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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  Finally we own an excellect automobile - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By wmsnodgras - May 15 - 2:07 am

  After a three month search on line for the perfect E38-- I was prepared to drive up to 1500 miles to get the right car--I found "my" vehicle 6 miles from home. It has been running flawlessly, except for a short circuit in a wiring harnace which BMW of El Paso seems to have fixed at no charge. Car is total pleasure to own and drive. mileage in town is 14.5 MPG. On the highway, Im getting 25 MPG all day @75 mph using the recommended mid-grade gasoline.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Judith Speth - May 14 - 1:44 pm

  Since Ive owned this vehicle Ive had only one repair. Take it in annually for an oil change, but thats about it. Its fun to drive and Ive yet to be beaten in a race. We abuse it since we own rentals and load it up to drive the 300 miles to our rentals. My husband owns 2 vehicles but my BMW is our car of choice and hes trading his Audi All Road for a 750li. We always vacation in the Beamer.

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  Best luxury Coupe under 100K - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By RW - May 14 - 11:09 am

  This car is the nicest luxury sports coupe that BMW has ever produced. This vehicle handles extremely well on all roads including back roads that have twists and turns. My car is a coupe with an automatic transmission. I think this is the best way to purchase this car, especially in regards to resell. Exterior styling is this cars highlight. I think it looks great from all angles and people seem to look at it with awe or envy. The gas mileage is very good for a car of this size.I have enjoyed owning this vehicle and so far my car has been problem free.

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  My Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By halle - May 14 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing like dropping the top on a brisk fall day and hitting the highway. I love the sound of the engine as I shift the gears.

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  New 5 Series is all they say it is!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jim 5109 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and a LOT more room than the 0202 5 Series. Much more stylish as well. I am completely satisfied

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  First Time 5 Owner... - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Beamer Novice - May 14 - 2:00 am

  A well built tight driving car. Smooth ride and suspension and handles like a sports car with a luxary feel to it. Idrive takes a day or two to master but after that its a real pleasure to set controls and only reset them as desired. No clutter of buttons or switches on the dash to deal with. Im a BMW owner for life now. Maybe the next one will be the 7 Series.

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  The perfect car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw-fan - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car since August 2003, with European delivery. It is by far the best, most fun car Ive ever driven, including our 1996 Infiniti I30. On the Autobahn it cruises at 120 mph effortlessly. Even at that speed, it accelerates immediately. Handling is superb, the optional Harmon Kardon stero magnificent. I could not be happier!

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  Fun, Fast & Beautiful - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By lynn s - May 13 - 2:27 pm

  Love the car....have a 6 year old in back at all times...it is still ok for space (better than any other Luxury Conver. we drove)...Power, looks, throttle sound all make for an overall wonderful driving car. Best part of the car...with the top down, you get very little if any wind on your face and head. My son in the back get a min. amount too. You can put the top down all year almost with all of the cool/heat features that keep you comfortable. We could not be happier with the car.

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  Speed is your Friend - 2005 BMW M3
  By Merlin - May 13 - 1:17 pm

  This car has surpassed all my expectations. It is quick, agile, nimble, powerful. It will surpass any challenges the streets of the US have to offer while beating most other cars on the road, but the M3 does it with confidence and a breath taking design that everyone compliments.

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  Good Car - 2005 BMW X3
  By Bubba - May 13 - 11:29 am

  Fun to drive great car for running around, easy access to trunk to throw things in like a 5th door.