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 under 100k - 2006 BMW M3
  By Ben Prusinski - November 25 - 12:30 am

  I have always wanted an M3 since I was a kid. After owning a normal 3-series it was time for fun. I first drove the new 2008-2010 M3 with V8 and while it looks nice and very luxurious it was too soft for a performance car. I then drove the E46 M3 and was blown away by the incredible performance! Its fast as Porsche at half the cost and twice the ability to use as a normal daily driver and more useful. So I bought a perfect 2006 BMW M3 with competition package. The stopping power of the M3 brakes are incredible and blow away most other cars. I am not a fan of the newer iDrive and fortunately this car does not have it.

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  Just gets better - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - November 24 - 6:19 pm

  This my fourth BMW and after a brief stint in other performance vehicles, it is a distinct pleasure to be back in a 3 series. The smooth silky engine, the tight and predictable handling and the clean ergonomically correct cockpit. The performance is better than I remembered, particularly with the standard transmission. Appreciate the value package with free leather and USB interface. Overall a ten, I have no regrets and only positive things to say. A great car.

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  X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By Cug - November 24 - 4:40 pm

  This is my first "high performance" vehicle. I am enjoying the driving experience in a vehicle that allows me to still have the carrying capacity that I need. My previous SUV was a Trailblazer. These two are so different you really can not compare them. I am definitely hooked on a BMW.

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  BMW 2006 X5 - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jason Hoppa - November 24 - 10:28 am

  Best vehicle that I have ever owned. We now have 2 BMWs. Very reliable and great in any weather.

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  X5 Diesel Pros and Cons, mostly Pro - 2009 BMW X5
  By NorhternVA - November 23 - 9:34 pm

  5,000 mile review: This vehicle is about compromise: V8 performance and SUV comfort with less pollution and up to 30 mpg highway. But theres no mistaking that this is a diesel. You can hear the clatter at low RPM. BMW designed the X5 model with a loud exhaust note, mistakenly thinking that buyers equate noise with performance. Add the diesels louder, gravelly engine note to the already loud X5 exhaust note and you get a noisy driving experience. It quiets down at highway speeds, but the exhaust noise is constant, intrusive, and can be annoying. In the first 5,000 miles, mpg was 24.5 mixed and 29.5 highway. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs over 2.5 tons and isnt broken in yet. This might be a good choice if you are willing to trade drive-train refinement for the comfort of an SUV that gets great mpg and pollutes less.

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  First BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By MAM - November 23 - 9:33 pm

  Picked up a low mileage CPO, well equipped plus it has manual trans. Only have had it a week but.... Wow... This might be the perfect car. It does everything well. Not super fast off the line but quick enough and it can go from cruising to autobahn speeds in a flash. Very comfortable and I am 66" (comfort seats help). Nav system is weak compared to my Garmin but am still figuring it out. Logic 7 sound system is excellent and I have not played with the equalizer yet.

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  My baby - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By baby - November 23 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased this car with 60K on it whom ever owned it prior to myself didnt take as good of care as I do. If it rains it stays in the garage. I need a new top and the drivers door panel, but with danian suspension and cold air induction this car makes 31.6mpg it is a standard shift and I cannot say enough about it. Needs a new top and secondary air cooler but still an awesome baby handles great and turns heads. It has a spoiler on the rear black with black top tan interior. I have worked hard on the paint and it looks very good these days. I am in love!

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  3.0 Z4 is the best of the roadsters - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Mfeder - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I recently drove every roadster under $60,000, including the Boxter, Nissan Z, Honda, etc. Without qualification, the BMW is the superior all-around car- pure fun, great power, superb quality, and I- unlike the magazine critics- love the style. So do lots of other people, as Ive gotten great reaction when driving. No other two-seater in its class has the total package- & plenty of trunk space for groceries. BMW picks up the service for 4 years! This is the most fun car I have ever had.

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  bmwdude - 2004 BMW Z4
  By bmwdude - November 22 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME. FASTER THAN A CORVETTE.

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  NEW BMW 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lousado - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Very classy yet fun to drive.Better than previous model.Annoyng seatbelt sound (does not stop until seatbelt is on)