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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  Spaceship @ Warpspeed - 2007 BMW M6
  By jlhfcg - December 12 - 7:05 pm

  This car craves the autobahn. I am consistently going 10 to 20 mph over the speed limit w/o meaning to. The car seems to idle @ 70 mph. Great power, I would like to change the rear end to a Dinan3.91 for better low end speed. I love this car. Gas mileage as one would expect is horrible, but that goes with the 500 hp territory.

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  Love my new BMW rag top! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Billy Salts - December 12 - 4:12 pm

  I am having a blast with this car! This car has it all, great looks, (Metallic Silver with Red Leather), 6 speed all with 255HP. This car sounds like an F1 race car when it winds up. Great clutch, great gear box and push button top. Gas mileage is about 24 mpg. I love this car.

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  BMW X5 4.4 - 2006 BMW X5
  By AFGSKY - December 12 - 11:16 am

  Terrific vehicle, just love the way that it grips the road. The seating position and all of the gauges, and instruments are perfectly located.

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  You have to drive an X3. - 2007 BMW X3
  By francotirador - December 12 - 6:15 am

  I have a really loaded 2007 X3. Its an unbelievable machine. I buy new cars very frequently and have gotten kind of bored with them. The X3 has given me that teenage excitement of having a car again. I really enjoy driving it. Its acceleration, handling and braking are just awesome. All of the latest safety features are in it. The fit and finish are top notch. The leather interior is beautiful. The transmission can be used in regular automatic drive, sport drive and manual. Hands free communication and BMW assist are very convenient. The BMW is in a class by itself.

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  Just an amazing piece of machinery - 2007 BMW X3
  By Docal - December 11 - 9:15 pm

  The title of my review says it all about the 2007 X3. The exterior styling is just amazing. I cant tell you how many people have come up to me after seeing the X3 and said to me "hot car" or some variation of that. And its an SUV!! Performance is excellent, you really need to hold this baby back on the roads. The new 260 hp engine is just perfect. Handling is incredible too. The interior is upgraded and beautiful. You really feel molded to the seats, they are so comfortable. The X3 just exudes class in every way. You just feel so great sitting in it, and driving it is just plain fun.

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  Totally Fun Driving - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Jeff Brann - December 11 - 5:57 pm

  I am a big man at 63" and 260 lb with arthritis and that is why I am letting this car go. It is very difficult for me getting in/out of the very low seats with the top up. Once I am in it is reasonably comfortable around town but again on a long drive leg cramps became an issue. I have loved owning and driving this car though because once I am in the seat I feel in total control of the driving experience. The car has exceptional performance if you use the gears correctly and can easily get to 100+ just entering an on ramp. Brakes are superb (typical BMW) and the six speed tranny shifts flawlessly and seems to know your exact movement when shifting. I have never missed a shift. I have changed the oil per the factory recommendation and the battery a couple of times. There have been no other problems other than a flat tire. I replaced the run flats with a performance tire that can be repaired and love the way they hold the road as well as improving the ride. The only drawback to these tires is that I do not have a spare. Oh well.....

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  A blast to drive, expensive upkeep - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - December 10 - 10:39 pm

  Bought this car as a CPO in 2002 when it had <20k mi on it, replacing my 93 325i. Pluses: A joy to drive, no question. Can be thrown into corners almost with impunity. Great touring car, can drive all day w/no fatigue. Excellent sound system. Classy exterior design. Power out the wazoo. Legendary braking. Downsides: Eats tires even with proper inflation (stagger prevents rotation) - typ. 15-20k on rear, 30k front (all-seasons). Expensive routine mx. Expensive non-routine mx. Cupholders are for decoration only - go aftermarket or avoid drinks. CD changer not bump tolerant.

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 BMW X3
  By MAP - December 10 - 4:56 pm

  It is smooth riding and handles great. We had a 20 inch snowfall last week. This car had no problems. I saw many other SUVs stuck on the side of the road. Get the heated seats.

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  New X5 Owner - 2007 BMW X5
  By X5 - December 9 - 11:35 pm

  Just bought my X5 today after a long research. This is a real drivers SAV/SUV braking is excellent, this X5 really holds the road. 3.0 has plenty of power Third row seat small but how often do you need to haul 7 adults over 56". BMW made large improvements over the 2006.

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  A supercar that has a back seat. - 2004 BMW M3
  By Daddy - December 9 - 12:42 pm

  This is the most fun car I have ever owned. Being able to take my kids in a convertible is great and the fact that it is quick and handles well is a super bonus.