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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  Never thought I would drive an SUV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Nate - July 25 - 3:47 pm

  I used to be very much against SUVs. I had a purchase and sales agreement all drawn up for a BMW 3 wagon, and then at the last minute I asked the sales person to let me drive a 2007 BMW X3 in a 6 speed manual. WOW, I was 100% sold. Coming out of a Volvo V70 T5 wagon, I needed the practicality of a wagon to haul items for my business. The 3 wagon did this job but was a bit tight. The X3 had more room without sacrificing anything in performance. So far the experience with the vehicle and BMW have been nothing less than superb. Sure, it is not a cheap drive, but the fit, finish is unbelievable. I am getting 23-24 around town and 27 mpg on the highway. I HIGHLY recommend the 6 speed.

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  A joy to drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom H - July 25 - 8:56 am

  Bought my 330ci with the performance package as a pre-owned vehicle - couldnt be happier with the ownership experience, performance, and handling. Not a single negative issue with this vehicle.

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  Superb Machine! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By DanP - July 24 - 4:32 pm

  After 34000 miles the car drives wonderfully and did not have any problems. Powerful, very sharp and precise driving, excellent and predictable brakes, very rich and elegant interior. It looks great, it is very comfortable and I just love driving it! I will recommend it to anyone who loves to drive and relax in the same time.

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  2007 550i Outstanding Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By George - July 24 - 12:23 pm

  Over the years Ive owned many BMW products 7s, 5s, X5s, 2002 and on and on. None of them can match this particular car it is truly incredible. At first I was not sure about the "Bangle" styling but I have to admit that as the car has aged it has really grown on me and I now love the styling. It will run with a Porsche 911 without problem, and on a cruise from Florida to Michigan it was superb. The car is almost a year old and has never had a single problem nor been back to the dealership. To quote Lee Iacocca "if you can find a better car buy it!"

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  Great SAV - 2007 BMW X3
  By Greg Earle - July 24 - 8:18 am

  I have owned the car now for about a week, and it performs very well. I dont find any hesitation as some reviews have stated. What some call hesitation is the engine coming up on the torque curve, not a transmission problem. I would like to physically be able to check the oil instead of depending on the computer to tell me that it is O.K. This is a great automobile, as every BMW I have owned was.

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  Best Bet - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By neuhoff - July 24 - 12:01 am

  This car has 150k miles, its automatic and I get 30 mpg hwy. Everything still works, its fast, reliable and great looking but most of all, the handling of this car exceeds everything Ive ever driven. I will never own another make of automobile than BMW. New or used, BMW is your best bet for economy, resale, reliability and pleasure.

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  Head turner but only adequate value - 2005 BMW X3
  By Chrisgiraffe - July 23 - 6:52 pm

  BMW X3 is the best SUV design on the road as attested to by the many copies springing up these days. The exterior alone sold me. Perfect size, perfect space, more car than truck-like, very open interior, very solid feel and very sporty. If you want to keep some of your youth but want room to haul a growing family, this is your SUV. One suggestion though: get the premium package (leather). The standard (non-premium) package feels like driving in a big styrofoam cup thats always rubbing you the wrong way and the sport package will likely make you sick on long drives. My major complaint is the price, esp. when compared with similar SUVs (Volvo XC90) that offer more.

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  06 BMW 330i one of the best - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lifehope - July 22 - 5:13 pm

  The bottom line is that special feeling of being in touch with the road. That seat of the pants feel of just fun to drive. There is just no other way to explain it. Everything about the car seems to be designed to give you that feel of the road. Acceleration, brake performance, road control are all there. BMW has began to recognize the need for that feel of added luxury. The interior catches the eye and the seats are comfortable to sit in. The exterior holds its own when compared to similar models. It is a nice looking car. No one will regret owning this automobile.

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  Fun Fun Car to drive - 2007 BMW M6
  By dstoneca - July 22 - 11:00 am

  Awesome power! Great stability in turns at high speed. Nice base package with most of the toys included. Fun car with the top up or down.

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  M5 MMM - 2007 BMW M5
  By EMM - July 20 - 11:23 am

  This is a great performance sedan, huge power and handling and braking capabilities when wanted, and easy docile cruiser otherwise. Wonderful exhaust note. Eye catching style/color, rare, and fine. 6 speed manual is state of the art, smooth, accurate, and fun. Gas mileage can be either OK or terrible, your results will depend on how often you dip into the high rpm full throttle antics. 20 hwy is doable with some restraint. Some minor nit picks but overall a great car, and great value even at the lofty price. A bit heavy, but solid.