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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  Weak and sensually wanting - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By waveman - August 5 - 2:00 am

  With an automatic, stock tires and rims this Bimmer is the ultimate pig. My Honda Accord wagon is more fun. At 90,000 miles it creaks and groans like a reluctant old door. My girlfriend does look good in it though! Not up to my expectations of a BMW,

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  Its amazing - but here are some issues. - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By no alias - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Sport package seats are very stiff and also extremely supportive. You wont want to take this on a 3+ hour trip, but its a blast getting to work each day! Also, remarkable in the snow with Blizzaks. The car is thought out very well, but the electric "glitches" can drive you nuts. Check engine light is aways on - but the performance exhaust and intake is probably my fault... Brake light indicator pops up from time to time, which I hear is a common issue. Everyone wants to race you from the stoplights - whats up with that!?! I have had only one repair in the past two years, and it was about $200.

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  528s Are BAD NEWS - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By felgar - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a lease return with an after market warranty. It has constantly been in the shop. The last major problem was a blown head gasket and warped head - BMW took no ownerhship in the problem and cost me $5K. These are very unreliable cars and I will never purchase a BMW again. Great looks but Big Money Wasted

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  Bavarian Bliss - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmer One - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car on the certified plan with 53000 miles. The car is incredibly solid and has performed flawlwessly. It is expensive to maintain, so be prepared. I routinely get almost 30MPG on the highway and the car cruises at 80MPH all day long. I added a couple of Dinan modifications to boost HP and they work flawlessly.

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  Even God could not have created this car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe Kimber - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW i have owned a Benz, Audis and a few Jags. Right now i own a BMW 530i my wife drives a BMW X5 4.4i and we also have a new Porsche 911 turbo (this is also a nice car but not good for everyday use). But none of them have even come close to how much fun the 530i is. The outside is the best looking car i have seen in years. I thought that the 5 series was getting old. Untill they brought out the 530i in 2001. If you are interested in buying this car dont buy it unless you get the sports package. The 17s are amazing. The steptronic transmission is also very responsive.

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  High performance - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Wicked soundz - August 4 - 2:00 am

  very reliable top of the line car. I race with this car on the highway and i never lost yet. sweet pick up. my bmw is hook up and runin nice!!!!!

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  First and Last - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandman - August 3 - 2:23 pm

  This is my first and last BMW. I am very disappointed in this car. I have already had to replace the run-flat tires. When I took the car in for its maintenance service, I was told tires were a safety issue and lucky I havent had an accident yet. Around 15,000 miles, tires started making an awful droning noise. Leather already flaking and peeling in several areas. Other family members have leather in their cars and never an issue. Dealer would only fix the rear air console. All other areas considered "normal wear and tear" per the dealer. Have had to bring it in 3 times for computer adjustments. Steering column also had to be replaced.

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  Outstanding Sport Sedan - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Wrinkledoc - August 3 - 5:46 am

  BMW has created an outstanding sport sedan. The combination of luxury and driving dynamics are hard to beat. We purchased this vehicle as a sport sedan alternative to an SUV for getting from the Bay Area up to Tahoe. So far we love the vehicle. We have no knocks in iDrive. If you have used a computer mouse you should have no problem.

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  Not So Great - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JerseyBeamer - August 2 - 5:33 pm

  I ordered this car and waited a few months for it. When I finally got it, it began to fall apart immediately. The gas tank had air in it that a man at the gas station released for me in order to fill the tank more than halfway. The heat did not work at all. It was in for service 4 days after I got it, and had to have the radiator replaced. The cupholder broke the first time it was used. The car looks and drives beautifullly, but is not put together with the quality I expected from BMW.

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  My Dream Car-The Ultimate M3 Convertible - 2001 BMW M3
  By dreamtoys - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my dream car for many years. I have heard so much about the M3 in the past. Then the new 2001 M3 with 333 hp. came to this shore. I went and order two of them- one couple and one convertibe. I took the first available convertible in Imola red. I love the red, black, black combination. The other standard colors like silver, white, blue etc. are too common. It is as fast as a Porsche 911. Better than Boxter S which has less horse power, speed and handling features. Ferrari has a reason to paint most of their cars red!