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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  First Month Review - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By E. Unger - January 5 - 5:05 am

  Overall this car has been great fun to drive--a great performer with solid construction. The big V8 provides ample acceleration to dust away those pesky Mustangs. The interior treats the driver and a single passenger to indulgent comfort, but back seat passenger = contortionist. Style, comfort, acceleration, fit and finish all get high marks. Less impressive is BMWs implementation of the iDrive interface, with special admonishment for the MP3 systems inadequate display of song information. Stalwart critics of the Bangle Butt have a point, but are typically so far behind me in traffic that I cant hear them. This is a car that demands attention while putting the driver in command.

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  My little "ugly" coupe - 2001 BMW Z3
  By lawrence thompson - January 4 - 8:34 pm

  I bought my 2001 Z3 coupe about a year and a half ago. It has never stopped turning heads (one of the reasons I bought it in the first place). The car performs the way one would expect a BMW to perform... with elan and enthusiasm. The styling is what I love about the car, above performance. Its been described as looking "like a high top tennis shoe", but thats usually with an appreciative smile. The car has been very reliable, as one would expect from this manufacturer. I expect Ill keep this car forever... after all, since the coupe is no longer manufactured, it will only become more unique with the passing of time.

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  BMW is the only car for me - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike - January 3 - 4:56 am

  This is my 11th or so BMW. Last was the 1999 528i which I loved. At first, didnt like the direction of the new styling, but at least it is not as gaudy as the 7 Series. Forget Audi A6 and Mercedes E class. There is no drive like this one and it gets better all the time. The new sports trans is really nice. I basically drive in that and use regular drive like an overdrive on the highway. There is no ride like the the BMW, the ultimate driving machine.

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  Happy m5 owner - 2006 BMW M5
  By jdyjak - January 2 - 1:24 pm

  This is an incredible sports sedan, lots of power at very high RPMs, Im still in the break-in period, so I have not pushed it that far yet. Im a little disappointed the launch control that had been advertised is not available in the U.S. overall Im very happy with this vehicle, if you consider purchasing this vehicle remember there is a reason why there is a $3,700.00 gas guzzler tax, this car drinks it.

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  A German Delight - 2004 BMW M3
  By Payam rahimifar - January 2 - 6:00 am

  This vehicle has proven itself both in drive and in park. It breaks necks, causes people to stare and attracts attention thanks to its positively defined look which equilibrates muscle with class. However, when the car is in drive, it is a different story. Very quick, sounds great, not too many cars that can keep up with the 333 horses energizing this machince meant to race down the autobahn. Feels great, handles great, and loks great... what more can you ask from a car that gets from 0 - 60 mph in 4.5 seconds ?

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  Great Car, But... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By methodmadness - January 2 - 1:03 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and Ive had little to complain about. The car is very fun to drive and very comfortable. However, the run flat tires are AWFUL and need to be replaced with regular tires. They make every bump a jarring experience, and make hitting minor potholes feel like you just got hit with a sledgehammer. They also seem to have some deleterious effect on high-speed cornering maneuvers.

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  Big Fun - 2006 BMW X5
  By AMorgan - January 2 - 12:28 am

  Outstanding handling, performance and a thrill to drive! BMW focuses on the driving experience vs "gadgets". It didnt take long to decide on the X5 after test driving the competitors.

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Will - January 1 - 1:39 pm

  Fun, fun, fun. I bought this car used with 50,000 miles on it and drove it for two years and never had a problem with it, not one thing broke. The only thing I did was do oil changes and put gas. I would have still it if the car wasnt manual transmission and I didnt live in Miami (traffic is horrible here). Clearly the Z3 is one of BMWs best built cars.

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  The ultimate driving machine?? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By iseedipp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car i was fortunate enough that my parents bought me a black one for my bday with 29,000. Dont feel very classy with squeaky brakes (31,000 miles) yes i drive my bmw hard but then again its "the ultimate driving machine" its made to be driven and looked at. BMW work on your brake quality

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  good but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hrp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why cant they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?