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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  Nevada Land Shark - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Max Andrew - April 17 - 12:01 am

  This roadster is truly a cut above. It slices through the air and over the road with the ease and precision of a Great White. As it passes, men and women of discerning taste stand in awe as do the young turks who know good machines. The well-crafted, roomy interior is a plus. It jumps to highway speed like its glued to the road, and it makes you smile going through corners. I intentionally forget to buy all the stuff I was sent to the store for so I can make a second trip...via the curvy road to Lake Tahoe and back.

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  heavenly wheels - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Beemer Convertible 6 - April 16 - 1:11 pm

  This car has it all and then some. Most fun Ive ever had driving. It is an experience... it inspires you to really want to take the car for a drive. Its not transportation , its entertainment and excitement. I never thought a vehicle could motivate you to drive, but this one does. Its a high performing, head turning machine. If its in your budget get it and youll not regret it!!!!!!

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  Just buy the Bimmer you wont be sorry! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Zymurgy - April 16 - 10:33 am

  I love this car. I wanted a wagon for the extra room, but I wasnt going to compromise handling or fuel economy getting a crossover SUV. I like to test drive cars and have test driven a lot. I was ready to buy another Passat wagon (I loved every 100000 miles I put on my original), but then I test drove a 3 series - it was all over. There was no comparison with any other car that I have driven. Somehow they have combined the handling and comfortable ride like nothing Ive ever driven. Good MPG. I took a 600 mile trip through mountains. Driving in the 80 range no cruise got 26. Before the mountains, rolling hills, some towns, cruise set mostly around 65 I got 30, everyday combination 24.

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  I love this car! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Carol - April 16 - 3:26 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I love the way it handles!

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  I love my Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Gregg1009 - April 15 - 6:13 pm

  I have a 2004 BMW Z4 2.5 I bought it just before the 2005 model came out. I have always driven sports cars and the Z4 is the best car Ive ever had. It is very fun to drive. It is a little heavy for such a small car weighing in at 3200 lbs. Yet it really has a pop to it when you punch it. The car also looks GREAT. you cant beat the look of the Land Shark :-)

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  Fun-to-drive and practical - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Harry in Los Angeles - April 15 - 3:09 pm

  My wife & I bought our blue 325iT certified pre-owned and have been extremely happy with the car. (And at CPO pricing, almost a bargain.) The car is as fun to drive as the 325 sedan and even sticks better in the curves due to its slight rearward weight bias and lowered suspension. At freeway speeds, we get 32 mpg! (City fuel economy, tho, is a poor 18 mpg.) Rear seat area is adequate but not spacious but we find the rear cargo area just fine (if you need to carry a 70-inch TV, maybe you need a bigger wagon). The Premium Package is superb - very luxurious and power-everything - get it. Fit and finish are also superb and our reliability has been pretty rock solid. A fabulous car.

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  E38 Flagship model from BMW. Beautiful simpler. - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By John - April 15 - 5:14 am

  This is a great comfortable car to own I owned it for 10 years and I have to admit, nothing comes even close on comfort on long stretch of road. Exceptional comfort. I have traveled cross country on this car for many times and seats on these cars are simply best there is.( 16 way extra comfort and roomy cabin its a first class seating like airplane.) One thing people do not realize is that if you are buying this car after 15 year of production, BE READY to spend money to tune this. If you are tight on budget. this is NOT a good car for you. if you want to restore, enjoy riding this like new, this is one beautiful car. much simpler to troubleshoot then newer models with a lot of gadgets. Get the 2001 last year and look for well cared car with detail service history its worth a while.

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  BMW M3 - 2005 BMW M3
  By cemeryii - April 14 - 12:57 pm

  Amazing performance, engine and supspension tuning come close to pure magic. Agressive styling make it best looking Bimmer out there, upgraded seats are fabulous, can fit to any torso. Exhaust sound is raspy, goofy sounding. Ride at low speed is busy, jiggly, smooths out as speed increases. A scalpel in a world of axes, makes you smile every time you drive.

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  Smiling in Miami - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Hose A - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for about 6 months now and have enjoy every minute of it. the car is allot of fun to drive and everyone wants to talk to you, even at lights. I have the 3.0 with the sports, premium and convenience package.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ironman - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The performance seats are a great, even though they take away from the head room for the driver. The GPS option is well worth it; it adds a style to the interior and performs great. This car is a lot of fun. Can not wait to drive to work every day. I find my self taking the long way home from work just to experience the windy roads.