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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  Sold on X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Niels Leppert - October 10 - 3:28 am

  I am sooo pleased with my 2004 4.4 X5...Got the Sport pack with 19" wheels...if you are a Town Car person, you may find the sport package too stiff. Great looking body is rattle-free, the brakes and steering are well sorted and it handles like a vehicle half its weight. Tons of sooth awesome-sounding V8 power mate to a tight Steptronic tranny. Articulating xenons are terrific at night. Premium sound with DSP is killer! Panoramic roof is way fun. The Nav takes a few days to sort out if you cant grasp it, stay home.

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  Super Little Coupe! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Niels Leppert - October 10 - 2:35 am

  Positives: Smooth and steady power, silky gearbox, and better than advertised fuel efficiency. Dead solid road manners, cat-like road stance...A/C holds up to the Florida summer heat, wipers and xenons take care of the Florida rain...my wife is sold on her little coupe...and no trips to the dealer for silly stuff. Thumbs Up! Negatives: You gotta reach waay back to grab the seat belt.

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  First BMW - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Brandon - October 9 - 6:47 pm

  I recently bought and certified this car. This is an ultimate driving machine. Not only does it run and feel like a roadster should, it comes with the looks and ladies too.

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  Fun Factor Reaches Record Levels - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Laurie - October 9 - 7:43 am

  I just picked up a new 325 with the Premium and Sport packages. Unimpressed with the 2005 version, THIS little rocket maintains the pure driving fun while reducing the road noise and jitter. Its truly the best of both worlds. I cant sit still at home now -- I just want to drive... somewhere... ANYWHERE!!! The car stays flat on hard turns, doesnt plow on hard braking, leaps upon acceleration. Were bonding, we really are! Okay, gotta run. Ive gotta drive across town for uh, something. = :)

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  Horse Power - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By RQB77 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 325i with performance package and sports package is a fun car to drive. You will love it.

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  325 Xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve-O - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Well, I went and did it. This was my first non-American car. I have to admit, after driving it for a few weeks, Im feeling a lot less guilty. Build one here, and Id take it in a minute. What a fun car to drive! Smooth, tight, comfortable, quiet, plenty of pep. What more is there?

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  325 Xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By steve-o - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Well, I went and did it. This was my first non-American car. I have to admit, after driving it for a few weeks, Im feeling a lot less guilty. Build one here, and Id take it in a minute. What a fun car to drive! Smooth, tight, comfortable, quiet, plenty of pep. What more is there?

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By DOGBIMMER - October 8 - 10:00 am

  iTS NOT SUV IN THE MARKET IN THIS MOMENT IS MORE FUN TO DRIVE.tHE X5 IS LIKE A CAR,NOT ONLY THAT ,ADD POWER STYLE AND SECURITY.

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  You drive, you buy.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Z aki - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car, get all the optionals you can.2.5 engine have more power than you think you need. You never get tired of driving it.

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  My first BMW! - 2005 BMW X3
  By BarbaraB - October 8 - 12:18 am

  I waited a LONG time for this BMW..I wanted a smaller suv, always dreamed of owning a BMW, and fell in love with the X3 the first time I saw it. Its great looking, but I never expected it to be SO much fun to drive! This is my dream car. Gas mileage? Not bad... but the ride and handling alone have made me a BMW owner for life. Excuse my excitement, but every time I get into my X3, all I can think is....."Im driving a BMW..finally!"