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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  New 525i is Sweet - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Woody the Terp - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The new 5 series is a completely different car in all aspects -- comfort, handling, sophistication, and luxury. I opted for the 6-speed manual just for the fun of it, and with the smaller 6 cylinder engine, I thought it would be a help. I test drove the automatic, though, and that would have been fine. For about 4 grand more, you can get the 530i. The extra horsepower [225 I believe]makes a huge difference in acceleration from 40mph - other than that, I felt the 525is power was more than adequate.

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  Love my 530 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By LoveMy530/Gihugic - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The new 5 series is a truely amazing vehicle. Ive owned an A6 and driven all of the competition and the 530 is on a whole new level. This is the most quiet, smooth and feature loaded car Ive ever driven. I love looking at it, sitting in it and best of all driving it. Steptronic is much improved over previous years and performance and braking are above the competition. Id highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a true German sports sedan.

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  AWESOME - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Piratjoe7 - December 13 - 2:00 am

  The z4 is an awesome car. Not only in its drive and handling, but the cool factor is through the roof. Its simply unique in its exterior design, and stands out beside all other roadsters out there today. If the exterior doesnt float your boat, just go drive one. Its amazingly punchy, and takes corners with no problem. Many people who have ridden with me are amazed at how you can take a corner at "excessive" speeds, without it jarring them into their side door.

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  My Review - 2005 BMW X3
  By Lauren - December 13 - 1:03 am

  I have recently gotten this vehicle and I love it! I had 2 3 series before this X3, and I cant tell the difference in how it drives! It is still low enough to the ground to not feel like youre in an SUV. It handles well and is very comfortable. The design is great. I love it!

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  Fun to write, some reliability problem - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By stinlkbm - December 12 - 12:23 pm

  This car is lots of fun, acceleration and handling is awesome. However, I had some overheating problem due to a malfunctioning water pump after 4800 miles. The car shut down the engine in the middle of the highway. The dealer replaced the water pump, let hope it not going to happen again

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Paul Schroeder - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It is put together well and very quick with the 5 speed. The steering is quick and precise and the upgraded stereo sounds great. The car sounds great, just like a roadster should. We also have a Corvette, and the two compliment each other well. The Z4 looks, feels and sounds like something out of a Bond film, whereas the Corvette is like taking off in a rocket. Highly recommended.

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  LOVE THE 745Li - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By FIRST BMW - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the first BMW we have owned and we love it! We looked at the Mercedes S class as well, but after test driving the 745Li, we knew this was the car we wanted to drive for the next 10 years. The Idrive system is overwhelming at first, but once you learn the commands you need most often, it is a breeze. More commands can be mastered as you get more comfortable with the car. They provide a great CD that goes over almost every aspect of the car. It provides "real life" examples of how to work everything in the car.

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  7-Serious - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By geolw - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun, status,power, technology and good gas mileage-what else?

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  Excellent Choice! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Golf7X24 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  With what other car can you get everything rolled into one exciting and stimutlating package. BMW has done it again with its style and magnificent drive.

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  BurfordCE@AOL.com - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Charles E Burford - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 745 but would like more pick up. It is not as good as my last 740.