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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  Run Flat Alternative - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - September 30 - 1:20 pm

  Like most other BMW owners that bought their vehicles with RFTs, I too had a less than positive experience. It was a rougher ride than my 02 M3 after 15k miles. Im ready for my first tire replacements at 30K miles and fortunately took it in for service before buying new tires. Complained about them to the service guy and he finally agreed they werent getting rave reviews and said, under his breath, that people switching to regular tires noticed a marked improvement in handling, noise and comfort. He also said BMW now sells a "Mobility" kit for non-RFT tires (comes standard with new Ms apparently) that is basically a fancy tire repair in a can. Ordering new Michelins today!

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  The Best Coupe Out there - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pilotpaul13 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have two 330Ci Coupes and they are the best bang for your buck. They offer everything from Performance to comfort. And, you cant go wrong with its wonderful styling.

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  kips pick - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tykess - September 30 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever driven and one of the most fun to drive. Will keep this one for a lonf time but will drive another BMW. My wife will be getting one this year.

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  Fun Car top down driving - 2004 BMW Z4
  By z4ster - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, great handling, razor sharp precision steering. great looking vehicle, there is nothing controversial about it. it is a great looking car inside and out and spacious for a 64" male. Test drove Nissan 350Z roadster, and you have to be less than 510" to even think about buying one. I am glad it worked out, and I got a better car in the long run.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Bikemanvanc - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had the most fun in the past 2 days driving my Z4 than i have every had. What a fun experience. It is smooth riding , yet responsive. It handles like a dream on curves. This really lives up to the "ultimate driving machine."

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  youll never know - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mike1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Unless your Z4 is headed for the track,youll never know just how really good it is.I have yet to find the limits of the cars handling.I have owned several BMWs,they are always as good the day you sell them as the day you drive it off the lot.Think of how you cant wait to get rid of most cars after a couple years of driving,youll never feel that way about your Z4

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  If only the electronics were executed! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By David J2005 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car! However, everytime the car is started, the "mouse" must be pushed to acknowledge the safety warning. This is a pain. I also have a MB which has the same message, but times out in seconds automatically.

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  Quick Review - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rich mikulak - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Terrific car. iDrive system is not an issue. Most of the stuff it controls you wouldnt change while driving. If you can use an ATM, you can use the iDrive. Candidly, the only thing I miss is the control wheel on the dash that controlled the temp of the air that hits your face.

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  BMW xi 2010 - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By gregoryx - September 30 - 1:15 am

  this is my 2nd 535xi. bought my first after considering + test driving infiniti,lexus,volvo,buick. i found the bmw to be a more pleasurable drive than all of them. its nice to know that you are in a vehicle that seems engineered for the driver. its the best vehicle ive owned. i highly recommend this vehicle. i also have lived in 3 states in the past 4 years and i have to say that the service experience has been excellent in every dealership so far. the service departments seem to understand the value of customer service as part of the consumers brand loyalty. cup holders dont bother me - i dont eat in my car nor do i let my kids (smile) so no big deal

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  BMW xi 2010 - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By gregoryx - September 29 - 11:58 pm

  In 2008 i test drove the GS300, MB Eclass, Buick Lacross, Infiniti, and the Volvo S80 and saved the BMW for last. i loved the vehicle and purchased my first BMW . . . i didnt appreciate the logistical difficulty of operating a vehicle with both a push button start AND a key. i loved the vehicle, the build quality, and the performance. A few weeks ago, i decided to give myself a gift and i bought the 2010 model with the comfort access, sat radio, and active cruise control. i took delivery a few days ago and this vehicle is even better than the 2008 model. the I drive interface is vastly improved and much more intuitive than my 08 model . . . and the voice recognition works much better