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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  The price is right - 2004 BMW X5
  By Andre L williams - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I rather pay the price for the quality and service that I recieve from BMW. The car is simple, amazing. My property value has gone up since a BMW is placed in the driveway. It looks good, feel, good and performce darm good. this is my fifth vehicle in ten years, I can only purchase another one.

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  Flagship BMW - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By msk600 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  What a smooth, quite ride. Although I purchased used, it feels and rides like a brand new car. If you can find a well maintained used one, go for it. Suprisingly, I get more than 20 MPG on highway driving fully utilizing its V12 power.

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  Pure Fun to Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By phxzam - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most fun Ive had driving. I bought the Z4 mainly because I liked the design, but I have absolutely loved the performance. Definitely no remorse for this purchase.

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  Driver Heaven - 2001 BMW Z8
  By joneshume - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a most awesome machine, finely tuned, the penultimate BMW achievement. Comfortable interior belies the power under the hood. Dont make the mistake of pushing the "sport" button unless youre prepared for the extraordinary surge in power and control "freedom" that ensues. Dont get this vehicle (if you can find one) unless you dont mind constant attention and admiring looks from bystanders and other drivers.

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  M Power yourself !!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By M3man - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car!!! The handling at high speeds on curves is THE BEST of any car I have driven to date. If you get the hardtop option like I did, you will have a car that is a coupe, convertible, and sports car, all in one!!! I love the SMG transmission, it allows you to drive in either automatic or manual modes (the manual mode is much more fun). The fuel economy isnt all that bad. If you drive it carefully on the highway, you can get a little more than 24 mpg, not too bad for a sports car. I wish it had a bigger fuel tank because I dont like filling it up too many times, but oh well the driving experience more than makes up for this.

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  Weve got 2 and love them both - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By AaronRBose - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve got two 745Lis loaded with every available option except the sport package and adaptive ride package. Car is absolutely amazing - definetely worth the $90K each of them were. Absolutely fantastic cars that look and handle great - iDrive is very easy, even for my computer illiterate grandparents. If youre going to spend the $$, this is the car!

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  I Get it now! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jules16 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I get it now, why its called the ultimate driving machine. After owning 4 Acuras and two Audi, all of which I was very happy with, this BMW is unbelievable. The AWD system is better than any other Ive driven and the car feels so secure in winter driving conditions.

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  325i ROCKS! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jdelacruz - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the G35, 350Z and 325i---- they all drove nice but I decided to purchase the 325i (need to say more). The level of comfort and the way it handles the road---great. I love my new car. All the new features that come with the 2004 model bring it to the next level.

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  BMW 330i - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ghirschfeld - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Flawless performance. Never been to the shop. Corners like it is on rails. Excellent acceleration

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  Love this car! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By frank3 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  As my first BMW, I did not expect "the ultimate driving machine" from a 10 model-year old car. However, driving is a gas! Handling, accelleration, comfort, all exceeded my expectations. This car is built to last...I only wish I were!