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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  Great Rig! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By bcav - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Looks great: sleek, fast. Definitely turns heads. Awesome stereo, loud, hi- def, great CD changer. Loads of unexpected but nice "extras": heated steering wheel, power sunshade, memory seats. Expensive to maintain and every little items costs $$ for parts and service.

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  BMW X5 - 2002 BMW X5
  By Joshua Brown - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I think this is great mid sizetruck but a bit low on cargo space

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  the ultimate machine - 2001 BMW X5
  By bristol - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven them all from Corvetts to chevetts caddies and mercedes included. My biggest mistake I waited too long to experience the BEST

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  A Sportscar for the real world - 1999 BMW Z3
  By White-Z3 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  If you can and do push this car to its limits on the street, you are driving the wrong car in the wrong place. If you want a car that looks great , makes you feel good every time you drive it,and has the comfort for a long trip,then this is the one. The inline six will pull strong in any gear so shifting is almost optional. The car stops - now - without being grabby. I have had no problems in 22k miles. We just drove the BlueRidge Parkway, I think the road was made for the Z3.

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  What a car! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Bimmerguy - July 18 - 2:00 am

  It is a joy to drive.

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  Fun but better can be had at this price - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - July 16 - 1:10 pm

  The front seats are comfortable. The rear lacks leg room and just OK for 2. Extremely uncomfortable for 3. Great engine. Reliability could be better. Interior materials are cheap and constantly need repair. Exterior rubber trim dry rots quickly, especially those around the windows. Other, better luxury cars are available in this price range.

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  ooM3 - 1995 BMW M3
  By oozM3 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car to drive!! It handles great and accelerates rapidly. Awesome stock stereo system! I have done all the dinan work threw the bmw dealer, and it goes from 0-60 in a bit over 5 sec.. Very fast after all the BMW dinan work is done. When it hits the shop it is high, but there is no other ride like it.

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  My 530spt pkg - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By ps - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 530 with spt pkg and steptronic transmission in 4/02. My wife, who doesnt care much about driving a car, loves this one. Handling is excellent. The color, Titanium Silver, is beautiful.

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  540i StationWeapon - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By StationWeapon - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Jast as fast as my brother 96 911, with seating for 5, cup holders (okay they suck), and room for the kids. Just the best car Ive ever had. Mileage is similar to SUV but driving everyday brings much more joy. Xenon lights are incredible, engine is smooth and powerful. The only downside is you need to put your golf bags in diagonally.

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  Good Performance - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ad - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like sports car and feels like a tank! The solidness of this car is like non other. It has been very reliable and had it in the shop once after the warranty expired for a new thermostat replacement. I would recommend this car to anybody. Its well worth the money spent.