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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  bmw miracles - 2003 BMW Z4
  By karin tavarez - July 16 - 10:00 am

  it has been the greatest car i have ever bought.

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  Best of the Category - 2003 BMW X5
  By gmatt - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 97 540i because I needed more space and awd. The interior is very similar, but actually feels roomier than the 540 and for the first time in my life (in any car), my seat is not at the aft limit (Im 62"). Tried the Discovery (rented for 7 days) and wasnt impressed. Test drove an XC90 - this would be my second choice as the price was almost the same.

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  Central Ohio - 2003 BMW X5
  By GSBJackson - July 16 - 10:00 am

  One of the best driving machines Ive expereinced.

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  Z is good for me - 2004 BMW Z4
  By throb - July 15 - 9:17 pm

  I got this car when I finally could afford one and wow it did not disappoint. I got the SMG based transmission and that thing is a total blast. I love the car so much that I am leasing a new 07 Z4 3.0si starting in 2 days! My only gripe is that the Z series is always behind in cool technology that the 3 series has. No siruis radio. Pathetic. Its a very small gripe on a kickin car!

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  Nice 5 series - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By 1990bmw - July 15 - 5:22 pm

  I have had this car little over 2 years and have put over 60K on it. The thing is a rock solid tank, 17 years old with 217,000 miles and counting, no problems outside of brakes and tires. Air is air cold and the heated seats are great in the winter.

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  Nice SUV - 2007 BMW X5
  By Pdx BMW - July 14 - 3:15 pm

  Very nice SUV - weve had other BMWs but this is the first with iDrive and I agree, iDrive stinks. In spite of the iDrive this is the only SUV I have ever driven that is actually fun to drive. (Weve had a few Denalis and Tahoes.) It drives like a BMW. Overall, its a good car, fun to drive, Id buy another.

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  German engineering?? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By altura - July 13 - 8:15 pm

  Bought it brand new, excellent handling and acceleration. As of 07/2007, 60k miles and exterior (metallic blue) looks like new. Interior wood trim and leather trim has held up, although some minor fading/peeling on plastic accents. Had to replace all 4 window rotors within first year and repaired sunroof twice. Brake dust shows daily. Nightmare problems starting at 55k miles, had to replace serpentine belt, battery, throttle, DSC control unit (2k out of pocket, warranty expired). Will not purchase another BMW, although performance is superb, reliability and quality is not favorable. Servicing and repair expenses too high.

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  BMW fan buys another good one - 2006 BMW X3
  By Chad Cribbins - July 12 - 5:16 pm

  This is my 7th BMW and I purchased this one pre-owned with about 10k miles on it. It is a great vehicle, handle like my 330ci and is really quick! Great view of the road, great long distance car also. Mileage is just ok, but thats to be expected of an AWD vehicle. Very safe for my wife and two kids under 2 yrs old! Confident and comfortable! Always enjoy ownership experience with BMWs - total ownership with no additional out of pocket expenses makes life easy!!

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  Good ride but caution - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By bucklaobmr - July 11 - 10:36 am

  First BMW, got another one (06 330i) even with the minor issues I had with this one. Caution on getting the first year of a new generation (1999 E46 in this case). Should have waited for the bug fixes. Good handling, styling. Had to replace 4 window regulators, 2 cooling fans and 1 control arm. Broken sunroof shade. BMW owner should know that these cars are high performance = high maintenance. Tires will wear out in 20k miles.

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  Outstanding - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By 04/645ci - July 10 - 7:50 pm

  A dream come true. I am a car fanatic and I have had cars ranging from Fords to Mercedes to a Viper. The moniker "the ultimate driving experience" is so true. I love my 645ci with the sport package and 6 speed manual. Performance and handling is exceptional and the sport seats are so comfortable yet will hold you in place when you zip into the twisties. No complaints against the car not even the I drive which once you get used to becomes second nature.