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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  M5 - 2000 BMW M5
  By The beast - January 4 - 8:13 pm

  This car will be looked back on someday as a "classic." It is an amazing car. 400 HP 4-door sedan...it is one of a kind. I cant explain how fun it is to drive.

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  Im Lovin It - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Retired - January 4 - 4:11 am

  Have owned this car for a month. It is the first convertible Ive owned, and I am in love with it. The handling is superb and the looks are fantastic. I get compliments on the car every day.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bimmersfca - January 3 - 11:12 pm

  I recently purchased the 528i Sports & Premium Package. It is the 3rd BMW I have owned and I continue to be impressed by the overall engineering, fit & finish, performance, and fun to drive features of the 528i. I have been able to test the Sports packages suberb handling while driving down the Northern California Coast to Pebble Beach and up to the Napa Valley. As the daily driver, the 528i provides great utility, comfort, and excitement during my twenty mile (mostly freeway) commute. With a growing family, the BMW 5-series is the perfect compromise between performance and practicality.

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  What a machine - 2005 BMW X5
  By shahzad manawar - January 3 - 5:51 pm

  I have owned an Audi A6 and Lexus RX330. This one gives the best security feeling like an armored vehicle, excellent road handling especially on wet slushy slippery roads which is very common happening in Michigan. VERY STABLE ON TURNS FOR BEING AN SUV.

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  Awesome! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By SF - January 3 - 9:19 am

  Talk about a fun car to drive! I dont get very excited about driving cars, but when I got behind the wheel in a test drive, I immediately knew there was no other. Now that I have the car, I dont want to stop driving it.

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  Ultimate Four Door Sadan - 1997 BMW M3
  By Techno_V299 - January 2 - 8:29 pm

  Overall - I cant find better one to date than this equipped with 4dr. and stick shift. I love pretty nimble handling and powerful engine. Body rigidity seems to be better than 2dr due to B piller. Im not sure why BMW does not release 4dr. M3 in US for current model. Maybe E36-M3 could be the first and last 4dr. "M3" in US. Its well balanced between performance and packaging that holds average family. Its reliable too as long as maintained properly. Before buying the M3, I expected bunch of repair and regular service bills but its been way below than I expected, which is a pleasant surprise. Its almost as well built Japanese vehicles.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jblackbelt - January 2 - 6:44 pm

  This car is amazing. I have had an S-Class (first one of the new body style in 2000), the Lexus IS, the old BMW 740il, weve had an Audi, and a Jag...and the 745Li is the best yet. Its amazing. I would rate it 7 series, S class, LS 430, Audi/Jaguar tie.

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  consumer - 2005 BMW X5
  By LaCroix - January 2 - 3:42 pm

  Ordered it from factory and it was built in 3 weeks. Ordered a Mercedes at the same time and it wont be in until spring 2005. Couldnt be happier with the ride or its looks.

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  Best car yet - 2002 BMW X5
  By Dante Verdi - January 1 - 7:16 pm

  I have owned way too many cars, but I enjoy this one by far the best, and I sold a Benz E-Class to buy this vehicle. Operates like a BMW, which means great performance, but is also very comfortable with plenty of space for trips with my wife, my bicycle, luggage, etc.

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  Am I Alone - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Mona - January 1 - 11:16 am

  I am currently driving 5 series 06 model & it is an absolute joy & delight to drive. It is indeed the Ultimate Driving Machine. Here is my dilemma: One month after I got the car, I got a Check Control Message & the IDrive indicated "High Battery Drain!" As per the dealer, I need to drive the car more often because the car has a lot of power & it not good to keep it parked for a long time. I was driving it twice a week & still got the message. I called the dealer again took it twice to the dealer in less than a week. Conclusion: There is a software problem that makes this message pop up & the problem is being worked on in their main office in New Jersey.