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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  Thanks to BMW for manufacturing X3 - 2007 BMW X3
  By AMMT860 - May 19 - 10:29 am

  X3 is a very beautiful car in my opinion, which has a very good stable design and controls that make it very safe and help on running fearless while driving this car. 200 KM/hr is not a dangerous speed at all in this car, due to its high safety controls. Also it has a good cd player with a fantastic sound system.

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  Sweet Ride - 2007 BMW X3
  By tsormast - May 18 - 3:58 pm

  The interior is well appointed and everything is within easy reach. Im a little disappointed on the sound system, I was told by my BMW rep that iPod connectivity was standard. It does have a port, but you pay extra for the integrated cable for control on the sound system, the speakers really arent all that, my jeep grand cherokee was better in that aspect. I have only had it 4 days, but I just love it otherwise. I look for excuses to go for a drive, the gas mileage seems to be ok except when you get on the gas hard, tranny seems rough.

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  More Bang for the Buck - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Clyde - May 18 - 2:09 pm

  I have had my 2002 745i for a year and and half and I must say I enjoy it more and more each day. Handling is precise, ride is firm but smooth, looks - it still turns heads! The iDrive is fun once you get used to it - it can be a showpiece for passengers not used to computer oriented commands. No mechanical issues, full warranty until late 08 - I couldnt ask for more!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 BMW X5
  By bmw - May 17 - 9:19 pm

  This car has issues. Please be aware that i-drive software is buggy and still a work in process. Many of the features do not work. Stupid stuff like tilt steering, brightness on display, push buttons for radio stations. Biggest issue with this vehicle is the problems many are having with the transmission. High revving and thump upon slow down. Car will spend much time in the shop.

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  Get a Bimmer! - 2007 BMW X3
  By Hai - May 17 - 9:00 am

  Ive test driven from a toyota RAV to a Benz and all those cars dont come close to the feel, styling and performance of this car. Probably those other car companies will take pieces of the body style but theres only one BMW.

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  Love my rst BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Formermercedes owner - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Last two cars were Mercedes SLK and CLK. While the Mercedes are nice, the performance of the BMW is much more than the Mercedes. My new favorite

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  Hugely disappointed - 2004 BMW X3
  By chris935 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Went from a 325 to the X3 and boy am I disappointed. The ride is atrocious - I could have saved myself the money and bought a Ford Explorer. It bounces around the street so much that I dont feel in control at all - and that sense of control is what BMW is supposed to be about. It rattles all over and the interior design is not consistent with a $40+ vehicle. It shows no originality (unless you count rain sensing wipers!) - seems to be just a hodge podge of the 3 series and an X5 and it doesnt work! BMW should be ashamed of this one.

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  next car wont be a bmw. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By himmy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  i had a datsun 280 zx with 73,000 miles for 18 years. never replaced anything but one window motor and tires. with this bmw, the right front turn signal light burned out, all four electric window motors and assemblies had to be replaced, as did the sunroof motor - oh, and lets not forget the two new tires i had to buy at only 25,000 miles! also, my car was towed and the alarm never went off! a cheap little rental chevy cavalier i was driving was attempted to be towed, and that alarm blared - go figure. if you bought my car, it would probably be fine because of all that i have had to have repaired. i am so disappointed.

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  Funtastic - 2004 BMW Z4
  By topless tommy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Like driving my speed boat on the highway. The first time behind the wheel i had to have it. After the first 3,ooo miles its still makes me smile

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  European Delivery - 2007 BMW X3
  By MartinKasischke - May 15 - 7:35 pm

  BMWs European delivery program is one of the best. Our car was waiting in Munich with a tank full of gas and ready for our trip across Germany, Switzerland and France. Our X3 performed flawlessly over international roadways and narrow back streets. We enjoyed traveling 1500 miles before leaving the vehicle in Nice, FR for shipment to the USA.