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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  OhSoHot - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Cptn. Chaos - July 15 - 2:00 am

  A classic Roadster. Nice improvement over the Z3. Plenty of power with the 2.5 unless you routinely wear a body harness and helmet. Its not a car for your daily commute. The "ideal use" would be short weekend getaways and warm weather cruising. Im 6 2" and 235 lbs, the cabin is confined but I feel that my body is supported well. I dont feel stiff and sore upon exiting.

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  BMW 2003 ROADSTER - 2004 BMW Z4
  By John Draddy - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Best looking car of the year. Widely admired wherever I go. Fun car to drive. As with all BMW cars extremely tight and rattle free. Excellent performance and reliability. First new car I have bought in seventeen years.

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  great car except... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By recruitsvc - July 14 - 7:53 pm

  My first BMW - it has gotten better to drive with age as I have really appreciated the engine acceleration, the handling, the surety of the AWD system. The seats are comfortable and the controls designed to keep your hands on the wheel. What I miss is the console - only a small arm rest with little storage, two cup holders, and a flip up storage area - I end up piling my stuff on the passenger seat, which becomes a pain when someone gets in the car with me - would love more storage space somehow.

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  545i w/sport suspension 2 yr impressions - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bruce S - July 14 - 12:41 pm

  Excellent handling, one of the best cornering cars ever with the active roll stabilizers. The car is safe, smooth and fast, however, the electronic throttle seems to make the acceleration feel a little less tight. The sport suspension gives a little too much clunk for my preference, but if cornering is your priority, the harsher ride can be overlooked. Quality of construction is excellent and solid. I feel the dash could be better looking. Overall, if youre looking for performance, this car has to be considered.

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  Sweet Ride - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Cliff3 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  My car is optioned with SP, XN, 72M, PDC, ette, 5 spd. Ive had the car for 2 months and 3000 miles now. It has plenty of practical power, possesses excellent handling characteristics, and powerful brakes. I took it on a 1500 mile road trip shortly after taking delivery and the car was a delight to drive. No mechanical or cosmetic problems to report other than the usual sticky gas pedal in hot weather. This is a warranty item that Ill have fixed at some point. The HK stereo is fine, but then I dont overboost the bass (the opposite, in fact). The worst thing about the car is it is unhappy going less than 100 miles per hour.

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  Expected more attention to detail - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Never Satisfied - July 13 - 8:56 am

  I never expected to say that my VW Passat had more attention to detail than the car Ive waited so long to own, but my BMW falls short in some areas, including: a less impressive dash display; a headrest that tilts too far forward and cant be adjusted; a trip computer stop watch that must be manually reset for each trip (it auto reset on the VW); a manual that must be stored in the trunk (the VW had a compartment for it under the steering wheel); back window controls are situated where I expect the front to be; door lock control is on the dash rather than the drivers door (forces you to get back in the car if you forget to unlock all doors before getting out).

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  Nice car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By James - July 12 - 10:50 pm

  I bought the car used and had a little trepidation about the reliability of the car. The exterior design of this car is unbeatable bar none. I have the performance 17 inch wheels and the ride is harsh to say the least. The road noise from the tires are too loud. But the car looks and runs so well that I can overlook those few faults. Also I have to take into account that the car is six years old.

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  Wow - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By DrFrank - July 12 - 7:20 pm

  Purchased a used Dinan 5, 540ia supercharged. I had owned a 1985 735ia before. Interior was very close to the 735. Power and handling was vastly better. 0-60 in under 5 sec and 60-0 makes your stomach turn. Corners are FUN. 90 degree corner at 60 kph and no problem staying in my lane and No tire squeal. Wow, I have driven many sports cars, but this defines sport.

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  Great Car, when not in the shop - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob - July 12 - 12:40 pm

  Have owned the car for a couple of years and seem to have a major (>$500) repair about every 6 months. Most of the previous posts highlight the poor quality cooling system parts (replaced) and window mechanism (twice replaced). I have also replaced the steering and a/c fan,. That said, it handles perfectly on the road. I am considering either a CPO 5-series or a Porsche now - both are always in the shop anyways.

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  The ultimate Midsize - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By tycast - July 12 - 10:10 am

  The 2006 is fun to drive and the exterior stying is fabulous. The engine provides excellent power although the 345 is not available in the XI version.