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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  Best luxury SUV on the market today... - 2003 BMW X5
  By GR - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely tops in build quality and style, my X5 is exceptional. Not only will the German engineering and quality last for years, but the glamour quotient will as well. Exceptional.

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  Fun car for good weather - 2006 BMW M3
  By traktorist - March 27 - 9:51 am

  Ive had the car for about 9 months now. The driving experience has been great fun. The only problem Ive had has been the recent snowfall (I do know that the car is not meant for driving in snow). The other problem was that I acquired the car through BMWs European Delivery. The so-called "re-delivery" was hopelessly late. And BMW will not compensate you when your car arrives late. Neither will the dealership. Beware of the European delivery!

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  2003 BMW 540i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By D.Chow - March 26 - 11:14 pm

  How can I say this... I finally understand the true meaning of, "The Ultimate Driving Machine!" I brought a CPO 2003 540i with the sport package in 2006. This is my personal sports car, family car, golfing car (room for foursome and 4 sets of golf clubs - they even give you a picture of how to best store the clubs in the trunk). I have so much fun driving this car. Sometimes I even take the longer but winding road home just to feel the acceleration and handling of the 540. Even with the automatic, I can either put the transmission in "S - Sports" mode or just shift it manually. Its FUN either way. My 9 year old son is already counting the days until his 17th birthday.

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  Wow! BMW Does It Again - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Alexander - March 26 - 9:56 am

  What an outstanding value. This car provides the perfect combination of acceleration and handling youd expect from BMW. Fuel economy is good and the manual transmission ties it all together. The comfort seats are just simply unbelieveable. After 1600 mls of both highway and city driving, its clear that the 528xi has more than enough power to deliver the performance I need. I passed on the twin turbos and dont regret it a bit. Frankly, the 528xi is just plain fun to drive! The hot buttons on the iDrive dramatically simplify the system. The navigation system has the best display Ive seen. The HUD is awesome.

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  Overall a good vehicle but pricey - 2007 BMW X3
  By franz g - March 26 - 9:10 am

  Great vehicle dynamics silky smooth transmission good trunk space switched from FX 35 which was a great car. Has less interior storage compartments than FX 35. Nowhere near the interior quality of the FX. My X3 has a sticker price of 44k and can you belive in that price is not even a car alarm included. But what is bothering me is those very cheap controls on the radio as well as steering wheel. The radio control button is awful! BMW please! I also miss that beautiful vehicle information screen. Sound system just ok. Car has a little wind noise at speeds above 55 mph. City mileage 18-19 mpg. Highway 24-25 mpg so far.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Tommy Tomsan - March 25 - 11:39 am

  After 16 years of owning BMWs, bought an 03 MB SL500, drove it for 2 months, traded it in for my 2007 550i. No comparison, yes different car, but the 550i truly outperformed in all areas. Lets start with peace of mind with BMWs bumper to bumper warranty, smooth transmission, more than ample power (367 hp!!), luxurious interior & amenities, iDrive is not bad once you get use to it, bluetooth, nav display is wide & split screen for other features, tons of improvement from prior models, too much to list, running out of space. Its the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and nothing in its class compares!

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  NIKKIS PICK - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Nikkis ride - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW convertible and so far i am very,very pleased with my purchase!!! This car just wants to be driven...

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  Awesome on the Autobahn - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Chuck - March 23 - 3:51 pm

  Drove it on the Autobahn after European delivery in Munich all the way to Vienna - awesome power, handling and comfort. Navigation and heads up display took me right to my Vienna hotel. Car is great fun to drive and a real head turner - would strongly recommend 3/4 hours with the iDrive manual in order to fully appreciate it, particularly if used in conjunction with the steering wheel controls. Trunk handles two golf bags and rear seat is definitely functional. Heads up display and sports package a must as is upgraded stereo system. Very pleased with my purchase and would recommend this vehicle and also the European Delivery program - BMW does it right.

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  Mighty M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By pgrantsr - March 23 - 1:43 pm

  Ive only had my M5 for a month but in that time I have come to appreciate the beauty of this car. Sport car performance in a four door sedan. Engine that sings a beautiful song and has performance to match. Handling almost as good as my S2000 but without the harshness. Interior amenities to match any other manufacturer. The only downside is the poor gas mileage, but that is not the reason I bought this car.

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  Brilliant! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sabrena - March 22 - 6:44 pm

  I havent had this car for too long, but I am in love. I have been researching BMWs for quite a while now and am glad I finally took the plunge. I recommend this cute little luxury car to anyone!