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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  325it Touring - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike12 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  As a second BMW in our family we choose for the Sportswagon, this car is great, no problems sofar (this is month 5).

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  It Stinks - 2001 BMW X5
  By Healthguy - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Mine was built on a Friday before Oktoberfest I think. Had nothing but problems as well as several design flaws. Such as:1) Steering wheel electronics subject to shorting.2) Software issue: Mirrors go down in reverse and then dont come up. 3) Back hatch is not a tight fit. 4)The Shades in the back windows latch to a cheap latch that breaks. 5) The Rear neck supports block your rear view mirror. 6) The side mirror are way too small. 7) Ride is lousy with the Sport Package. 8) Known battery issue where in dash CD drains the battery. As well as Engine fan. Bottom line - Worst Vehicle I have had since my 1976 Cutlass.

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  Best BMW on the Market for the dollar - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Wolverine - May 31 - 2:00 am

  I have loved my 318ti from the moment I drove it off the lot. Crisp handling, great styling, awesome cargo room with the seats folded down. All this for $22,000 new. Its still worth at least $11,000, and worth every penny.

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  Driving is fun again - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Meyer - May 30 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure it is to drive again. This car preforms like a precision machine with creature comforts beyond my wildest dreams. All of that and reasonable operating costs too. It was a financial leap worth making,a true definition of the word value.

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  2002 BMW X5 4.6si - 2002 BMW X5
  By alik61 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever driven.

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  enjoying it - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Wadd - May 29 - 11:03 pm

  So far so good - nice ride quality, great fit and finish, good power in midrange, and responsiveness of controls (steering, brakes, shift lever)is spot on. Mileage so far is quite good (about 30 on HWY), and car still only has 2300 miles on it, so it will only improve. Interior is a truly pleasant place to be. Dealership experience has been very good so far - they have been courteous, informative etc. No complaints there. Im surprised the guy below has had such problems with his wagon over the last 5 months. Especially considering that to my knowledge, the 06 wagon only hit the showroom floor in November...

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  fun to drive - 2000 BMW M5
  By Justin time - May 28 - 2:00 am

  great car, tons of low end grunt, super interior, well designed, a real sleeper...

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  Not a real BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By Daily - May 28 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ideal for people who prefer fine looks,elevated view of the road and allwheel drive system. but this isnt for BMW or driving enthusiasts because it really isnt a typical BMW. Its also built in America.

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  Amazing Car - 2000 BMW M5
  By awg - May 27 - 2:00 am

  There is simply nothing like putting this car through an on ramp at full tilt in 3rd gear, or going flat out a 5:30am on the highway. I have never owned a more completely satisfying car. As one magazine said its a super car, super when you want super, and a car when you need a car.

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  Fun - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Jc - May 26 - 2:00 am

  great car to drive, the 4c seems to lack a little, but when its up to speed watch out. the ABS went out at 78000 miles and may cost $1100 to replace