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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  All around best SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bloomingdale, IL - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, fast, reliable and a head turner.

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  bmw 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw530i - April 17 - 2:00 am

  BMW 530i is the best car sedan

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  Awesome car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By siriusbright - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my new 2003 BMW325i for only one week and I can definitely say that its the best car in its class. The performance is outstanding, the stock stereo sounds great, dont believe the reviews you read saying that the stock is not very good (although I havent heard the Harmon K upgrade). I test drove all the others, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, etc. and the BMW was the most fun to drive. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who likes performance and class.

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  Elegant Muscle - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By bugatti46 - April 16 - 7:33 am

  Last car a 2000 540, this car is larger and more feature packed. Maybe not a good thing. idrive is easy after a couple of minutes if you have a handful of common sense.

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  True drivers car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By euroman71 - April 15 - 12:52 pm

  Not sure if Id ever be able to switch to any other brand. For the past 10 years wanted a 3-series and finally got a used one with 22K miles that just came off lease. What a car. For sure, an ultimate driving machine. Styling, handling, precision, power, fit and finish, and fuel economy, all outstanding. Its tough to stay under the speed limit, the car just wants to go. Only one comment is that since this is a rear wheel drive car, handling in the snow is not great. Next time, Ill have to go for an all wheel drive.

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  Bargain sports car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By mtnwheat - April 14 - 2:58 pm

  What an excellent sports sedan! The looks are timeless and the performance is outstanding. It will put a grin on your face and up to four others in the car with you. Silky smooth V8 with the 6sp manual is a great combination in this size car. A premium car that anyone can afford. Glad I finally got one.

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  Sensational car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Sensational - April 14 - 1:16 am

  Have almost 10000 miles on it now and it still smells like new, handles like a charm, goes like a rocket. Bmw really hit it on the nail this time around and will be rewared. I drive it to work every day and get looks and comments."nice ride" How do you like that fighting machine" I plan to hold on to this baby for a long time!

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  Best over the road SUV ever - 2005 BMW X5
  By DAVID WHITNEY - April 13 - 3:38 pm

  I have owned the previous generation of this M-group or Alpina engineered (I have heard both cited by sources that might know!) truck (the 4.6is) and a 2004 4.4i and have driven all of the competing SUVs, and only the 4.6 comes close to this as a sporty driver on the road. All the other brands of wannabes suffer from excessive truckishness even the Porsche has obvious huge unsprung weight that compromises its on road handling. The lesser bimmers, including new generation vehicles, are simply outclassed in terms of braking, handling, power delivery and ESPECIALLY steering--the engine speed sensitive system feels like a truck, the vehicle-speed sensitive system on the 4.8 like a real BMW!

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  Excellent overall - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Henry T - April 13 - 10:40 am

  Good power from the V6, smooth flexible engine, fun shifting 6-sp manual, firm and controlled ride, great steering feel and handling, beautiful inside and out, efficient interior space for its exterior dimensions, quality interior materials, comfortable (especially the sports package seats), vastly improved handling with aftermarket lightweight 18" wheels with real non-runflat tires. Decent MPG for cars size and engine (23mpg overall in 50/50 city/highway spirited driving in Chicago).

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  Phenom - Best Car Ive Had - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dogsbrekky - April 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have driven every car under the sun except for maybe the Bugattis and McLaren Merc. This is a total favorite. I owned a 1995 version which had some electrical and suspension problems. This 1999 version is a beast with refinement and awesome handling. I grew up with a test engineer father and we absolutely thrash our cars. This 540i holds up better than any vehicle I have tried to thrash. I have owned Australian racing Toranas, several Subarus, a few BMW (540i, 3 series) and a Lotus Espirit (twin turbo). Overall this is the best machine I have had the pleasure to own or drive and its handling is 2nd to none in the luxury car stakes.