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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  It feels like a Bimmer - 2007 BMW X5
  By Familyman - January 5 - 12:21 am

  This is one of the best handling SUVs (or SAV according to BMW) Ive driven, equalled only by the new MDX. But what differentiates the X5 from the MDX are the tangible and intangible qualities of a BMW (handling, quiet cabin, solid build, "growl" of the engine, great styling and the looks you get on the street). We loaded the car up with lots of toys - lets hope its as reliable as their airtight 4-yr maintenance program. The only areas of improvement are the unnecessarily complex iDrive and limited legroom in the 3rd row.

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  a great ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By tjm - January 4 - 4:23 pm

  pricey but fun

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  Genuinely fun but not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - January 4 - 10:27 am

  BMWs have the reputation of being a car for those to whom driving is more than just getting from point A to point B and this car shows why. Its sophisticated fun especially with a five speed and good tires. Turns everyday boring drives into something to be enjoyed. However on an older car like this you better know how to work on it yourself or know a good independent mechanic who can. A dealer can be really expensive. Its just the price you pay for owning an out of warranty performance car. If you want basic transportation with minimum $$ for maintenance better find something more reliable.

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  Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By T Day - January 3 - 8:39 pm

  I purchased my Z new in 1998 strictly as a toy. It is driven no more than 1000 to 15001 miles per year. I absolutely love how it performs on the back roads. We take it on weekend getaways during the summer and fall looking for challenging roads to use it to its full potential. It is a blast to drive and people who see it always have plenty of comments on how great she looks. Bring the original back!!

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  What a ride! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By bcubed - January 3 - 5:23 pm

  I am very critical when it comes to my taste in sports cars. My Z4 coupe is without a doubt, the best sports car that I have ever owned. The car does what it is designed to do - be driven! Some reviews suggest a harsh ride and limited visibility due to the coupes distinctly low profile. For a driving enthusiast, these are attributes, not faults. The build quality is on par with other vehicles in its class, and the smile this thing puts on my face every time I turn the key is priceless.

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  WOW!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RWKramer - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Lexus GS400, which I adored. Wanted better handling, performance, etc. and the 545 is IT!!!! I have let several friends drive this magnificient piece of machinery and all have been wowed. The I-drive is a pain in the behind but one can live with it.

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  2004 BMW 530ia - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By joe91 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  For 2004 BMW has again produced an excellent, top-of-the-line sport sedan, whic I consider the best on the market. After over 6 months of test driving numerous BMW configurations, as well as competive lines, I again bought a bimmer. So far, I like everything about it (including iDrive and exterior design)!

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  BMW 2003 - 330i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ultimateride - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great BMW. This is my 2nd BMW. The other was a 5 speed 528I - 4 door. Both were dependable, great on gas...only bummer is they must run on Premium gas. The insurance is no more that it would be for a Honda.. That has always seemed odd to me. BMW keeps their basic body style for about 7 years. The best thing is to buy a used one. That makes it an affordable car to drive. Some people complain that an oil change is 80 bucks. So what...you only have to do it about every 10K miles. I have used 3 different BMW dealers in my area. Their customer service is unbelievable. If you can afford...but it.. NEver lease....

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  To Hot Not To Love - 2006 BMW M3
  By ILove MyM3 - January 3 - 7:50 am

  One word describes my car: AMAZING! I have never had a car that held 4 people, looked so good and could drive so fast. It is American specs and I have driven on the Autoban at 160 MPH! 130 with the top down! I looked at other cars but they did not compare to this one.

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  Just a great X5, love it - 2007 BMW X5
  By bmw x5, 4.8i 2007 - January 2 - 4:56 pm

  Absolutely a great X5. Had it for 3 weeks and love it. Wonderful driving experience. Acceleration and control put together beautifuly. I was waiting for this X5 after having a 3.0 before and I just love it.