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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  Wow!! - 2006 BMW X5
  By Joe Driscoll - March 2 - 1:33 pm

  The first time you drive the 4.4ltr. X5, you know you are not in Kansas anymore. I am stationed in Germany and in my previous American built car I felt like I was dodging fire from an aotomatic weapon. The fast paced world of the Autobahn, is not for the weak of heart. I cower no more... I am now the king of the road!! The X5 takes no time to match speed with the best the Europeans can throw at me. The X5 hugs the road at 100, 110, 120 even 130 MPH like the family wagon at the more modest but not as much fun American speeds I am used to. As far as comfort, Dreamy..

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Mario - March 2 - 7:49 am

  Ive only had the car for a few weeks but this is easily the best all around car Ive ever owned. Its fit/finish and comfort are almost perfect.

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  The feel good factor is priced in! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By voldiver - March 1 - 9:49 pm

  The 645 is truly "sport" luxury. Not nimble and quick but muscular and responsive. The extra horses of the 650 should help. The iDrive is not difficult...if you cant figure it out you most likely cant afford the car anyway!

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  BMW forever - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Louise - February 28 - 10:40 pm

  Our 2006 750li has been just plain fantastic. The iDrive on the 750li is tremendous if you take the time to learn it and the navigation screen is the best so far. The trunk is huge and the automatic close feature is great when you have you hands full of groceries. I can step into the back seat to put my granddaughter into her seat without throwing out my back. The keyless entry has spoiled me forever. Curves might as well be straight aways. There is no lean-to-the-left, lean-to- the-right when you drive on curvy roads. This car does what you want it to do

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  Great Choice - 2005 BMW X5
  By John M - February 28 - 6:09 pm

  My wife and I purchased our X5 3.0 in time for our first child. Although we purchased due to the outstanding safety features, we have found the performance and handling to be very handy in everyday driving. We are so happy with our purchase that we are already considering a second BMW in the near furture.

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  Im amazed - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By E Lok - February 28 - 5:12 pm

  After hearing so many horror stories about earlier models of the 7 I am truly amazed at my new purchase - not a single problem after two months. It is one of the easiest handling large cars I have ever driven: nimble and agile. The nav system, though, cumbersome and slow, is manageable once you get use to it. The sport suspension is of no equal - the car comes lower with this suspension. Only complaint is the lack of an aux jack for an iPod. Presumably because there is a Sirius Sat Radio but their service cuts in and out except when you are travelling in wide open space--a real disappointment. For the quality, price and sophistication, the new 2006 750Li is definitely top draw.

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  I love my 323i - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Jared - February 28 - 12:13 am

  Awesome car. I was a little aprehensive to enter into the European market but I was blown away by this car. Talk about fun to drive. Shell get up and go like nobodys buisness. Shell take a corner like shes on rails. Its truly amazing. Love it, live it.....BMW!!!!!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Concorde99 - February 27 - 7:50 pm

  In January, I traded a 1996 Porsche 911 C4 Cabriolet for the BMW 650 C Convertible. This was the first vehicle that had the WOW factor for me since the Porsche. BMW does a much better job with both interior and exterior finish than BMW, has a better warranty, better service, and now has built a coupe that handles as well as the Porsche. The upgraded sound system blows you away and the car is teaching me how to use voice commands. Im learning. Steering is responsive, acceleration is as good as the 96 Porsche, it is more comfortable than the BMW X-5 I own and I cant find anything BMW has left out. GREAT AUTOMOBILE!! If you can afford own, buy it.

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  Land Yacht - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By rpb750 - February 27 - 2:34 pm

  I was amazed on the power and smooth acceleration of this car. It has much more power than any lexus I have ever driven. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. I would not buy any other luxury car. The speed of this car is shocking...

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  I LOVE MY CAR! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JessicainFrederick - February 26 - 10:52 am

  I would buy this car again in a heartbeat. I have never had a problem with it. Its fun to drive, zippy! With the exception of a couple of dings, still looks, feel and drives as if it was brand new.