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 530 i Value!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Ketabor - February 20 - 11:12 am

  I was skeptical of spending $50k on an automobile, but it was worth every penny!!! Incredible handling and acceleration when in the sport mode. No doubt a best buy!

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  The Fun Driving Machine - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jose A. - February 20 - 3:29 am

  The X3 is so much fun to drive! It handles like a sports car. Its quiet at highway speeds. Great brakes! It has a fantastic sunroof that extends to the rear seats that brings extra light into the vehicle, as well as a sense of added interior space. The xDrive works great on wet and snowy roads. The automatic transmission with the 5-speed Steptronic shifter is really fun on a twisty road. The 2.5 liter six cylinder engine provides the X3 with plenty of power. The leather seats are supportive and very comfortable. For someone who does not like monster sized SUVs, but likes great comfort, safety and AWD performance, the X3 is the perfect vehicle for any road.

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  2005 X-5 4.4i Sport Model - 2005 BMW X5
  By T.J. - February 20 - 2:14 am

  Had a 2004 with just Premium package, so I upgraded to the sport model. Best of both worlds, great in snow and ice and still drives like a sports car on dry road conditions.

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  Another A+ for BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Zach - February 19 - 9:02 pm

  This car is amazing. The safety, power, and styling gives you complete confidence while driving down the road.

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  A PERFECT 10 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By JOE MONTANA - February 19 - 8:04 pm

  There is nothing bad about this vehicle, when I bought it, it was great and it hasnt declined in comfort or performance ever since. Buy this vehicle it is a keeper. I would pay up to a million dollars for it. I have a McLaren F1, and this machine is just as nice if not better. A perfect 10.

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  Great SAV... - 2005 BMW X3
  By RR - February 19 - 2:39 pm

  Handles like a 3 series BMW..Great brakes, steering , etc..Typical BMW feel..Panorama Moon Roof is awesome..Excellent in bad weather, especially wet roads..Went through 15 inches of snow with ease..

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  Well worth the extra $$ - 2005 BMW X5
  By alex - February 19 - 3:44 am

  Seriously now!! I test drove about ten SUVs - I cant believe anyone would pick anything else than the BMW after comparing it!!! Its in a class of its own.

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  Just a great ride! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Zachary - February 18 - 7:20 pm

  I bought the car from a friend and used it as my runner car. I find myself driving it more than my other car. It has a feel of quality and ride that just makes it fun to drive again. I havent had any problems to speak of except I broke the windshield wiper. It was may fault. Great car for the price.

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  Satisfied 525 owner - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Boston driver - February 18 - 6:08 pm

  This is the 3rd BMW I have owned. I traded up from two consecutive 3 series coupes. This car is just as much fun to drive as my prior BMWs. Performance, reliability and looks are unparalled. iDrive is easy once you get used to it a 6th grader could figure it out! Only complaint is the ridiculously placed cupholders.

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  what a blast - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By BacktoBMW - February 18 - 10:41 am

  Ive had my 645ci for two months now. It is the most fun car Ive ever driven. Its a head turner and eye catcher and a road grabber. BMW hit it out of the park with this one. Handling and performance are supurb you feel safe and solid in every turn. I like the lines on the 645CI better than the convertable which looks a bit choppy. After a month I got used to the improved I-Drive. The issues Ive had are waiting for over two months for sirius radio and my new blackberry phone does not work with the bluetooth feature on the 645. This car is amazing, I look forward to seeing you in my rearview mirror.