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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  BEST BMW EVER - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By J D - April 3 - 11:03 am

  My 06 330i just arrived after 7 weeks of waiting and it was worth the wait. The Bluetooth phone is incredible, navigation is great and iDrive is so easy to use. The courtesy door lights is an awesome feature and the brakes are the best in any car I have driven. Get the sports and premiums packages.

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  An Amazing Sedan from BMW - 2000 BMW M5
  By Robert Ritz - April 3 - 9:01 am

  I l ike everything about the M5. The car is stable, comfortable, and very fast. The M5 puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it.

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  great ride - 2004 BMW X3
  By chattguy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  2.5 auto,sports pkg,sunroof, xe,prem sound,winter pkg, prem. pkg. The sport pkg makes the car look agressive. stiffer suspension equals firmer ride. The car is awsome. takes curves at 60mph and sits flat. Car is nimble,adequate passenger & cargo space. x3 is a perfect blend. Adaptive Xe lights turn with the car. Milage is rated at 17/23 actual is 17.2/19.9 Lexus rx330 drove sloppy and not as fun to drive. 4 wheel drive handles great in rain. BMW hitch pkg is very nice. Incompatabilities in blutooth,sat radio,and BMW assist at this time. My 2004 prius had homelink,6disk changer,and my bluetooth connection worked. Germans could learn from asia.

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  Great car. - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By zeek1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Too bad it couldnt be a little cheaper to buy.

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  323i - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By phillymarshal - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has an agressive exterior coupled with a luxuriously appointed interior. The black exterior/tan leather interior combination is striking. The car seems to be engineered as a whole instead of pieces cobbled together. Performance from the 2.3 litre engine is suprisingly strong and smooth. Mileage hovers around 30 mpg at 80 mph. Impressive!

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  Love This Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By John - April 2 - 11:10 pm

  I love this car inside and out. The only flaws are that the shifter has a slightly long throw (but that can be easily replaced aftermarket), the seat belt pusher is flimsy and weak, and the iDrive is just kind of annoying, but nothing that isnt worth not getting the car. Vishnus XEDE is also a very welcomed mod, opens up a lot of the cars true power.

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  Manual + Sports Package - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By strohe - April 1 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my 328i (Manual+Sports Package) in October 2006 and Im very happy. Its not a car for snow weather but as soon as the streets are dry, it is so much fun to drive this coupe.

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  Worth the price - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DARYL - April 1 - 3:30 am

  Excellent handling on Korean roads... total comfort... very good mileage... performance overall is superb. Well worth the price and highly recommended for the drive of a life time.

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  Great but Picked On Car. - 2007 BMW M6
  By kimchimofo - March 31 - 3:57 pm

  The fact that this car is so hotly debated in most forums suggests that its controversial. There are many people who love it and hate it. Its fast, fun to drive, and comfortable. And is very innovative in creature comforts, build quality, engineering, and performance. Some might complain that the car is too heavy or has a bad transmission, my advice is if you dont like it dont buy it. For those who do love this car, shop around... and if you buy one itll deliver a great (but possibly the ultimate) driving experience time and time again and will turns heads wherever you go.

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  Sports Car Disguised As SAV! - 2007 BMW X3
  By Bill - March 31 - 3:26 pm

  Just completed my first commute in my new 07 X3 - it turned the twisty mountain roads into a flat, straight freeway! The V6 is very quick & smooth, handling is fantastic and up/down shifts by the 6 speed auto trans were imperceptible. The brakes are almost too good, as I am learning to be very gentle with the brake pedal to avoid stopping too fast. Looked at CX-7, RDX, RAV4, CR-V & Edge - the X3 was far and away the most fun to drive while getting better mpg than CX-7, RDX & Edge and only 2 highway mpg less than Rav4 & CR-V AWD. Storage room with back seats up or down was equal or larger than these other CUV options.