for my next SUV! Check carefully the cars history if you buy one used.

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  Fantastic Sport model - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By bruco - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. It feels wonderful as you drive straight or on curving highways. Just back from a road trip and am extremely pleased. I had a 92 735i, that I thought was great but THIS car is SO much better in every category except mpg. I do plan to have several Dinan products put on the car to even further enhance the incredible performance.

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  In Love With This Car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By bendaddyo - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Why drive a used honda or toyota when you can drive a BMW.Paid $3500 for this car used, the paint job alone is worth that.This car looks great and drives great and at this point all the depreciation is done, will hold value.

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  Take a long test drive - 2002 BMW X5
  By jonnie - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the X5 because it had the most headroom of any of the BMWs. Found the seats very uncomfortable and after a few 1000 miles, can confirm the criticism that the car lacks storage space. (The twin cup holder in the center console, which holds one cup of coffee, is a joke as demonstrated by the fact that there is now an after- market cup holder being sold for the X5.) Airbag light came on after 2,000 miles but am optimistic problem will be easily solved. Make certain you are comfortable with an SAV that is for carrying passengers, not stuff.

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  NICE TO DRIVE, BAD FOR YOUR POCKET! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By GEORGES - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is great, it is fun to drive, good performance, good looking, but bad reliability... I have changed all the fans rumbling and some rear drivetrain piece because of a strange TIK" coming from the rear of the car when you start up with the car. If you have much money to spend on your car, its a great choice

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  Amazing car, no regrets at all - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By RedStripe - August 22 - 11:53 am

  This is a great, great car. Silky smooth engine and endless amounts of effortless torque all the way up to 130mph. Refined and poised at high speeds, handles like a dream with uncanny road holding ability. Its hard keeping this car under 80mph, and itll only feel like youre going half the speed indicated. Incredible build quality and feel. Navigation system with voice commands is amazing and iDrive, though not immediately intuitive, is to me the way of the future. Stock sound system is awesome. MP3 CD play capability will be available in a Sept. software update for those with iDrive (non-iDrive cars already have MP3 CD ability). Much improved interior room, especially the rear seating.

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  Not To Fast - 2002 BMW Z8
  By FerrariLova - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun, but gets very boring, not very fast compared to my 550, original in style though, thats what attracted me to buy it.

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  my BMW - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Eros - August 21 - 2:00 am

  such good car to drive family oriented also

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  Best car ever owned - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 2006red - August 20 - 10:06 am

  Have owned a lot of cars in my day but never one the makes me want to drive it all the time. The build quality is top rate, have not found a problem anywhere. The only thing I am going to need to add to make it complete is a good radar detector because this car wants to run. I was wondering about the run flat tires but they seem to be doing ok.