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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  550i - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Scott - July 12 - 9:57 am

  Had the car 9 months now, and love it. Did have trouble with the VANOS system, and the car was at the dealer for 3 weeks early on. No problems now. Has great acceleration and handling even with out the sport suspension.

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  A great car! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Marty - July 12 - 8:10 am

  Once you master the iDrive, which takes a little practice, it becomes simple. the vehicle has wonderful features, that other cars lack. It is a very quiet,very smooth, & very swift piece of work. The luxury seats are extremely comfortable. the luxury sound system is awsome. The fit & finish are perfect. AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE!

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  M3 - 2004 - 2004 BMW M3
  By M3 2004 - July 11 - 1:12 pm

  This car is nothing but responsive. Braking action is excellent. Engine is extremely reliable. Handling is solid. Definitely, best value for its class. Best looking BMW M3 design ever. In my opinion, BMW will never surpass the E46 body style for a long time to come!!! Last, on top of all, this could be a daily driver, no brainer!

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  so sweet... - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By LEA - July 11 - 10:29 am

  The car is exceptionally beautiful, with clean sophisticated lines. The top is a wonder and absolutely effortless. The car drives like a dream, it never seems to run out of power. It is responsive and surprisingly nimble considering its size. I will never regret buying this car.

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  Always fun to drive - 1998 BMW M3
  By darthbimmer - July 11 - 2:48 am

  I bought a used M3 after shopping it against the 328 and 330. All of them do 0-60 pretty quickly, but after 60 only the M3 keeps on going, going, going. This car almost never fails to put a smile on my face. It looks great, handles smartly, and accelerates quickly. Drop the top and crank the tunes, and life doesnt get much finer. The back seat makes it a fairly practical car -- itll carry 4 adults in a pinch, or 2 adults plus a weeks worth of bags. It wont carry a family of 5, tow a boat, or haul sheets of plywood home from the hardware store, but it does just about everything else.

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  Great car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jim circo - July 10 - 6:39 pm

  2006 bmw conv

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  One to stay in the garage forever - 2006 BMW M5
  By SCORPIO - July 10 - 2:27 pm

  Absolutely top quality ride - there is no substitute. 50/50 weight distribution and the understeer issue that existed with the e39 M5 has been drastically improved. Exterior still maintains the stealth look, but upon closer inspection has a more muscular stance than other 5-series and of course, the tell tale oval side mirror housings and the quad- tail pipes. Great color options (but still no BMW individuals colors for the US). Interior has improved over the previous model with more comfortable seats - you can sleep in these babies and full leather package with alcantara headliner is gorgeous. SMG is great, but takes a bit of finesse to get smooth shifting in paddle mode.

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  Outstanding - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By ZCT - July 10 - 10:26 am

  There is a reason why this vehicle has won so many accolades over the years. This is one of the most involving and enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven. It feels like it is on rails the whole time, cornering so effortlessly it almost makes you believe that you are a world class driver. Ive really never driven anything that imparts such a safe and stable feeling. The almost 50/50 weight distribution helps, along with a wonderful system of power, suspension and brakes. You can probably find some other car that has a few more toys on it, but you will not find a more involving and beautiful drive. Every time I get in the car it makes me want to take the long way home.

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  Disappointed? - 2004 BMW X3
  By SRF25 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ordered metalic Breakwater Blue paint: Paint came through with blemishes on roof: No resolution yet. Interior molding on sunroof keeps hanging down: Doesnt seem to serve any purpose so I removed it.(Velcro strip 20" long) Engine belt tensioner squeals on startup and noise coming from variable valve timing assembly area of engine. (2.5) Not sure if dissatisfaction should be directed at dealer who sold the vehicle or BMW.... Ride is choppy but not intrusive. If you want a smother ride, buy the RX330.

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  Great Ride - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Cossack - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car while in Italy so we are able to drive it to its limits. At higher speeds from 80-130mph the car is very sensitive to steering inputs. Drove through the Alps and it handled flawlessly. Backseat is tight with little headroom for taller passengers. Options are expensive but the car comes pretty well loaded.