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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  Excellent Car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - April 22 - 7:29 pm

  I bought this car year ago. It very well made car and also its the best car I ever drove (out of 100+ cars). Performance is excellent, style, comfort and reliability. This car has "bullet proof" engine. Im seeing people are complaining about cup holders - honestly that is the last thing I would think of. BMW 740 is the top of the line luxury sedan rather than comfy couch with convinient cup- holder. People who looking a cars as an expensive appliance should go for Toyota - Lexus, Honda... BMW is more for drive enthusiasts.

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  Happy all around - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Hans - April 22 - 1:30 am

  Given that I choose the lowest HP engine, I am impressed how well it still performs, especially on the highway. I dont miss one Hp. I took it for a 1500 mile roadtrip and had the most delightful drive I have ever had. I have owned over 50 cars - so far the only section any other car performed better was in acceleration because I had cars with big engines as well.

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  Awesome - 2005 BMW X3
  By ed - April 21 - 7:06 pm

  Had the car less than a year. With my previous car I needed a back support to drive long distances. With the X3 I arrive at my destination fresh and ready to enjoy. It is amazing. The driving experience is as advertised - fun. We purchased the car because of its size, but strangely enough we have used it to move furniture, and other bulky items. so the car performs on many levels. What is the most amazing - people actually think i paid more than the final negotiated selling price. This is value.

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  Solid fun ride - 2005 BMW X3
  By James Massaro - April 21 - 10:16 am

  The X3 is an amazing ride. It is fun to drive and easy to handle. It has a smooth ride like a sedan. The cabin is comfortable and has a lot of neat fratures. We have had other SUVs in this class and they do not compare.

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  Horrible quality - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By J Feldman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Okay.. I dont even drive much. in fact I have 7000 miles on my car after having it for a year.(its a 2003). So far I had to get my car fixed 4 times. Twice engine related problems. My 2002 Hyundai Sonata has been much much more reliable than this junk. I like the prestige of owning a BMW but thats about it. and what kind fo 30K+ car doesnt even have a CD changer?? German quality cannot compete with Asian brands any more...

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  X5 2001 BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Landmark - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a sedan. I have had the car for 3 years and been very pleased.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 BMW X5
  By Nanlees - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the best one I have purchased and drove. It handles superb in town and on the highway. It gets excellent gas mileage for a SAV. It is quality built inside and out. My next vehicle will be a BMW.

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  This is a bad car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Irvin Chuck - April 21 - 12:06 am

  I bought this car but now i love Mercedes S-Class, which i thought i hated, but now i love compared to this PIECE OF JUNK!!!

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  BMW545i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By 545i - April 20 - 8:04 pm

  I love everything about the car but the iDrive control. Gas mileage is far less than stated on the sticker.

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  Very Sweet ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon - April 20 - 4:10 pm

  This car specializes in awesome handling. The 330i with the Sport Package stays flat in any turn and inspires confidence. I also find it to be drop dead gorgeous. Im a bit surprised by those who rave about the power - its noticably less peppy than the G35 and Legacy GT. Wish they couldve given it 25 more hp for 41K out the door, but hey, its still an amazing car.