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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  Reliable - 1998 BMW Z3
  By sparrowhawk - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Not a commuting car, a fun car!

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  BMW 745 Ownder Speaks Out - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By carcollection - April 4 - 3:00 am

  This car outdoes my 2 old 750s in pract. every way, thank goodness to BMW for keeping the big, muscular look with the new 7 as opposed to Mercedes narrowing the new S so that it looks cheap with the standard 16 & 17 wheels and still does front & rear even with the sport pack. thats why i no longer own any 600s. ill admit the trunk did take a little getting used to though.

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  Just What Youd Expect.... - 2003 BMW M5
  By CatchMe - April 4 - 3:00 am

  From a $75K 4 door luxury performance sedan with a 6 speed manual. Handles like a dream, quiet and solid, sleek and stealthy. The benchmark others strive for.

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  Best Coupe Available - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By smprestdnt1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove both the coupe and loved it. Great power and handling. Although some dont agree, I love the appearance. It has strong elegant lines. I have one on order. It will be a blast to drive, but it is going to be hard to wait for arrival.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Richard M. Wolf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After driving Mercedes for 25 years, BMWs i-Drive convience and seat comfort caused a switch to a BMW. Euopean Delivery was a pleasure. No defects! On long trips the car leaves you relaxed and rested. The radio has a vastly extended reception range - over 250 miles for NYC local stations and great sound quality.

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  MY CAR - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jeff Durst - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Lots of great and innovative features. Very fun to drive with great performance.

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  My 2nd BMW, 1st X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bigjim - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Happy I waited for the improved new 4.4 engine, X-drive system and 6 speed auto transmission. Gas mileage has been a very pleasant surprise at average 19 mpg in the city and 22-24 mpg on the highway.

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  !998 328ia sedan - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Hotdog2020 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned car for 2.5 years and still have a huge smile on my face! This is the car that keeps on giving. My wife (not a car nut like me)after driving the car for a short errand will enter the room and still comments "nice car". Excellent handling and power. Some cars may do better in other areas, however, when you take the sum of all the parts,handling,power,fuel economy,safety and resale value, nobody beats BMW. I could have bought a brand new Taurus and after 5 years what would you have.

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  Finally A Grown Up Car!! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By pikesfish - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After owing two previous Toyotas I took a chance on a BMW and have not looked back. Impressed with safety record, handling, power and performance. Definitely would consider purchasing another one in the future. Cant say enough about the looks when I pull up at work now. Thanks

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  What a Car !!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By JoeM3 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything I expected and more, the Smg is awesome. The only bad thing is the speed limit in the USA