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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  What a car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Bob - March 15 - 4:50 pm

  I have never owned a car that turns heads the way this one does. Put the top up or down at a stop light and watch the looks. I have even heard "I gotta get me one of those". This is still a new car and only has a few thousand miles on it so far. To say that it is fun to drive is an understatement. This was a gift for my wife and it was a home run. We have the atlantic blue, a new color with the cream interior... stunning. The only problems I have had so far were self induced, but after reading the manual all were solved. I must have a Wednesday car because the workmanship is outstanding. Unbelieveably quiet with the hard top up. Great car.

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  The best of both worlds - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By cT - March 15 - 4:16 pm

  Previous owner of 03 525i. The new model gives you the best of both worlds. Luxurious and sporty. Smoothier, quietier, more power, and more elegant.

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  HIGHLY RECOMENDED - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DAIRYDAVE - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THE 04 330CI IN AUGUST AND IT IS BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE SIX SPEED MANUAL IS FUN TO DRIVE. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE PERFORMANCE FOR ME IS GREAT. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE WOULD NOT THINK OF THIS CAR AS HIGHLY PERFORMANCE ORIENTED BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IN FREEWAY DRIVING IT HOLDS THE ROAD VERY WELL AND ALWAYS WANTS TO GO FASTER!! A GREAT CAR!!!

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  Unreal! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By sa - March 14 - 7:50 am

  I canÂ’t believe this car! I havenÂ’t had this much fun driving since I was 16. Its beautiful, turns corners like its on rails, and you can definitely getty-up and go with this engine. Invest in the 3.0si - you wonÂ’t regret it.

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  BMW Engineering at its finest - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Cameron - March 13 - 8:48 pm

  Over the years Ive had quite a few cars. I test drove the 650 and was instantly sold. The performance is stellar, the handling amazing. This car does everything right. The people that complain about the iDrive, havent used it or taken the time to learn. I had it down within a couple of days and appreciate the simplicity. BMW has won me over, I dont know what took me so long!

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  550i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Darrell Johnson - March 13 - 12:41 pm

  First BMW. Ex Porsche guy. Surprised at performance and balance - simply excellent. IDrive is nonsense. In and of itself its not so hard to use, just plain silly. Cant even check oil accurately. Have yet to figure out how to store a radio station. Sat radio, though, is outstanding. Nav system w/ voice activation is almost useless as apparently German written instructions dont decipher into understandable English. The extra $240 for the 2nd year road assist is a waste. Got most options except heads up display & wish I had checked the headlight auto bright control option. Would have been nice to have. No real problems.

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  Truly "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mschbrem - March 13 - 10:00 am

  If you have the money to spend, and tend to drive with only one more person, this is the car for you! Back seat space is a little limited but then again IT IS A COUPE! Drove the car from South Florida to Northern Virginia without getting back problems or growing tired. Smooth, quiet and very comfortable (with the sport seats)!

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  Let it ride - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Stewart Brenner - March 11 - 4:54 pm

  At 73 years of age, Im enjoying the out doors more and more. Fun to drive and be looked at. Car moves out quickly, and handles easily. A smoother ride than you would think from a car thats low to the ground.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Doug - March 11 - 11:40 am

  WOW! What a pleasurable car to drive. This car makes you want to simply go out for a drive. The design of the cockpit helps the occupants feel like they are part of the car. In the sport mode this car is a fast and tight luxury sports car. Its very agile, and responsive. I was searching for one for about a month when I just got a smoking hot deal. Be patient, and you will find a very nice model, that you will not regret buying.

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Tom M - March 10 - 1:48 am

  I expected to be driving a 2001 S600 or maybe a Lexus two months ago. But after test drives I found nothing comes close to the 745Li in comfort (luxury seat pkg w/ massage), and sheer pleasure to drive. The car does everything I ask of it. The iDrive is not as intuitive as it could be but there is often more than one way to do something eg change radio stations/CD to radio by voice, a/c by dash buttons, etc. Once I got a couple of free hours to read the manual w/o the usual kid and other distractions it was fairly easy. The 6yr/100k mile warranty was appealing as well. I do wonder why BMW discontinued the infinitely variable intake manifold in the 2006 745s.