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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  Ultimate Texas Driving Machine - update - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - January 21 - 1:57 am

  Ive now had the car for 30K miles and nearly 3 years. I still love it. I bought the car as a certified used unit & during the BMW extended warranty, Ive had a new radiator and water pump as well as two oil leaks. Each time the dealer has promptly repaired the car for a $50 co-pay. New brake pads were my cost ($$$). I replaced the OEM Contintal Contitracs with Kumho Ecstas and am very pleased with the improved mileage & I cant tell any significant difference in handling, but the car is much quieter. I hope to drive this car another 60K miles. The extended warranty expires within a month or so and I may hedge my bets by buying another warranty, based on my experience with the 1993 740

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  Best of the best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bo - January 21 - 1:40 am

  First BMW and without a doubt the best all around car I have ever owned. Traded a 2004 Mazda RX8 for it, the 545 outperforms the Mazda in every way.

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  Not an M6, but it is pretty.... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By carlb9 - January 20 - 1:40 pm

  The vehicle handles wonderfully and weight is perfect. One of the best 2 door convertible on the market... The Aston Martin Convertible DB9 is the only thing that can touch it...

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  TomBond - 2008 BMW Z4
  By Tom Mansfield - January 19 - 9:34 am

  sweet sports car, classy style

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  2002 BMW 330i Sport/Premium - 5 speed - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By IknowUnot - January 18 - 1:16 pm

  This car lives up to everything youve heard! It handles better than any of my friends so called "sports" cars and on the line it can leave most in the dust! I have never had a single mechanical problem to speak of and Ive driven it to Omaha, NE and back once and also to Seattle, WA a few weeks ago. The seats are very comfortable for long distances and even though the car is built and handles like a sports car, it rides like a cadillac... nice and quiet. I also get 32 mpg driving back from Seattle! How many 4 door sedans can do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and still get 32 mpg on the interstate?!? One suggestion... dont get the automatic! Youll be missing out!

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  Ohhh So Smooth - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By JDP - January 18 - 12:39 pm

  After 4 Lexus, a few Cadilacs, an Infiniti and even a Mercedes this new BMW 750 LI is the best large car I have ever owned. The comfort, ride, speed and handling is vastly supierior to the other makes. The quality of the product is so good it takes the sting out of the price. BMW actually gives you something for your money its called value. The car is so quiet on the road I want to go places and with the concert hall sound system I could care less about sitting in traffic. The ergos and seats are the best. At the gas station a little kid said, "Nice BMW mister.." Priceless.

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  great road handler - 2004 BMW X3
  By autofan - January 17 - 1:54 am

  This is a great car, it accelerates quickly enough and it follows your intentions effortlessly and its overall dimensions are excellent, it is neither too small nor too big for driving around town or on the freeways. The roof skylight is just awesome because it lets lots of sun in. It is a pleasure to drive.

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  M3 Dream - 2002 BMW M3
  By seasnake - January 16 - 11:37 pm

  The current M3 is a dream for a performance car enthusiast. With few exceptions, it will bury the competition with always blistering accelleration and it will stop in a heartbeat. Handling is second to none, as might be expected with a chassis and mechanics tuned for the Nurburgring. Where else can you buy a world class, track-ready sport coupe that will also seat 4 comfortably - with luggage. Fit, finish and quality of materials is second to none. BMW - form does follow function.

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  AWD BMW Wagon is hard to beat - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By MYBIRD67 - January 16 - 8:21 pm

  I was looking for a small SUV when I found this jewel. I was sold by the combination of the AWD and manual transmission. It handles like you would expect a BMW 3 series would, with the amazing bonus of all-weather traction plus 30 mpg highway. This car takes me and my ski-racing kids to ski areas all winter long and has not let us down. Once the vehicle went out of warranty I turned its service over to an independent BMW mechanic. So long as you stay current on recommended maintenance. Only issue has been a water pump failure requiring a tow - $380 later back on the road with no problems. The sport package is worth it for the bolstered seats. My favorite winter driver ever.

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  STICKS LIKE GLUE TO THE ROAD - 2004 BMW X3
  By Facet88 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 525 I for this 3.0 X3. Very roomy inside great visability cruises at 80 mph without feeling the road. Eats thru wet roads look forward to the snow season.Great Brakes. The ulitmate driving machine. You wont be disapointed.