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 Beemr Z-4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By hjg - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Had a Z-3. Nice drive. Z-4 much better. Smoother, handles better, but very spry and responsive. The 2.51 has power enough, very quick. The thick soft top when closed creates a sport coupe like interior rather than a rag top like sound. Highly recommend this car for a fun peppy ride.

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  Love the car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DSP - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the most agile and spirited car I have ever driven...and Ive driven many. That includes the Honda S2000, which I thought was a poor second to the Z-4. I dont get the raves over the S2000. The cheapest looking interior I had ever seen. Id have been embarased to have my friends in it. The engine my a touch faster, but the handling didnt even compare. I wonder about you editors every time you rate the S2000 so high. There is MUCH more to a car than just the engine. Im a designer...the Z-4 has style, and the others all look alike.

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  Great Choice - 2004 BMW Z4
  By okeefe - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Well worth a test drive at the very least. Good German engineering while true roadster heart and handeling.

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  Really "Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Vladi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Perfect blend of luxury and performance.Was very interested in purchasing MB 320 but "fun to drive" factor was crucial to make decision.Also, there is reliability issue with MB cars. I-Drive is not an issue at all, it is actually fun! Anyone with basic computer literacy can figure it out in 10 minutes

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  My New Toy - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Nicole Cormier - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my car and I am in love - sounds pretty silly, but it is the truth. The car is fun to drive and I feel very safe in my new car. All around the new BMW 3 series is a 10!

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  Comfortable, practical with great seats - 2012 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By mooreslawcars - November 11 - 9:48 am

  Traded in my 2012 Audi A6 as the seats were extremely uncomfortable (same seats on the A7) with rounded top of seats cutting into shoulder blades in order to get a hatchback BMW with the extremely comfortable optional Multi-contour seats. Well worth the many dollars lost in trade. Love the space and the very smooth ride. Interior on 5GT is even nicer than on the Audi - impressive. Can toss my bike in the back with ease. Dual tailgate is practical. Much slower off the start than the 300hp 700 lbs lighter Audi - should have gotten the V-8. Ideally BMW would sell this as a 540 and 550 like the 6 and 7 series allowing a slighter more powerful base engine.

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  Worth the Wait-Factory Order-6sp Manual - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - November 11 - 6:21 am

  Replacement vehicle for a 2008 535xi wagon with engine hesitation issues. This sedan is perfect however, after a month. Optioned w/manual trans, value pack, cold wx pack, Sat radio, fold rear seats, and nav. The turbo motor/manual trans combo is flawless. Ample, smooth power w/lots of torque early. Great clutch. Standard tires and suspension sublime over all surfaces and silent on highway. Handling tight and neutral-no drama. DSC kicks in too early but is defeatable. Much less ponderous than wagon. Interior is artwork. Newest idrive much friendlier than 08. Cup holders still too small. Front pax one will break if left open and long legger gets in. 20mpg city. Overall beautiful in and out!

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  Very Pleased Thus Far - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By T Money - November 10 - 5:12 pm

  I will say I am very pleased with my experience thus far. I considered the C Class Mercedes and the Lexus IS 250 but the 328i was the winner by far in every area. I have had my beautiful Jet Black work of art for a week and a half and I have not stopped smiling. I have been very surprised by the gas mileage so far after 450 miles mostly city I am averaging 24.2 very strong. I also am in love with the styling from every area of the car, it is truly exquisite. I am impressed with the interior layout. I went with the nav system and the i drive is very user friendly and fit is top notch. I cannot wait to spend the next several years enjoying every aspect of my 328i.

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  A lot of car for the money - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By fritz - November 9 - 4:49 pm

  I own a 1997 BMW 318iS, its almost identical to an M3 other than the engine which is the reliable M44 4 cyl. A solid car that is nimble and gets 38mpg highway, 24mpg in town, an average of about 30-32mpg. The S version has a lower M3 like sport suspension, wider stance, and mine was ordered with M3 rims which perfectly suit the car without being gawdy. Regular maintenance will give you a reliable smooth ride. Torquey engine redlines quickly with moderate gas but shifter seems longwinded compared to a 1980s Manual. Nice interior, mine has heated seats that warm up quickly in two modes. Multiple cabin vents. May be small for a larger person. Im 6 tall and fit nicely. Very fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW X5
  By Matt Riley - November 9 - 10:00 am

  After I purchased this vehicle, I was really excited. It drives just like my 5 series and has the same wheelbase too. The sport suspension is a little rough, but worth it because you get all the extras. The 18" rims look great and so do the chrome exaust tips. This is an AWESOME vehicle and I would recomend that you go and test drive one at your local dealership.