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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  The Dream Machine - 2005 BMW X3
  By X3Man - September 28 - 6:36 am

  This is an awesome car. From the time you unlock it to the time you lock it and walk away, you are guarenteed sheer joy. The car has so many dependability control and saftey features that it allows you to spend time focusing on the comfort and entertainment. There is no shortage of that. The ride is not too stiff (improved in 05) and I like the interior (light wood = the best). The vehichle is very sophisticated if you equip it properly (please do). If you just want a dependable car to drive, there are others out there. If you will stand for nothing less than the best...name, engine, looks, entertaining and futuristic features, then equip one fully and join the club.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW X3
  By inblack13 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The X3 does everything perfectly and i love it.

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  New Owner - 2004 BMW X3
  By synclair - September 28 - 2:00 am

  this is a fun vehicle that has a smooth ride. The interior is superub with an oustanding speaker system.

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  1998 M3 Sedan is outstanding - 1998 BMW M3
  By mmit0126 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best handling car Ive ever driven! I look forward to driving it all the time from going to and from work, or just to the store--it begs to be driven! I have put in the following upgrades: Jim Confortis Shark Injector software, Confortis Cold Air Intake, Bavarian Autos adjustable camber plates (to take out the slight understeer), UUCs power pulleys, UUCs short shifter and double shear selector rod.

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  nice car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By americo j 8888 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the must intelligent car i have driven,i mean,come on, even if you dont close the door all the way the car will do it for you,(no kidding) the power is awesome,the fine details of comfort from head rest that"huges" your neck to a/c on the seat,are small "human" needs that makes this car not wanting to get off. this car got my big "thumps up".is a bit intimidating at first with so much technology at your finger tips but once you get used to,the car becomes "an excuse" to get out and drive.

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  Still awesome one year later - 2004 BMW Z4
  By al4Z4 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the coolest car to drive. I love the styling and handling, the power and the smooth ride (for the size). Ive thrown friends that are 63" and 250 lbs in this to drive it and they fit! It truely holds two sets of golf clubs (standard carry bags). Sports package and the 3.0 were perfect upgrades. The big suprise was the gas mileage, about 26 MPG. My 04 Durango gets about half what this does. The only bad thing about driving this vehicle is that you cant see it from the outside when youre behind the wheel.

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  Its a winner! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cowboy359 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  An fun, exciting car to drive - its a sports car with four doors - and the active cruse control and the voice activated features make it like something Captain Piccard would be impressed with.

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  525i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By alex zaydel - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Exterior is good, nice body lines. Interior is less fun for driver, but comfortable for passangers. Design of front panel could be much better,that includes I-drive screen portion.Too many conflicting shapes, looks very heavy.Performance is very good, the car is fast and solid. Turning radius could be less but its O.K.

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  Bummer is Best - 2014 BMW X5
  By dahvid - September 27 - 4:36 am

  This is the Best SAV that I have owned to date. Reliability, safety and resale value is important to me and this stands true with this X5!

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  Better than an M3 Convertible - 2003 BMW Z4
  By scotth - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2002 M3 convertible and the Z4 is a significantly better handling and riding vehicle. I also own a M3 coupe and the Z4 will out handle it but get blown away in the straights. As many reviews have said, the looks grow on you. Gas milage is outstanding compared to the M3 conv and body integrity is much improved.