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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  An amazing car! Very satisfied. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JoelH1025 - September 29 - 3:12 pm

  This car has been amazing. It performs very well. Its got plenty of power, but certainly not an overwhelming amount. Its enough so that you have no trouble merging, but its easy to drive. I get about 26-27 mpg overall. It has also been incredibly reliable. My car has 110,000 miles on it, and it has only broken down once. It was a minor problem, too, and it was fixed before the sun went down that day. This car is very comfortable to drive long distances. Its very easy to park, and very maneuverable.

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  To-Much-Fun - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Gene Vest - September 29 - 10:55 am

  After 4600 miles, I am thrilled with this car. It is much more fun to drive than my 2005 C5 vette was, and the interior is quiet enough for conversation with the top down on the interstate. The engine provides pleanty of power, and I love getting 33.1 MPG on the highway. The handling is excellent with the sport pacakge and 18" wheels, but it does try to follow road grooves at lower speeds. The cabin and trunk are large for this type car, but the standard seats are a bit alcking in support and style. I wuold get the M seats if buying another one. This is a great looking car that really turns heads. This is my daily driver and handles wet weather wonderfully.

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  Awesome - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jkatsal - September 28 - 3:56 am

  Looked at the Acura TL, 07 Camry Sport, Avalon Limited, Jaguar, Volvo S80 and S60. No comparison when talking about cost of ownership and performance. I would opt for the sport package with the 17 inch wheels. I will use this car as a third car so I dont have to take my Yukon XL Denali on errands. --Mom of three.

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  530xi - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - September 27 - 9:56 pm

  The BMW 530xi: Motor - Smooth throughout entire RPM range although it lack the ummphh you would expect. Handling - Youll back down before the car will - outstanding Interior - Quality throughout-seats can wear on you on a lengthy trip. IDrive a snap for the computer literate generation, definitely not for you Mom. Lack of storage, center console useless. Cup holders work better than you would expect. Exterior - Germans cant match the Japanese for fit and finish, gaps large enough to fit your pinky in. Car is drop dead gorgeous but paint is very soft and scratches easily. Run flats are a no no - no tire life and flats abound, stick with stock.

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  Got it... love it - 2006 BMW Z4
  By skoot - September 26 - 10:27 pm

  I just climbed out of a 02 toyota mr2 into a new z4. I love the power, the room, the automatic top. I cant get the smile off my face... what a nice change! The z4 is just what I needed. I used to have a 99 corvette and I like this z4 even better than I did the vette and I liked the vette a lot.

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  BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By fontenot - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car. Really fun to drive. Larger than expected. Outstanding handling. Comfortable seating.

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  I love my new car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By monymaxmi - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Before buying this car I was at odds with my old car and really needed a new car.

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  2008 335xi 4 Door - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By tc - September 23 - 7:00 pm

  2008 335xi, 4 door titanium silver. Premium, cold weather, navigation, iPod adapter, manual. Hands down the best car Ive ever driven. Test drove the TL, G35X, C Class and 328xi before deciding on the 335xi. Other models driving experience just does not compare. 328xi was nice, but the power of the 335xi is night & day different and worth the extra money, especially with the additional standard options. In hindsight, I wish I got the sport package in addition to or instead of the navigation. So far Ive put 2200 miles on this vehicle and have had zero problems with it. Overall Im very satified with this vehicle, although it can get very expensive with all the options.

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  Gotta love BMWs - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By SheBMW - September 23 - 4:28 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 years now, and I will not part with it for love or money. She ROCKS!! I love the styling, the feel of the car on the road, and the response of that smooth inline-6. Have heard of people having trouble with theirs, but weve had countless BMWs in the family, and never a day of trouble. This will certainly not be the last BMW I drive - Im a die-hard BMW fanatic!!!!

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  Run flat tires have to go! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By B8E - September 23 - 10:53 am

  The Bridgestone run-flats are a definite fault for my 2007 328i sedan - - noisy, premature wear at 15K miles, overall poor performance. BMW should make buyers aware of the "replacement before $20,000 half-price discount" (why so secretive????); but even more so should get rid of them altogether. Very poor choice for a luxury sedan. BMW should listen to their consumers and ditch the RFTs. This is my third 3 series though the first with RFTs, but will be my last if BMW sticks with the run-flats. Other than this one complaint, I love the car. Considering putting regular radials on it and putting a compact spare/jack in the trunk!