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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  Whats not to like? - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Phil B. - December 27 - 2:48 am

  I am not sure if there is another car that better combines performance and luxury. 0-60 in 5-6 seconds, uncanny handling and feel, superb cockpit, plenty of rear seat room, excellent sound system. Why all the controversy over iDrive? It is about as easy to master as a simple video game. It seems the reviewers just needed something in the "con" column, because everything else is "pro".

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  Love this car! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gkatlanta - December 26 - 9:21 pm

  I have owned three previous BMWs including an E39 Wagon but nothing has come close to the performance and handling of this car. Definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wonderful to drive on a long winding road. Not a single problem since Ive had this car. I still love driving this car every day.

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  My X5 is great, but... - 2003 BMW X5
  By ckralich - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had my X5 for over 1 year. I think it is great. The main negative comment is the fuel situation. It pains me to fill up with high octane gas and the mileage is lousy. Another issue I have is with the engine power. I have the 3.0 which is the smaller engine. Once you get to cruising speed, the ride is incredible. However, off the line it feels like you are towing something. Otherwise, once you get over the buyers remorse of just having shelled out 2 years worth of college tuition on a vehicle, you will absolutely love the X5. In addition, you will no longer have to look at all the other cars on the road to see what you want to buy next.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve101 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  CLEARLY THE CLASS LEADER BMW REIGNS SUPREME

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  best conv ever - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By joe/barb - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best over all convertible that I have owned and Ive owned 6 including corvettes. Handles great, its always reliable and great fun to drive.

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  Beware of the run flat tires - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jl - December 26 - 12:13 am

  I love the car- handling and power are great. Very quiet.

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  The 650 Rocks!! - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By SoCalBeach650 - December 25 - 4:47 am

  Great car - fast, incredible handling - much better than the Mercedes Benzes that Ive owned. The back end is still a bit too much Bangle, but performance is amazing.

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  2nd M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By mb2ndM5 - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second M5 and have been waiting for 3 years for this one. It was worth the wait! Awesome car, tremendous ability to adjust performance. Great handling, great feel, a wolf in sheeps clothing. Looks and feels great during the ride to church with the family and performs equally well side by side with the viper or 911 on the interstate on the way back home. SMG takes some getting used to, but once you decide how you want to use it its relatively smooth and functional.

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  2001 325i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bakedflounder - December 24 - 12:25 pm

  I just got this car and am blown away by all the well-thought-out features. Its classy, fast and luxurious. This car combines sports performace with luxury. I dont feel like Im in a tin can at all... VERY SOLID.

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  My Four-Wheeled Soulmate - 2006 BMW M3
  By Ed Kramer - December 24 - 6:49 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Have about 1800 miles on it so far. Terrific styling, excellent fit and finish. Silver exterior with black Napa leather, aluminum trim, xenon headlamps. Love the SMG. Harmon Kardon sound system, NAV, all good. Unalloyed joy to drive. Handling is superb. Power to spare. Zero body roll. Well-mannered in town, a thrill to drive on twisty highways, carving through corners like a laser. The car is everything Id dreamt it would be.