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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  2007 BMW 335i Sedan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By txbmwfan36 - January 27 - 5:33 pm

  I traded in my 2004 325i for the 335i sedan. It has the same, if not better, drive and handling as my 325i. However, the twin turbo engine is amazingly fast with abundant torque right off the line. It is a very exciting drive. I also think the interior materials are a step up from the E46 model (also very nice), with additional amenities such as Bluetooth and satellite radio. Very well done and worth the difference in cost from 328 if you can swing it.

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  Owner review - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Richard - January 26 - 9:43 am

  Imagine on a 36 month lease, shop time in excess of 45 days! One and half months out of 36! Three days to "re- program" the computer, replacement parts always available, but not the same day. Two repairs to the trunk lid, an engine hood that doesnt stay open. This was my second 7 series car and a total disappointment relative to reliability. After the dealership initiated a daily rate for a loaner car I chose to take my business elsewhere. Imagine paying for a loaner for the second repair to a warrantee covered item - on a car in this price range.

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  Sophisticated fun - 1997 BMW Z3
  By promethius - January 26 - 1:16 am

  This car is absolutely a joy to drive. It has almost zero body lean in high speed turns and the automated traction control keeps the tires sticking to the road. Its got that solid and sophisticated german road feel... like drinking a fine wine or smoking a good cigar. The sport seats are comfortable, and provide just enough room for me (6 feet tall). Being a 2.8 and weighing 2,600 pounds, its got alot of jump from the get go, and mine came with a custom exaust that puts me up to speed a little bit faster. The controls are pretty obvious and close to hand. While limited in cargo space, if youre shopping for a z3, that isnt the main concern. Awesome

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  love it - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By smack - January 26 - 12:26 am

  Test drove Mercedes E320 and BMW 520 at least three times each. The BMW had a better suspension, more responsive engine, smoother acceleration and overall much more fun to drive than the E320. The Mercedes was slow to respond during acceleration, required too many RPMs to move the car and shifting was not smooth. The E320 has a more elegant exterior, but felt like nothing more than a pretty version of a toyota.

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  Love my X5 - 2006 BMW X5
  By Joe Bondi - January 25 - 7:07 pm

  Car is classy to drive and it turns heads. I like the quiet soft ride. I like sitting high and the excellent visability. Handles beautifully and it has gentle manners. Quality of construction and materials is superb.

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  love my beamer - 2005 BMW X3
  By yasercheema - January 25 - 4:14 pm

  Excellent overall performance, its dependable, reliable, gives great mileage on the highway for a suv.

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  A must have! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Javiso - January 24 - 8:47 pm

  This is my first Bimmer. The 525xi is great in the snow. I am a BMW owner for life now. Already looking towards my next one in 23 more payments as this is a lease.

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  Great Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Damon - January 24 - 2:22 am

  My wife fell in love with this car when she saw it. This is our first BMW and we are very satisfied. I am 64 and 280 pounds and there is tons of leg room for me front and back. in fact my favorite spot in the car is riding in the back. This car drives great and handles perfect. I only wish we would have spent the extra money and got the 530 to have more power. Dont get wrong it has great power but only after you get up to 40-50 mph. There is no initial pick up in the 6 cyl, but its great at higher speeds. Gears and smooth and precise. go for it and get one. It is the best driving car we ever had.

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  2004 745i - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By TONY S - January 23 - 11:36 pm

  What a dream car!, Looks, handling, great quality are typical of this and my previous 3 BMWs. After being inundated by all the new procedures from the starting to operating the vehicles too numerous features, I longed for the old simple Brake and gas models. But as I began to read and reread and reread I have begun to understand and use the (too many) features (most of which a normal person would never use or need needless to say understand). But from the solid door closing to the massaging seats to the sound system and the road holding traction its a BMW. Brilliantly Manufactured Wonder. Yes! I do like my BMW.

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  Love this vehicle ... - 2006 BMW X3
  By Troy - January 22 - 11:24 pm

  This is an incredible vehicle in every way. I wanted a sports car but needed an SUV - this is the absolute best blend on the planet. I have the Sports Pkg - the seats fit like a glove and the handling is awesome.