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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  4 an Awesume Driving Experience.. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By calderon - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many many cars but never a BMW. I had heard they were fun to drive but that was all. After purchasing mine, I have never enjoyed my commute to work as I do now. I feel safe and comfortable in this car. All controls are easy to reach and well thought out! I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ANY OTHER MANUFACTOR... My NEXT CAR WILL BE A BMW!!

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  Completely awesome! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By evopanop - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Atlanta Blue with Tan interior, and Automatic transmission. I cant say Ive had ANY problems with the car. Well, aside from the whole plastic rear-window on the soft top. Other than that one little annoyance, I cant say theres anything else wrong with the car.

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  Z 4 is Z1 - 4 me - 2004 BMW Z4
  By beckerscience - October 14 - 10:00 am

  It is just plain driving fun! Responsive,handles superior in the curves. Good mileage both city and highway.

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  HUD - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By weazer - October 14 - 10:00 am

  the sport mode for the auto trans is very atheletic, makes this car drive like its got 225+ hp, like a small v8. the steptronic manul takes a lil time to get used to, but is really very fun. I drive is incredibly easy, but it takes a bit too many steps to get to what you want, one solution is to use the voice control, which picks ups the hole that the idrive coudlnt all fill.

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By borsyst - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Last summer as i moved to germany for three years, i was quite excited to learn that the new 5 series would be available, so i ordered one and in August, i picked up my 530i. After 10 months...what a car. I dont understand what the issue is with the styling that C&D and MT complain about. This car is hot. On the Autobahn, I have taken it up to the governed 250km limit (155mph) and usually cruise somewhere between 200- 230kph (124-143mph)...this car is smooth. The handling and brakes are first class. The i-drive is quite helpful with the Navi and with the Bluetooth mobile phone connection. I highly recommend this car.

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  Yikes! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lucy the Dog - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. It is beautiful to look at. It rides and handles like a fighter jet(Im guessing).I feel happy to run the most mundane errands. Room for 5 plus sports car dynamics. I got the M- sport option,18 inch rims, body kit,stiffer suspension, and I love the sense of oneness with the road it brings. I tested the Acura TL,and almost bought one. Then I drove the 330ci. Rear wheel drive is the only way to go. I got a great lease rate and super high residual. So it costs not much more than an Accord or Passat.

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  best car on the road - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Chad Klimek - October 14 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for a better car

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  Land Shark - 2003 BMW Z4
  By alk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 3.0 titanium silver Z4 last month with the sport package. Absolutely the most enjoyable driving vehicle I have ever owned! Smooth ride, great sound system, this "land shark" is really quick. Incredible in the turns!!! The automatic top is very easy and fast. Destined too be a classic with the new body style. Looks like a piece of art rides like a luxury sedan. Only thing I can think of that needs improvement, it could use more than one power port.

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  No more MBZ for me! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By 1997 BMW Owner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I had always owned MBZ and although I was quite happy with what I drove, it wasnt until I got behind the wheel of this 740i that I understood the meaning of the ultimate driving machine. What a pleasure!

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  M3, fun on wheels - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMWEMT - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving bimmers since 1984, a 325, a633, an M6, a 540 sport, and this M3 is the best of the bunch. Got the premium package with moon roof heated seats and all leather seats. Actually, this is my sons graduation present for next May. When I turn it over, Ill go pick up another one. Just too damn much fun to drive!!!!!