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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  BMW X5 - 2007 BMW X5
  By Alan Zorzi - September 6 - 6:06 pm

  We have had our X5 for over a week now and we love it. After reading reviews I was a bit nervous with iDrive. However, it takes about an hour to master. We really love everything about our X5 and would recommend this vechicle to anyone interested. The only problem is we do not want to stop driving it. It is truly fun to drive!

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  Understated - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Longshot - September 6 - 12:46 pm

  The "value" of this car is understated in many ways. It is so much fun to drive, and quite comfortable for an average size person. On many occasions I have driven 800 miles in a day quite comfortably. It continues to be reliable, and as it ages, the exceptional and unique design endures. I believe the 97 2.8 will become a collector vehicle.

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  BMW Z4 3.0 2003 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By G. Gutierrez - September 6 - 9:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. After 40,000 miles the only repair required (at no cost) was to reset the passenger window. Great fun to drive and extremely reliable. I am thinking about buying a new car, but I hate to give this one up!

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  The best of the best - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By jperry525 - September 5 - 12:12 am

  I purchase my 525i last October and it was the best decision I ever made. I had the transmission rebuilt, to ensure the reliability of purschasing a used car. I hadnt had any problem with the car. My car is in mint condition, nice paint job and the interior is flawless. I enjoy driving it and in the near future hope to have M5 upgrades done to it.

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  Take a second look at me! - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Barb - September 4 - 8:16 pm

  I have now owned my 2007 650i convertible for 8 months. Being a longstanding BMW enthusiast, I traded in my 2004 M3 convertible, a car that I truly loved. With the 650i, you get M3 neck-snapping acceleration with a more luxurious ride and interior. The iDrive, although a pain at first, is actually pretty neat. Go for the options: nav, Sirius, comfort access, bigger tires. Whats a few extra bucks at this point? This car will make everyone take a second look, especially when youre effortlessly passing them at 110 mph. This Beauty is a Beast!

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  Love this car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Ferrari - September 4 - 3:21 pm

  I bought this car over a year ago and have had no major problems. I bought it Certified Pre-owned from a BMW dealer, paid a slight premium because of it, but well worth it. I cant stress enough how much I love this car. The handling is amazing, the beauty of the exterior is flashy and immediately recognized, and the interior is sleek and classy. Corner handling is great, and the sound of the 6 cylinder engine revving up is well worth the hype. The only downside is a few awkward features inside, such as the second cup holder. It is located right below the center armrest, and the center storage holds, at best, a wallet and pad of paper. Hardly reason enough not to love the car though.

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  Performance and Luxury - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By dejoyf - September 3 - 10:41 am

  Car is fun to drive, powerful and comfortable. The performance is outstanding with great power, braking, and safety features. The luxury features are fun and convenient, especially if you have to commute to work every day. Its nice to be able to make calls, flip through satellite radio, or relax in quiet.

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  BMWs Best Car Yet - 2003 BMW Z4
  By rsurwit - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned five BMWs including a 2002,320i,530i and two Z3s. This car is the most fund to drive and has the best build quality of any of them. It is more solid than a Boxster, and almost as nimble as an S2000-but much more comfortable.

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  Surpasses expectations. - 2003 BMW Z4
  By das - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the Z4 because of its bold exterior styling. I knew the engine, etc., would be everything you could expect from BMW. I found a sterling gray, with the luxury package and some other extras for 37K even. The car is a dream-- extremely responsive steering, and youre in total control with a standard transmission. The dynamic stability control has kicked in a few times, but Ive never experienced the lightweight feeling in the rear wheels you find with some other convertibles. This car hugs the ground.

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  Good one - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By agent23 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Nice one to drive. Never regret ever bought it.