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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  My First Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By AAK - December 28 - 10:23 pm

  This was my first luxury car. I bought this after a lot of research. I had to wait for 6 weeks to get the Comfort Access as part of the package. But the wait proved to be good. It is a great mid size luxury car. I took this car out for a long drive from BWI to PIT and I enjoyed its handling in curves and drive in bad weather (ice and snow storm).

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  Found my DREAM CAR!!!!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By gman02 - December 28 - 7:41 pm

  Ultimate Driving Machine is an understatement. this car handles great with a lot of speed. Cruise at 100mph and not even notice. Use the 5 sp auto and get unbelivable power at your command. This car has power and is as smooth as it gets.

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  Closest SUV/Sports Car out there - 2004 BMW X3
  By vsroman - December 28 - 5:32 pm

  After 25,000 miles and almost two years this SAV is a very reliable vehicle. It really took a full year for me to really appreciate it. It is a sporty summer fun vehicle with the big sunroof and rips through the ice/snow with ease in the winter. If you dont want two vehicles this is a great compromise. It drives almost as sporty as a 3- series and is awesome in the snow. Add the extra utility and it is truly a winner. And pretty decent gas mileage too. I routinely get 21 mpg and drive fairly hard on the gas pedal.

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  Z4 2.5 roadster experience - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mpbeaulieu - December 27 - 6:21 pm

  I have owned two 03 2.5 Z4s. One manual and one with automatic. Both have been excellent road cars and just a thrill in the hills. Change to the automatic was for the wifes desire. The automatic with the sequential manual shift works well and in general the automatic is easier in busy traffic. Both vehicles have been outstanding from a maintenance standpoint which includes excellent support from the dealer. While I would agree that the 3.0 would provide some extra horsepower, once you get the 2.5 rolling it delivers pretty well. Gas mileage (though not a concern) has been satisfactory electric top works great and once seated is quite comfortable. Only gripe is low top when getting in

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  Just got it! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By RLCPAPC - December 27 - 3:03 pm

  I took delivery on 12/19/05. Mine has the sports package, comfort seats, sirius, premium sound in black sapphire. This is very similar to my ex 04 745i but is faster. iDrive is about the same even though I did not have any problems with the iDrive in the 04 745i. I traded in a 05 645ci for this 750i because the 6 lacked rear seating space. This 750 is really nice and well worth the price. I tried one of the MB S classes but found this to be more fun to drive. Sirius comes with free 12 month subscription which is great. No recalls so far.

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  I need longer road trips! - 2005 BMW X5
  By ILoveMyX5 - December 27 - 1:53 pm

  This SUV blew away all of my expectations. It is extremely comfortable, ultra sporty and very practical. I love this vehicle! It works seamlessly with my iPod and Bluetooth cell phone. I conduct business from my vehicle and this SUV allows me to conduct it with style and success. I cruise across the state to meetings and arrive feeling refreshed and ready for business. The safety features on this car will ensure that I arrive unharmed. It takes corners like a sports car and "floats" down the highway. Before you buy any SUV, you should test this one out!! Excellent vehicle!!!

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  Think twice - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By adc - December 27 - 11:19 am

  You need to remember that you are buying a luxury car and with that comes very expensive repairs / diagnostics. I have the 740i sport and the top of the line tires cost $300/each to replace. The cost to replace a battery is over $300. Synthetic oil changes cost around $200. Prepare to spend a least a few thousand dollars on upkeep of this car and also, be very aware that its rear- wheel drive. If you live anywhere that is prone to ice/snow, think twice about this car! Fun to drive / nice looking car did not outweigh the costs associated with ownership for me. I seem to be one of the few dissenters on how great these cars are.

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  Whats not to like? - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Phil B. - December 27 - 2:48 am

  I am not sure if there is another car that better combines performance and luxury. 0-60 in 5-6 seconds, uncanny handling and feel, superb cockpit, plenty of rear seat room, excellent sound system. Why all the controversy over iDrive? It is about as easy to master as a simple video game. It seems the reviewers just needed something in the "con" column, because everything else is "pro".

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  Love this car! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gkatlanta - December 26 - 9:21 pm

  I have owned three previous BMWs including an E39 Wagon but nothing has come close to the performance and handling of this car. Definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wonderful to drive on a long winding road. Not a single problem since Ive had this car. I still love driving this car every day.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve101 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  CLEARLY THE CLASS LEADER BMW REIGNS SUPREME