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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  Great Value for the Price - 2004 BMW X3
  By tglennon - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The X3 is one of the best luxury SUV-type vehicals Ive ever driven. Great handling along with the performance youd expect from BMW.

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  BMW - 2004 BMW Z4
  By BMWjames - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have personally owned a BMW for about 30 years. All that I have had have lasted me over 200,000 miles. They are an excellent car, thats starts up every time. My new Z4 is as smooth as ever with very little that I dont enjoy about it.

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  Fun Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeong - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Just got my dream car. Been saving money for 3 years and it is worth it. Great power, ride, and comfort. I got the cold and sport package, with xenon adoptive light, and 18 inch tires. Great car to ride in sunny San Diego.

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  German Quality - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Maximus - February 15 - 9:15 am

  I was shopping for a 4 door sedan for a while. I choose this car over the Saab 9-3 Vector and Audi A6. The first time you drive, you will feel the difference between the cars. The solid interior and precise handling, the deep tone of the 3.0L engine is just music to your ear. This car is way better built than saab or audi. I compared the 530 to the 540 . It is really a catch of badges since the 540 is 340 lb heavier than the 530 you really only gain a minimal performance but instead of getting 21mpg in city you will most likely get around 16-17.For exacly that reason I choose the 530.

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  LITTLE ROCKET - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JJ - February 14 - 1:53 pm

  I have been driving Toyotas & Hondas now for about the last 10 years & I can tell you there is no comparison to this 330i. With the cost of those well equipped Japanese cars rising "by all means spend a tad more to get this little rocket!" This BMW is fun to drive, stylish, quick, & has an awesome sound system. My only complaint is the Nav system - a little too complicated for me to use when in a hurry - but I sure like the video display for the radio & CD.

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  New to me X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By steveo - February 14 - 9:39 am

  Ive owned a couple BMWs before (both M3s)... and have always loved the X5 design. We drove the Volvo XC90 and was pretty close to buying one. After driving the X5, I didnt even have to think again about it. Its still a little pricey for 2 years old... but I think I like this car just as much as my 2003 M3. Crazy.

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  2007 X3 - 2007 BMW X3
  By Vincent - February 12 - 7:34 pm

  Very beautiful car on the outside. Gets pricey as you add on the options. Competitors offer more features.

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  Aw Yeah - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Bill - February 12 - 3:06 pm

  Sold the Cooper S and amped up from 194 hp to 255 on this 3.0si and we definitely appreciate the increased horsepower. Initially test drove the 3.0 and were quite dissatisfied. Same engine in the 3.0si as in the 07 335si and it shows. Sports and Premium pkgs make this car all muscle and well worth going into a "Roadster" as opposed to a "Sedan" with muscle. The one touch automatic ragtop is absolutely great because it truly is engineered right--tucks in snug and perfect. What else would we expect from Bavaria? Exterior is solid and didnt change in 2007 - so pricewise we scooped up a waiting 2006. Great move. Very glad we did.

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  Best Car Yet - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By ReRe - February 11 - 3:59 pm

  I love my new 2007 525i, I previously had a 2004 325i and this one is just much more roomier and comfortable and I love the Black Sapphire exterior with sand color interior combination. I do have a little difficulty with the I controller, but Im sure Ill get the swing of it. Car drives great!

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  I love this car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By RT - February 11 - 4:03 am

  I have had this car for about a month. It drives wonderfully. It is a very quiet ride. The handling is awesome.