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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  Beautiful inside and out, fun to drive - 2008 BMW X5
  By NewBMWf_fan - April 14 - 9:41 pm

  The X5 is an exceptional SUV. We looked at the Acura MDX and you cant really compare the two. If you can afford the additional $15k, go for the X5. We have had it for three months and it has functioned flawlessly. The drive is awesome and the finish in incredible.

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  I love this car - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By pguter - April 14 - 8:20 pm

  Drives like a dream, tremendous pick-up, wonderful sight lines. The top is quick and easy to raise or lower. The iDrive is easier to use than most reviewers seem to experience.

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  Bimmerlover - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobby - April 14 - 6:44 pm

  This is the second 5-series I have owneD. My E28 was great and fun to drive but it was automatic, this E34 is my new baby and I just love this car so so much, I cannot let her get dirty. It is a pleasure to drive and sit in, shifting through the gears and getting up to the top speed is my plan every day I get in. It still turns a lot of heads. I love everything about this car, and cant wait till I get another one, I was hooked since the last BMW my friend whom is a bimmer lover warned me about not being able to drive another tybe of car after getting into a BMW.

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  Worth it - 2000 BMW M5
  By Bricktop - April 14 - 5:34 pm

  Ive had the car for 2 weeks. It just absolutely blazes. The stock wheels are beautiful and the 4x exhaust tips give it a muscle car look. Understated, but its a gorgeous car. The interior is fantastic. Leather everywhere, great seats and the Alcantra headliner is a really nice touch. I might just be driving M5s for the rest of my life.

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  A classic BMW - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Year1DC - April 14 - 2:55 pm

  Took delivery of my jet black 135i coupe the day they went on sale in the US. Truly a great car, both in terms of performance and styling. I chose the automatic with the paddle shifters since I use the car for urban commuting. Its hands-down the best automatic Ive driven - just put it in Sport mode and the car moves like a rocket. It costs the same as a 328 coupe while delivering performance that is several notches above. While theres no other car that exactly compares, of all the other cars I drove the Cayman S feels the most similar - and at $20k more, it makes my $44k loaded 135 seem like an even greater bargain.

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  BMW IS GREAT - 2005 BMW X5
  By jasonsandwick - April 14 - 10:50 am

  I drove every suv on the market and stettled on a more expensive of the bunch. My x5 drives like my other BMWs -it is excellent and unstoppable with the traction control. I love it... I could use a little more storage room though so I am getting a Thule box for the top for my skis.

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  FUN - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ChrisBurgler - April 14 - 5:30 am

  FUN

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  Dream Machine ... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By z4driver - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. The edgy exterior style is wonderful. Interior is very spacious and comfortable. Major improvements over the Z3 include Run flat tires, which allow much bigger trunk space, thus making it a more practical car. In addition, the back window is glass, rather than plastic, which comes in most convertibles. The seats are much bigger, with much more leg/shoulder room than in any convertible Ive seen. You need to drive with the top down on a cold day to appreciate the heated seats option. Power top is a must-have.Interior guage style has been redesigned. Sound system is simply incredible.

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  Noises.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Stephi - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive but I have had some issues with the powered Top. After 2 opennings, the Top broke on the left part.After 1 month, there was a noise in the motor. The seat belt of the passenger is making noise against the door when nobody use it. The Top does a small crispy noise when it is down.

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  After 4500 miles of fun driving - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By jamesc - April 12 - 2:20 am

  I chose European Delivery and picked up my 545i in Munich, Germany. This car is designed to be driven at 100 mph + on German autobahn. At over 100 mph on German autobahn, this car can cruise at ease for hours like itÂ’s doing 60 mph. The 545 is deceivingly fast and extremely quiet. The fit and finish is excellent. With Sport Package option, the car feels like it can take corners better than a Porsche Boxster. The state of art BMW Valvetronic V8 engine is amazingly smooth and responsive. The braking and handling inspire confidence in the driver. The cabin is isolated from all outside noise. I prefer to hear the engine and exhaust a little bit more. BMW 545 is my 4 door sport car TOY!