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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  I love this car! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By dstrobelt - May 10 - 8:10 pm

  Fell in love with this car from the first online announcement, designed to suit with every available option and upgrade; waited 4 months for delivery! Worth the wait, handles marvelously, turns on a dime, corners on wet pavement effortlessly, incredible front passenger sporty comfort, spunky acceleration (but I do feel some turbo lag).

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  Wow! What a Ride!! - 2004 BMW X5
  By RocketManWow - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Well, What can I say...This new BMW X5 4.8is is a Rocket. I have all the bells and whistles, and it all seemed to work fine. However, after just 3000 miles in a week, I wrapped it around a pole off of HWY 169 near Burnsville MN, I think I was exceeding the speed limit by 100 mph, or so. It was a wild ride, all the airbags appeared to work fine. Looking for car insurance now to purchase another one!!!

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  Great car - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Yuva - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Bimmer new and have driven it a little over 11,000 miles with out any problems. Fun to drive and sure makes heads turn. Dont know why they replaced with Z4. More room possibly. I love it and will cherish it for many years to come.

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  2006 BMW 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By campbeju - May 9 - 9:20 am

  This is my first BMW and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I havent had to replace my tires yet at 19,000 and am glad the car comes with a warranty. It will be very difficult to buy a different car after this experience.

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  Bimmer - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By 325i coupe - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used w/110K on it, have added 60K of my own with plans to keep it a long time. This car is a tank - solid construction. Keep it regularly maintained, shop around for a mechanic - prices swing wildly - and it will keep going and going.

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  The best car I ever have - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By dlee9612 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first German car I own. I totally like its performance and handling. Unlike any Japanese and American cars I had before, the BMW 5 is so fun to drive. It feels solid, comfortable, and excellent build quality. It is worth the money I paid.

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  BMWs best car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Woodrob - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is a powerhouse that is smooth as silk. The car handles like no other car Ive ever driven. BMW knows how make driving fun....

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  BMW is the Best - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Latimer - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car i just bought - the 645 ci is an outstanding car. BWM has a winner. This car is the best of 2004. I have owned 4 other BMWs - the 645ci takes the cake.

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  love it!!! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By enthusiast - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded 5 series w/sport package for 745 in 03. Liked it but missed the handling/performance of 5 series w/sport package. After 5 mos, went to dealership for a part and saw 6 series on showroom floor. Couldnt resist. Walked out with a new 6 coupe even though we could not test drive. After driving for 1 month, I am in love. It was a costly impulse, but surley no regrets. Love it more each time I drive it. Glad I went for the part.

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  refined beemer - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By bear b - May 8 - 2:00 am

  the idrive is very good / the tactile touch is a nice touch on the rotary mouse. The seats are extremely comfortable on long trips We average 26.7mpg on the road Very advanced computer interfaces best bmw yet