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 and fun to drve - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Dr. Victor Hernandez - January 14 - 5:12 pm

  The most fun to drive roadster Ive ever had. Ive owned a Miata and a Mitsubishi 3000 And the Z4 is above those three in every aspect of performance and fun, not to mention reliability.

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  Luv It! - 2005 BMW X5
  By peter - January 13 - 9:37 pm

  Best handling and stable vehicle Ive ever owned. Excellent in panic stops and accident avoidence. Overall, ....... the safest Ive ever felt in a vehicle.

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  Excellence - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By owner - January 13 - 8:43 pm

  When this thing gets out in the road you cant even hear the engine but that power is directly under your foot. When you unleash this car on the highway you feel a sense of love. You would understand if youve even driven one. With the sport package on this car you get a great amount of features especially that suspension it makes you feel like your driving on a pillow. I love the way you can just drive without feeling uncomfortable. You can go on long trips without even feeling like you just have to get out the car and walk. The way the seats hug you when you drive is a thing of delight. It has the real BMW power in all ways. Its just great fun to drive. This car is the ultimate driving machine.

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  merlin - 2005 BMW M3
  By Carl Sigmann - January 13 - 3:27 pm

  This car is the best blend of performance and comfort that I have owned. There is a always a support of power available to the driver to maximize safety and handling. The braking capacity of the car is quick, precise and progressive. Driving this car in the U.S. at legal speed limits does not labor this vehicle at all. There is always a large surplus of acceleration and braking to maximize the driving performance, safety and comfort not only to the driver but also to the passengers. The interior design is clean and classic that offers excellent visibility, and all the features and ammenities that any passenger and driver would require. Instrumentation is direct, simple and not over bearing.

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  Suntan machine ! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By MarcBanks - January 13 - 2:50 pm

  My first BMWs convertible was a Z3 back in 1997. The Z4 is "totally" a difference experience. It drives very well on side streets and Freeways and it is very fast. Its the prefect car to cruise the roads Southern California.

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  BMW Best ever - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tykess - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car ever and is very fun to drive.

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  Excellent - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By FLCaliBoy79 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  this is my second bmw, and i dont think i will ever go for another car. reliability, fun, safe, luxury, and always in style

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  BMW 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By cavender - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Very powerful, yet rides well. Just as fast as my 300zx, but can carry four people in comfort and style. Stability control and traction control make it seem like a four wheel drive in winter.

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  Sams Rating - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By DollaznCentz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This Vehicle is one of the best cars ive owned. The Performance and responce in this car is immidiate. Thats what makes this car worth every penny.

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  BMW is slipping - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jsbenoit - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Very problematic car. All the small things were starting to fail in sequence. The car spent way too much time in the shop. Handling is sub par and (understeers) and in the wet the car is downright scary.