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 time Beemer fan for life! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Tom Beemer - November 24 - 11:55 am

  G-friend turned me on to bmw! I wanted the utility space, high sitting position and a sport like performance. This car, like the write ups states, is the car to get! Only draw backs: the arm rests - slightly slanted downward my arm never finds comfort. The leg room seems a bit confining - however with all the adjustments it all works out! Gas fuel economy is not too bad if you are patient at 55 mph. I have clocked 29 mpg on the h-way! Usual combined city/ hway: 21 - 24 in a 3L engine with 224 hp - that rocks!

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  You smile just thinking about driving it - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Eric - November 24 - 9:02 am

  Near perfect balance of power, transmission shifting, suspension, road feel, braking and steering. Power top quick enough to raise or lower at even a fast stop light without feeling rushed. Sound system brings out amazing detail even with the top down. Trunk space provides the ability to use this as my full time vehicle, easily taking two suitcases, a large duffel and a fully packed computer briefcase. My only suggestion is that a new buyer opt for wheels that have a minimum of tight spaces, as youre going to spend a lot of time dealing with the legendary BMW brake dust buildup.

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  And the Golf Bag fits... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By danZman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Z4 back in December with all options included. There seems to be a few loud people out there that dont like the new style, but I for one find the new BMW look more appealing. I find the combination of looks, performance and luxury outstanding. Its nice to see a roadster with navigation, a working trunk, and even cup holders.

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  Z4 review - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Bimmerguy - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Tons of fun to drive. Lots of room. Great performance. Everything you could possible want in a sports car/Roadster.

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  Unbelievable Once You See the Car - 2006 BMW M5
  By DKM - November 24 - 1:57 am

  The car is stunning and incredible once you see it on the showroom floor and then actually take it for a drive. I previously owned a 1998 540I and there is no comparison. I looked at the 2006 550I and again, no comparison. A fabulous car with many technologically advanced features. It is amazing to hear the sound of the engine when you start the car and as you wind up the RPMs. There is no doubt that there is a high performance engine under the hood.

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  Fun but flawed - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By parmijo - November 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this new and I only have 31K on the car now. I have the 5 speed and it is fun to drive, brakes well, handles excellent with the sport package. Gas Mileage is quite good at 25 city/hwy mix and 31 hwy. It still looks nice too. The problem is reliability. Some problems fixed under warranty but others I had to pay out of pocket. Also strange failure of the intake cam sensor which causes the car to stall at a stop. That was $300. Now the interior trim around the passenger door is falling downward. I guess I have to glue it back or something. None of the problems I had were atypical or surprising to the mechanics. If you buy one, expect extra maintenance cost as part of the deal

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  FUN - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By kiki - November 22 - 5:54 pm

  Fast, fun to drive. Looks great and has the comfort of a sedan, at least in the front.

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  Buy ONE - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Lee - November 21 - 6:21 pm

  Dont drive this car unless youre prepared to purchase one. I went to the dealer to test drive a 7 series. I thought I would just compare it against the 6, so I test drove one and purchased it right afterwards. This car is above and beyond any thing I have ever owned. I like it. I purchased the sport model and the back seat isnt a problem. If you want a big back seat buy a 7 series. I love all of it.

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  I miss my 2001 740 - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By CFC - November 20 - 2:54 pm

  I miss the gear shift. I miss the easy controls. I miss the aggressive style. The 745iL is engineered well, handles great and is comfortable. Unfortunately I dont feel connnected. The trunk looks like Im transporting a coffin. Im a computer guy and the iDrive especially the NAV is annoying. The phone hears me...sometimes. The say it a software problem. Unfortunately its hard to reboot on the freeway at 65. Unless things change, this is my last one. PS I love renting a car when I bring it in for service. At 80K I probably dont deserve one !

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  325xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By sliderred - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The car drives very smmothly & is very quiet. It handles like none of the cars Ive ever driven