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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  What happened to the "MDX" - 2004 BMW X3
  By Young Banker - December 4 - 11:19 pm

  I had my heart set in the Acura MDX until I drove the BMW X3 3.0. The car is so much fun to drive and stands apart from the other automobiles on the road. With a powerful engine and great cornering ability its hard for people to keep up with you. So far so good. I cant wait to drive on a long road trip!!

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  This car simply rocks! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ralph Kramden - December 4 - 3:08 am

  I have always been an M3 guy, and took a chance to have something for the family. It is a blast! You feel as if you are driving literally one of the finest automobiles in the world- but buy it to drive, and drive hard. Save the Lex or Merc for the softies.

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  Z4 4 Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fozi - December 3 - 8:26 am

  I think the z4 is a great little car for the weekend. Fun, fast and gets great looks from others -- but does not break your bank account doing it.

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  a winner - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By RH - December 2 - 7:34 pm

  I have never driven a tighter vehicle in all of my driving years (40 years+). I am impressed with everything about this vehicle...from the design to the power and added amenities. It is a fun drive. The only issue that I unwittingly experienced was the service engine soon light coming on unexepectedly once. For fear of causing damage, I immediately called the dealer. They suggested that I probably didnt put the gas cap back on correctly after a recent gas fill. They were right...a simple fix. I love the car and will buy again.

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  Beach Lovers Dream - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Fun2Drive - December 2 - 12:31 pm

  The 330ci is one of my favorite cars I have owned to date. Fun to drive, great looks, and no mechanical or cosmetic problems. I can see why this vehicle is one of the most wanted cars rated by consumers. Thanks BMW!!!

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  BMW 7 Series - Own It - Understand It! - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By RZ - December 1 - 11:11 pm

  The 7 Series is a truly great car. After owning 4 other 7s, I believe I can speak with some authority. Whenever a review is written, all aspects of the car are praised except the styling and the IDrive. The styling is a matter of taste. But, for all the 7s I have owned, this one gets the most positive comment. It is the true definition of "Road Presence". IDrive is an initial attempt to provide extensive information and operations into a "user friendly" interface. True, it takes some getting use to, but, once learned it provides all the information and control a person requires. One does not have to access all its functions. But, it is good to know you can.

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  BMW - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By connor007 - December 1 - 10:12 pm

  Love the car has great performance. Has a preppy feel to it, can really rip

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  d - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SKD - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very Good itis diffetly the ultimat driving mahine. Very littl cain noise

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  Sheryl - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sheryl - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!! I love this car....Family loves car and husband too

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  Glad that I bought it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Onisiu - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid car. It takes off the moment I put on the pedal. We also have a C280 Mercedes now but for sure we will get another BMW next time, possibly X3 or 330i. Handling is excellent. Its very funy to drive. I bought it two months ago but I am still telling my wife that its a great "Ultimate Driving Machine." I prefer this stype than the new 2004 model so I decided to get one before I cant. I got an excellent deal at the dealership as well.