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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  Red Hot Fun - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Thomas R. Woehler - June 11 - 1:22 pm

  One of the first off the production line. A silver was firmly in my mind,however when I saw the hot red color on this baby with a black interior, I knew this was my car! No where can you drive without turning heads. From young coeds, males in hot rods to interested observers at the gas pump, it demands attention but does not require frequent stops. Sports car feel, vintage hints to design from the past mixed with the latest technology and mechanics, this car runs! Sit in the drives seat and feel engulfed in a peice of history and the future. Comfortable, with the brute power (almost 400hp) to get the adrenaline surging. Exotic sports car ownership with minimal maintenance. The Z-8!

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  Fast, fun, gorgeous and furious! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Beamer Girl - June 10 - 9:31 pm

  My husband bought me this car after I had been eyeing it up on line for months. I could not be happier. I, too, drove a Porcshe 911 Carrera and the 645 makes that car look like a joke! I have never had any problem with taking turns at high speeds and the driving experience is simply that... an experience. The lines on this car are gorgeous and the color combo I chose is just stunning (silver grey metallic with grey top and burgundy interior)! Definitely gets lots of compliments and stares! I absolutely adore this car!

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  Z4 Addicted - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Z4Lover - June 10 - 6:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Z4, and I had two Z3s before that. This is an amazing automobile. I took a detour and had a Porsche 911 for a few months. But its top was finicky, and didnt always like to come back up when it was down. So I returned to my BMW, which is sooo much fun to drive and great looking too.

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  love my rag top - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By ltb - June 10 - 12:10 pm

  Car runs really well. A lot of goodies for the price. iDrive navigation a bit hard to get used too. Fuel economy on open road is good. Fast times off the line. Sattelite radio, HUD , Sport package really complete the total package. Worth the extra bucks. Only feqature lacking is that side mirrors dont fold via power. A bit noisy with top down, at high speeds !!! I traded in Audi A-4 cabrio, big difference!!! Go for it !!

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  Z 4 FLORIDA FUN - 2005 BMW Z4
  By JEFF - June 10 - 11:51 am

  Great fun to drive. Wind noise at highway speed could be improved. They also need to find a way to improve the amount of wind in the cabin at highway speed. Car looks great both inside and outside and trunk is surprisingly roomy. With a little work you can get 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk.

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  A Truly excellent Coupe - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By SMB - June 10 - 11:50 am

  This superb coupe provides all the enjoyment of a sports car, plus the additional benefits of useable rear occasional seating (and extra storage space) and a large trunk. The performance and roadholding are also excellent, in the true spirit of BMW.

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  best car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By steven williams - June 10 - 10:00 am

  excallant throughout, all round quality and depaendability. the germans are at the top of the class. This is a car I will keep until the doors fall off.

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kev K. - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy with my BMW 325-I It is a great car for the money. At first I was afraid there was not enough bells and whistles like my american made car, but everytime I drive the car, I seem to find a new gadget. The handling of this car and pickup is the best ever. I am very pleased

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  Best Ive ever owned - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Bill Trukenbrod - June 10 - 9:29 am

  the 645 Ci is the sixth convertable that Ive owned starting with a TR-3 and my last car was a MB SL500. The 645 is by far the most fun to drive, and the best to be seen in. Ive never had so many people say great things about a car Ive been driving, in car washes, at stop lights, parking lots,etc.etc. You get used to the iControl.

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  Well Maintained, Used the way to go! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By mjack85 - June 8 - 9:50 pm

  Looks that stand the test of time. Great handling, this car is unbelievable for an 8 year old car. Bought it with 90k with all service records. Previous owner kept meticulous care and seems to have repaired and replaced most trouble spots prior to trading it. I cannot find anything wrong with this car and love driving it.