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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  Damn, the babys coming! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Steve - January 24 - 9:44 pm

  Ive owned my M3 for almost 2 years and I dread losing it, but Im afraid a car seat is not going to work too well in this car. Car has amazing handling - I was told a while ago that the best way to find your cars slipping point is to go to a wide-open parking lot after a rain and try to spin it out. It took going 45 and JERKING the wheel to do it! The M3 has sneaky speed, like a slingshot. Once you get the RPMs up to around 4500, hold on. The boy racers may get you off the line, but theyre dust in the 1/4! Overall a fun car that Ill badly miss. BTW, this is also a much more practical car than it gets credit for. Go ahead, take the jump to M3.

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  Damn, the babys coming! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Steve - January 24 - 9:44 pm

  Ive owned my M3 for almost 2 years and I dread loosing it, but Im afraid a car seat is not going to work too well in this car. Car has amazing handling - I was told a while ago that the best way to find your cars slipping point is to go to a wide-open parking lot after a rain and try to spin it out. It took going 45 and JERKING the wheel to do it! The M3 has sneaky speed, like a slingshot. Once you get the RPMs up to around 4500, hold on. The Japanese vehicles may get you off the line, but theyre dust in the 1/4! Overall a fun car that Ill badly miss. BTW, this is also a much more practical car than it gets credit for. Go ahead, take the jump to M3.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Greg - January 24 - 6:29 pm

  This car is truly amazing. It drives and feels like a much smaller car. Acceleration, cornering and braking are outstanding. I was worried about this car from all the reviews on the i- drive. Dont listen to the complaints it takes a while to learn but is very simple and intuitive. I can navigate through the entire system while driving easily. You can just try to figure it out while you drive.

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  Beamer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By vrock88 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Quality and performance of this vehicle are flawless. I have not had one single maintenance problem and it rides and drives crisply in acceleration, cornering, braking, and cruising. I can not praise this car enough.

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  Near Perfection... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By SKW - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My 325i (Sport Package, Manual, Harman Kardon Stereo upgrade, moonroof) is pretty basic in terms of the feature sheet, but still is a very nicely equipped car. The 2.5-liter inline six is a great engine, it is not a serious compromise in my opinion relative to the 330i. It is a free-revving engine - - wind it up to 3 grand or more for best results -- but with a manual gearbox that is part of the fun. Steering is tight and responsive. The car encourages very aggressive driving -- have to be careful not to conform to Bimmer driver stereotype!

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  Love my 2nd bimmer! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By joe fw - January 23 - 1:40 pm

  I dont have enough time to drive this car! Once you own one of these babies youd not want anything else (but a Masserrati.) Love the bluetooth, mp3 hook-up, integrated remote system a plus and the xenon lights a blast! The car feels more substantial and luxurious than previous model. Run-flat tires great update! Auto folding side mirrors works great too. I really like this updated model!!

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  On top of E-Class! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By sdvoudouris - January 22 - 4:04 pm

  Outstanding road characteristics, very pleasant even at long journeys, the i- drive is very practical and simple, the best engine, very good interior space and luggage compartment. Dont compare it to the E-Class! Nothing can be compared to the 5 star 5 SERIES!

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  BMW540 Review - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Avery - January 22 - 2:30 pm

  The 540 is a joy to drive. Handles like a race car with 4 doors. Fuel economy better not be important to you if you own one of these. I smile everytime I climb in.

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  Love my X5!! - 2001 BMW X5
  By nubian02 - January 22 - 9:32 am

  I purchased a Certified Pre Owned X5, and I must say that I have only one regret. This car does not have the cargo space that I would have really needed. But the ride, the fuel efficiency, and the quality of the service that I receive when I go to the dealer has me hooked on BMW for life!

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  BMW 745Li - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - January 22 - 1:22 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 745Li. I had a 2000 740iL before, and traded that in on this. The car has so much on it, it is somewhat confusing at first, though you learn how to use everything eventually. I still am not sure how to get the cell phone into the charger in the middle compartment, it doesnt seem to want to connect. Anyway, I had gone to look at Jaguar and Mercedes before this, but easily decided on the BMW in the end, because of all the features it offers.