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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  All eyes... - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By H Power - December 23 - 4:30 am

  No regrets in getting my Black 545i. Im totally sold except that Im filling up gas every 4 days. I love to race my car and it looks really sexy especially with my auburn interior leather.

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  Dinan Package is a Blast!! - 2001 BMW X5
  By Seekrr - December 23 - 4:23 am

  Bought this X5 4.4 used, with 28K mi. and the Dinan package (throttle body, exhaust, 19" rims, etc) from an AZ reseller. Whoever traded this truck in was nuts! This ones for keeps. Performance is BMW-esque, suspension firm, but not harsh, and handling outshines most sports cars. And the Dinan package puts it in a league of its own. A note of caution: max out on an extended warranty. It will pay for itself. They just dont make em like they used to. Speaker grilles fall off, cup holders fail to close, electronic gremlins that you just learn to live with. If you live in good terrain where the roads are long, youll love it for all the right reasons.

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  Makes driving fun - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Ted - December 22 - 5:16 pm

  AWD grips road in dry, wet and snow conditions ABS braking minimizes slip even on ice. Great car for winters no problems starting or driving. Recommend aggressive snows if you will see more than 6-inches snow on regular basis, but expect solid traction. Acceleration (5spd) is very satisfying -- very nimble in/out of traffic. Top speed in regular driving = 120mph, and not even a labored groan. (Too many tickets.)

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  Happy 2006 325i owner - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By newbmw - December 22 - 12:13 pm

  I absolutely love this car. The new exterior design is sharp and in my opinion looks better than the older model... and I liked the look of the older models. The new design is hot and sporty. The added power is a nice bonus. Its loaded with standard features. Things I didnt have the last time I bought a car... mp3 player and power moonroof/sunroof just to name 2. Its only been a week and I cant stop driving... nearing 800 miles. =( But I love it.

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  All Day Amusement Park! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW540i6 - December 21 - 4:19 pm

  I absolutely love the 540i 6speed. It has tremendous torque for when I want to go fast, but is elegant and civilized when I have the two infants in the back. I enjoy doing the work myself so labor cost is not an issue, but parts can be more expensive than some other makes. If youre an enthusiast like me, youll love this car.

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  Bye Bye Mercedes, hello 750i - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Charlie - December 20 - 2:05 pm

  I have always been a Mercedes lover, my wife talked me into the 750i and I can now say I will never go back to the MB! Powerful, superb handling, roomy and loaded with impressive features. I can not get over the power and acceleration. It puts me back in the sport car drivers seat while maintaining the luxury of the ultimate family sedan. The 750i is truly the finest car in the world!

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  Goodbye Trailblazer, 4ever. - 2005 BMW X3
  By Jack Schofield - December 20 - 12:35 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Quick, nimble, safe, efficient, comfortable, sounds great, looks great, smells great. Better Me Walk is not so true. BMW For Life. If people do their research, they will know that the X3 has a stiff ride. It is a small performance truck. DUH!!!!!!!!

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  the greatest car ever made by man - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwfan21 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  this is simply the greatest car ever made by man. everything you could possibly need is in this car. It is stylish, luxurious, and sporty. it is a luxury sedan handling like a sport sedan. Lots of wood trim in this car. the iDrive system is awesome. If you dont already have one, buy one today.

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  LOVE THE BMW Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By SEMINOLE SAM - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE BEEN ENTHRALLED WITH THIS CAR EVER SINCE I TRADED IN MY Z3 FOR THIS ONE---I DONT HAVE A BAD THING TO SAY ABOUT IT

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  Fun With A 2002 BMW 325 cic - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Marias2002BMW325cic - December 20 - 2:00 am

  What a fun little car! Its simple and stylish. Comfortable and classy. Great to take a drive to the beach in or to an elegant restaurant and night on the town. Quick and agile, a pleasure to drive!