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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  Great SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By RJ - June 29 - 12:44 pm

  Coming from a Lexus, this is a giant step up. Its fun to drive, has a lot of power and the service agreement can not be matched. Combines luxury and performance in an SUV.

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  X5 Performance - 2001 BMW X5
  By Shawn - June 27 - 9:25 pm

  I have had an excellent experience owning my third BMW. The X5 has been great in performance as a sports SUV as well as a work horse SUV. I consistantly tow a 3800lb boat and drive in the rockies. The 3.0L has been reliable and trouble free. It had a few recalls in 02 but they were fixed quickly. Over all a 9.5 out of ten.

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  Buy It - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By CinATL - June 27 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife as a car to drive around kids in - I think I want it for myself! This car has got all the power you will need, excellent handling and its smooth as silk. The 540, like the other posters say, is well worth it over the 528. There are too many great things about this car to list... simply love it, love it, love it.

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  I loooove my first but not last BMW. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Baaaarbara - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its so exciting to sit in -- much less drive! My only complaint is that with the top up there is too many blind spots when driving and backing up! Not quite enough power immediately upon take off - should have gotten the 3.0! Other than that, its flawless!

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  Awesome - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ouzie - June 27 - 2:00 am

  What a machine. The more curves in the road the better the ride. You can be crusing at 60, punch it and still have incredible power. Best money I ever sent.

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  black beauty! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By dr smaha - June 27 - 1:00 am

  Cant wait to cross break-in period, this car is born to be driven hard. Exceptional handling, power to spare, gorgeous interior. What more can I say, except cant wait to drive the new m5. My jet black 545 truly gets better the faster and more demanding the driving gets, dont sell yourself short by going with the smaller 525/535. You will not be sorry with the sport-packaged v8. Ive heard the iDrive was a paiN, but as a first time BMW buyer it is very easy to use. This car is why driving is so fun, I have no regrets at all, only tons of miles to enjoy. Ya-hoo!!

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  Passes Anything INCLUDING gas stations - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Chief Black Bimmer - June 27 - 12:41 am

  When I was a kid, I had a 1968 Pontiac GTO, which could pass just about anything but a gas station. My new BMW 545 will pass that Goat, and gas stations, too (I get 18-19 mpg in town, 26-28 on the interstates). In fact, largely due to its wonderful 6- speed Steptronic transmission, it actually gets better gas mileage than my other Bimmer, a 2004 330 coupe with 5-speed auto. The much-reviled iDrive is easy to master if you take the time to study the owners manual. I have little sympathy for the whiners who invest $50K+ on a terrific vehicle, but not several hours to read the manual. IDrive will be your friend if you let it. Ride and Handling - outstanding, as expected.

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  Great car. Best buy in 50k range - 2005 BMW M3
  By Zak - June 26 - 1:25 pm

  This car is a daily driver for me. every day I look foward to driving it. People complain that powerseats are an option, however, I think that it is an effective way to save money because im the only driver and it never needs to move.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine!!! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Bret J. Temple - June 26 - 5:43 am

  The minute I sat in this car at the dealership I was sold, I didnt even have to drive it. I love the new refined look of the 2006 model, they made some very sutbtle but nice changes to the exterior. Being in this car is like being in the cockpit of an airplane, and BMW spared no expense when it comes to comfort. This is by far the most comfortable car I have ever had the pleasure of being in. It drives like a dream, smooth yet extremely powerful and quiet. And the features on this car are endless, and so much fun to use. You feel like a king everytime you get in and drive. By far the best car on the market, and in a league of its own. Awesome Job BMW!!!!

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  BMW X5 ROCKS!!!! - 2005 BMW X5
  By bmw x5 is the best - June 26 - 1:31 am

  bmw x5 is the best out of all the suvs. If you want a comfortable sav or suv bmw x5 is your choice for safety, technology, comfort, and a fun drive. It might get pricey but its worth it. Also the fuel economy is not that good but its ok for a strong car like this. If you want a strong and fun suv BMW x5 is the best choice!