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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  Just May be the Perfect Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By mdb - December 1 - 2:07 pm

  Just came off lease on X5 4.4 and considered X5 (4.8), Porsche Cayenne S and A6 (didnt like looks of E series but strong bias for Germans). Wanted sedan for performance and fuel mileage, didnt need exhaust note of V8 or ridicule from wife over "Porsche" name plate. Needed all wheel drive for winter. So far this is the perfect car -- handles so much better than the best handling SUVs. Very responsive - turbo lag only noticeable to extreme gearhead. Exterior is a little boring (not as much as A6) so get some nice wheels.

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  Of driving - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 162WST - November 30 - 11:45 pm

  50/50 distribution, rock solid chassis, sweet six. I love the looks of this car. One of the few 2 door rear drive coupes. Good package for the money. Some understeer at lower speed. Great to tailwhip in the rain! Transmission could be smoother. Sports pack is nice.

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  A great car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By aletodo - November 30 - 8:58 pm

  If you love driving this is the car you need to get. Fast, no turbo lag, unbelievable road feel when cornering, great brakes. The controls are intuitive, bluetooth works fine. Test drove an automatic however bought a manual (even without trying it) which I think is far superior. If you live in a cold climate and you are getting the Sports package have in mind that youll need winter tire/wheel combo - around $2500, this is if you go for the only BMW approved winter tire option.

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  Really the ultimate driving machine - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Faraz - November 30 - 5:51 am

  I bought this car used. As soon as I test drove a BMW 7 series, I realized no other car could match the sensation. The criticism about the iDrive is not true. It is very intuitive and learning reflects the learners intelligence. Programmable Cruise control, massaging seats, luxurious spacious interior and very comfortable rear programmable seats are unparalleled for an under 100K car. Once you have learned the features and are familiar with the response of the car it is exhilarating to drive this machine. It is a head turner on the road this car will make you drive the scenic road - it handles the road so well and it is so much fun to drive this car.

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  Exhilarating 740i M sport package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By AdrianA - November 29 - 11:35 pm

  Took delivery of a low mileage, (52,300) sport sedan, thanks to all the advise, blogs, concerns and messages from well-wishers who opined if I chose to indulge in the 7 Series cadre, I should pay considerable attention to the 2001, and more particularly the M Sport package. Being used to the size of the two 3er I own (90 & 94), the size is imposing and the MPG disastrous, to say the least. But once I sat in the "cockpit", which was a significant upgrade from the 3er, powered it on, quiet, and provided the ambiance to carry on a conversation at normal levels. I was impressed. The compromise for what it delivers in driving pleasure feels compensates for the not so good gas mileage. A delight

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  2009 535i x drive 6 speed manual - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By DrGums - November 29 - 8:53 pm

  The 2009 535i with x drive is an incredible driving machine. This car with a 6 speed manual transmission is a "monster" to drive. The engines power will be evident as soon as you put your foot down on the pedal. The navigation system has been upgraded with several "short cut" buttons surrounding the iDrive. It is a pleasure to use once you have been shown the basic functions. It is logical and easy to use. Since my 535i xDrive was the first of the 2009s to get here I currently have 2000 miles driven and no problems yet. The handling is precise. Gas mileage is around 21MPG city. A little higher on the highway. It could use more storage but it is not a major issue.

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  I love this car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Louis Viren - November 29 - 10:00 am

  suspension is a little stiff but once you get it on a nice smooth and curvey road you forget all about it. the smg is an awesome transmission, what kind of car dumps the clucht for you. I love it!

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  Nothing beat this in the its class! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By ky1800vti - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a chance to test drive all of the roadsters that I can afford(some I cant): SLK(unbelievably noise, rattle, and vague handling. its not even concider as a relax crusier, its feels like a boat.), Boxter (is good but too noise and aged styling), S2000 (fun, but not a good daily driver and too noise on the freeway.), Miata(good handling, but feels too light and lack of the sense of safty.)Z4 3.0 (unbeatable performace, but also some 9K more then my 2.5i). Call me cheap, but I dont think a 3.0i is worth 9000+ more then my perfectly balace and 99% as fun--- Z4 2.5i (5sp).

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  love, love, love my X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By eileen - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The X3 is the perfect car for me...a mom with 2 children. It is roomy enough for my highschooler and his friends. My 3rd grader can spill and the leatherette wipes clean with a little water. There is room in the trunk for boogie boards, luggage or anything a family of 4 needs to load. Not too big, not too small and attracts a lot of lookers!

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  2004 X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By alansb - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It has the feel of a BMW and the special features of a SUV.