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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  Control the Power - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Anant Bhakta - September 19 - 11:09 am

  BMW z4 3.0si is built for fast car driver. I drove nissan 350z, honda s2000, Mazdarx8, lexus sc430 but z4 is diffrent. I was in love with car after 1st ride. Got to have that ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Excellent All Round Fun Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 3rm - September 18 - 7:37 pm

  Best all round performance and fun for the money. Would like more HP, but absolutely fun everytime you are behind the wheel. Pluses - handling, style, fun factor. Minuses - dont like the stereo, heater display washes out in sun, some go out in cold. Seats wearing prematurely driver side. Pricey extras like CD changer which is in trunk, alarm system an option. Convertible top not latched, warning light too low in vehicle, too small.

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  great drive - 2005 BMW X5
  By don hatton - September 18 - 4:10 am

  excellent suv for all seasons

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  M5 Perfection - 2000 BMW M5
  By Lucky M5 Owner - September 17 - 8:59 am

  Ive had the car for nearly 7 years, and since Ive never owned ANY car for more that 3-4 years, Ive tried to look for something more exciting to replace it with for the last 3 years. There truly has been nothing out there that packs as much perfect styling, acceleration, comfort and overall fun factor as this "family" sedan. I finally found another 4 door car that just got released (CLS63 AMG) that has taken what M5 created, and stepped up the technology and power, while keeping the concept of having the most fun on the road while hauling a family of 4 and blowing the doors of anything in your path. The M5 experience has been precious!

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  First BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By beez nutz - September 15 - 4:55 pm

  My first BMW, the car just feels a lot more solid than any other vehicle I have ever owned... lexus nissan z acura Honda VW Jeep. It seems as though a lot of attention was paid to the driver when they designed the 5. My only complaint is the lack of power in the 525i. I guess its my own fault for getting the 525 instead of the 530 or 545

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  Just Awesome!!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By 540i6 Sport - September 15 - 1:31 pm

  Ive owned my 540i 6 speed sport for one year now. Although its going on 8 years old and 103K miles, it doesnt have a single rattle - the build quality is exceptional. The torque of the V8 is addictive and takes the car from an everyday commuter to track day hooligan. Two car seats fit great in the back and even though Im putting in premium at >$3 a gallon, Im getting 24 mpg on the highway in 6th gear. These cars are more maintenance intensive than your everyday Japanese appliance, but the drive is worth it!

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  Love this car... - 2002 BMW M5
  By will - September 14 - 6:42 pm

  This is the most fun in four doors available. Service is expensive after factory maintenance ends. AC fan cost me $850, Clutch around $1200 but car is truly awesome. Seats are a bit tight for bigger guys.

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  Awesome Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jim - September 14 - 1:28 pm

  The most fun auto to drive in my 40 plus years of driving.

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  This is the Last Car I hope to Own - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jakedogdog - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW. I had two 328s - a 97 and a 2001. I wanted a little more room this time round. I intended to buy a 530, but this one was sitting on the lot - a program car, $10K off MSRP... I just couldnt resist the opportunity. The car had 6000 miles on it when I took delivery. I thought it had been broken in. Now, at 13000, things are really coming together. This car is balanced, strong, wonderful to drive. The only seats that I am aware of being more comfortable are the old volvo seats. But, still... No volvo drives like this. It settles in right at about 78 and is smooth smooth all the way past 120.

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  My Dream Car - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By betattack - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I finally got my dream car. This thing handles GREAT! Looks GREAT! Feels GREAT! I love to take sharps turns and feel the car hug the road. The seats are real comfortable too. Well worth the price.