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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  Another Home Run! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Sheldon - April 18 - 4:29 pm

  My wife and I are thrilled with our new 750Li. We own a 2004 X5 and this is an amazing and luxurious addition. No problems and the iDrive is finally worth it! The 750Li and its adaptive suspension makes us smile every time life throws us a bump! We will own one for life!

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  Love My 550i - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW_Makes_Me_Smile - April 18 - 7:56 am

  Incredible automobile! The 4.8 liter has smooth power delivery, automatic transmission is good match. Great for commuting, canyon carving, and street races. A real sleeper, can out accelerate nearly any vehicle on the road, and do it with style, while carrying several passengers. Luxury features are fantastic, iDrive very convenient once mastered. Navigation system is excellent. Logic7 sound system is incredible. 20-way seats are extraordinary. This is a real drivers car, 525 and 530 do not even compare. The 550i in different league, very much worth the 20k premium. 0-60 mph in 5 seconds and the quarter mile in 13 seconds, encapsulated in a very luxurious cabinÂ… the only way to travel.

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  One Bad Bimmer - 2006 BMW M5
  By Bimma Boy - April 17 - 5:25 pm

  This is the ultimate driving machine!! It can be the family sedan to carry around your friends an family around town or it can be a race car. I traded in my 600hp Subaru STi for this an have no regets. It gets looks from everyone and sounds great! Interior design is very nice but the iDrive can be confusing. Set aside about 20 minutes to try out an experiment with the iDrive and youll get the hang of it. Dont think this car can get any better? Press the M button and everything becomes a lot better. Throttle and steering response are instantaneous. The sound of the exhaust in so beautiful, smooth yet sporty sound that you cannot replicate. Its a car with 4 doors that can you take the track.

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  1993 BMW - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By elugo - April 17 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle after an accident. I was hesitant because of the mileage and year of the car. I have had a pleasant surprise in that the car runs SO smoothly. If I did not know the year of the car, I could have sworn it was a late model car in the way that it runs. It is a smooth ride. It runs better than the late model Ford Focus that was rented to me.

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  I love my Z3 - 2002 BMW Z3
  By obnixe - April 16 - 6:23 pm

  I bought a 2002 BMW Z3 2.5i 3 days ago and this is the most fun I have ever had in a car. I am 22 years old and I am having 50 year old guys telling me that I have a nice car. Tell that isnt a good feeling when everybody wants the car you are driving.

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  The most amazing car to drive - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Elle R, - April 16 - 3:03 pm

  This car has it all: amazing power (360 hp), exceptionally comfortable seating, ever bell and whistle (every single one!), sexy exterior, and its a convertible. You will love it... I certainly do!

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  Certified PreOwned Means Nothing - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BallJointsNsuch - April 16 - 2:52 pm

  Bought it two years ago Certified Pre-Owned from a dealership in NY. They did 0 work to the vehicle to Certify it, except charge roughly $1000 for the warranty which covers jack squat. I have replaced window regulators, ball joints ($2000), Brakes and Rotors, Tires and a long list of other items. This car rides great but is completely unreliable. My radio and On Board Computer are currently malfunctioning but ive lost patience to go fix it. Go buy a Consumer reports magazine ....then go buy a Lexus. My Tacoma TRD has roughly the same mileage and 0 problems.

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  Lots of Repairs - 2001 BMW X5
  By Expeditiondrivernow - April 16 - 10:50 am

  First, this truck was fun to drive. But......This truck needed dealer service about 20 times in three years, beginning the day I brought it home new. Battery discharged in the winter. Goofy electronics problems. Trailer towing was no problem for the drivetrain, but the subframe bent from the tongue load towing a trailer supposedly within the rated load. The cupholders would only hold one at a time due to the intersecting circles-- an aftermarket cupholder corrected this. Due to the frequent dealer visits and lack of confidence I wouldnt drive it to Canada or any remote places like I had intended...I bought a used Jeep for the trips far away from a BMW dealer.

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  Thats My Baby! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By cyndie - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I Love it....great ride, turns heads, makes me smile, even if its raining!

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  pull up your socks and DRIVE!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Bradman - April 16 - 10:00 am

  BMW continues to push the limits of the 6 driving senses with the new 545i. Plenty of power to go round. The handling and off the line power have improved significantly. The sports package rides a little rough but huggs the road like a much smaller car. This car handles and performs like a Corvette with 4 doors and a trunk. Get one on the road and try not to smile when you grip the wheel and mash your right foot to the floor!!!!