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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  Squeaks Like a 2 Horse Wagon - 2004 BMW X3
  By Yard Dog - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the X3 to replace an aging 328i, which stayed in the shop most of the time. Unfortunately, after a week the squeaks and rattles in the X3 were so bad, I had the dealer pick up the car. Now, 2 weeks later I still dont have it back because the dealer is waiting for some kind of part from Germany. To be fair, they have given me a loaner, but that is not the point. I wish I had bought the 4Runner.

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  Great Car!! - 2004 BMW X3
  By mtcpe - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My friend has a 2002 330 ci convertable, and after driving my new X3 asked if the dealer had any more outfitted the same! (I had to pry him out of the drivers seat. Love the performance and features. Much nicer size and performance than X5, retains the 3.0 liter 3 series performance. Easy to forget its a SUV when driving. Great $$program thru BMW financial.

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  E(X3)ITEMENT!! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mike - October 20 - 5:02 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Build quality is superb and interior finishes are appropriate to the way the its used. Cargo space is fine for most trips to the home center or warehouse store. Long trips of 1,000 miles are comfortable and seating doesnt fatigue. The most noticeable feature is the X- drive. When in sand or loose gravel this vehicle is superb. We had a drag race with a Benz G-Wagen while in Mexico and left our 90 thousand dollar friend far behind.... Great vehicle.

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  Best AWD car today! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By rick h - October 20 - 3:43 pm

  The 325xi was my first brand new car and it is awesome! The first time I drove it in snowy/icy conditions I was more impressed than ever. BMW is a great car and I would buy this car twice again if I had to.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW owner for life - October 19 - 2:12 am

  I bought this car with a huge decision on whether a Maserati Q, Lexus LS 430, Mercedes S Class or an Audi A8L. I am certainly glad I bought the BMW. The drive is second to none the toys are amazing and I learn something new everyday. This is my second 7 Series BMW. I loved my first and love this one even that much more. Satellite Radio is a must w/Premium Sound.

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  Perfect for anyone - 2006 BMW M5
  By Nick - October 19 - 12:23 am

  This car is a very well rounded car. Offers all sorts of modes and options to fit the drivers style. It has 6 different settings for the 7 speed transmission. Hold on tight on mode S6, the gear changes are extremely violent in this agressive mode. But when you want to cruise around town, the slower modes make smooth clean shifts. The 530i was said to be the best car ever tested, this is one step better, has everything the 530i offers, plus more, especially more power.

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  Sexy car - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Stealth - October 18 - 7:38 pm

  Women seem to love this car. I get "nice car" comments from women all the time. A friend of mine has a porsche... and he said he only gets that comment from guys. If I only had this car when I was 19 and still single. Oh well. Even without the fun performance of this car, the sheer enjoyment of being in traffic with the top down on a beautiful summer day is priceless. Makes traffic less painful.

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  From 7-series to 545 - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By tom - October 18 - 6:22 pm

  Following 3 7-series BMWs (2 740s and a 745) I find this 545 to be a much more enjoyable car to drive. With Sport Package, road feel and handling are both outstanding, although I am not a fan of the Active Steering. The interior is at least as comfortable as the 7-series and acceleration is superior. Plenty of room for 4 large adults, icluding sufficient leg room in rear, but 5 adults should only ride for short distances.

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  Best of both worlds - 2005 BMW X5
  By Kristyn B - October 18 - 4:56 pm

  The BMW X5 4.4i provides SUV stability and versitility without losing the performance expected from a BMW. Whether commuting, car pooling, taking a weekend family trip (with the dog), or moving furniture from one place to another, the X5 is the perfect vehicle. Really recommend the 4.4 engine upgrade for better power transfer -- the gas mileage is virtually the same as with the smaller engine.

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  BMW 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Worner Werks - October 18 - 1:53 pm

  Wonderful vehicle.