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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  My 04 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe G - March 5 - 1:44 am

  I very much enjoy driving this car. It is fun to drive and very reliable. I had some computer problems early on, but they were repaired and have had no problems since. I have also had many compliments about the styling and appearance of the car. I will get another one when this lease is finished next year.

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  A dream car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Downunder - March 4 - 9:04 pm

  Had a 1997 535i I loved and couldnt part with. Finally and reluctantly I bought my 550i - shouldnt have waited - its a simply fantastic car. I look forward to the morning drive more than ever and my SL500 stays parked in the garage. Great performance, handling and comfort as well as all the hitec gismos to keep me happy - and they are useful too particulary headup and satnav. Great. IDrive is simply learnt in a few hours that motoring journos obviously dont give it. Simple - intuitive - and very easy to use regularly when needed.

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  1999 BMW 528i ... very, very nice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw_owna - March 4 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned (CFP). BMW has one of the best CFP plans in the US. I love the car. I have had a few technical problems but other than that I love the car. I highly recommend it.

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  Nothing like a BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tahoe Mom - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This Bmw is perfect for the person who wants a car but feels safer in an SUV.It is so much fun to drive and also gives you a good feeling of being solid and safe.

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  BMW X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By septsong - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car. BMW quality buid, ride and looks

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  Best Car I have ever bought. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jimpavo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Everyone who see the Z-4 tells me how beautiful they think it is. Very fast. Feels solid while driving. Very small truck. Need more storage. Otherwise, a truly great car. I recommend it for those who want to have fun drivi

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  Vacation on wheels - 2004 BMW Z4
  By m kirdasi - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Cant find the time to get away from daily stress long enough for a vaction ? No worries. BMW offers "the great escape" in the form of the Z4. Sleek comfort and road hugging power combine for your driving pleasure that is sure to make any drive a BMW devote.

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  Dream Machine - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By RinManhattanBeach - March 3 - 12:34 pm

  Without a doubt, the BMW 650i is the hottest car Ive ever driven. You just have to be careful about your speed because as you step on it, you cant feel anything shift... it literally glides from gear to gear like no other car Ive driven. I see tickets in my future and Im not talking about the ones for a show. I had concerns about the iDrive, but I found it pretty intuitive to use and Im getting more comfy with the voice commands. All in all, the car is a beautifully tuned machine. The front end of the car is a lot prettier in view than the back end. But then the "not so pretty" back end gives the car a hint of less pretentiousnes with a really big trunk.

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  Best I have ever owned - 2006 BMW M5
  By Brad - March 3 - 9:08 am

  Having owned over 10 BMWs including the MZ3, 7&6 series and other 5 series, there is nothing like this sweet driving machine. Typical of BMW, you know you are driving - it lets you feel the road. The interior comfort is incredible. The seats literally hug you when you get in and maneuver around curves. Spend 30 minutes learning the iDrive and you will love its ease of use! And if you need to accelerate, no fear, you will be gone before you can blink. I traded in my 645i for this baby and have NO regrets. The only disappointment was the tires. BMW really needs to deliver this vehicle with a better tire, I changed mine right off the bat. Gawk factor is at an all time high on this one!

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  I Love My Red Little Girl - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By JP - March 2 - 10:42 pm

  Bought this car new and have had it for 15 years. She has over 160,000 miles on her and still runs great - maybe even better than she used to. Shes a 5 speed manual and loves being driven hard. Havent had any problems-just routine maintenance issues. Shes been nothing but reliable. I would get a newer one, but theyve done away with that classic BMW. I also have an Audi A4 which I use in inclement weather due to the rear wheel drive of the BMW. But, when the roads are dry, I prefer the handling of my fun and faithful friend. After all, an automobile is about driving, and nothings beats the Ultimate Driving Machine, no matter how old.