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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  Exceeds expectations - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Drason - November 22 - 9:40 pm

  I traded my Allroad for this sedan with some trepidation, but the BMW has not disappointed. With the 6-speed manual transmission and sports package, it is a true blast to drive. Its been three months, and so far the car has been flawless in all respects. Theres plenty of room in the cabin and, with the optional cold weather package, the rear seats fold down nearly flat, greatly expanding the trunk space.

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  Great Car!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mgarciah - November 19 - 6:23 pm

  This is one of the best cars I owned, it runs smoothly on highways, good performance on bad roads also (I live in Costa Rica) it feels very compact and very stable on sharp turns.

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  2004 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Richw425 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 04 530i since October. I absolutely love this car. Everything you would expect from BMW. Ride, performance and handling are great. Im not sure what all the noise around iDrive is about. I find it very straight forward and easy to use.I have had to go in twice for service. The SOS feature was not functioning properly at delivery and the iDrive dispay panel had to be replaced (recall). A bit frustrating at the time, but now all is well.

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  530i, it is the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mr. 3 Putt - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I wanted the 525i but decided to upgrade - I am glad I did - this car is unbelievable - you must get the premium package or the interior will look very plain - the stereo sound is great - test drive one and see how many looks you get at a red light.

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  Nice Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KathleenV - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We moved from NY to Hawaii so, naturally we HAD TO HAVE a convertable. We shopped around, tried several different types, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes, but we kept returning to BMW. The Mazda,and Honda was too small. This is just the perfect car. It runs well, corners exceedingly well, is quick and nimble. The 330Ci is a good looking car. We like the admiring looks the car gets. Service at BMW of Honolulu is outstanding. There is not one thing we would change. It is a very nice car.

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  Mi 330I with ZHP option - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By micharlie - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Compares very favorably to the 1998 M3 (E36) sedan I traded for this car. Suspension not as harsh as the 98. Acceleration is only slightly slower, which combined with improved ride quality make this a great buy. Overdrive (.85 sixth gear) offers a relaxed cruising choice when using major highways. Alcantara on the thick, M-style steering wheel aids in "driver-to-road" feedback.

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  If you dont mind spending the cash..... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By me22362 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. if you feel like driving a sports car, or luxury ride the transmission does both. One button get the top up or down, plenty of trunk space, awesome stereo, all the toys you are willing to pay for are available to you.

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  Is the X3 just a smaller X5? - 2004 BMW X3
  By jaredfeiger - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The X3s performance is outstanding as you would expect from any BMW; however, the interior quality and materials are definitely sub-par for a BMW and come nowhere near matching the X5s much nicer and more expensive interior. Overall, I feel like the car isnt as solid as an X5 (the doors are lighter, it also feels much lighter when you drive it), although it handles very well. For $48,000 fully equipped, you should definitely get more quality for your money, but it is a good vehicle.

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  2007 alpina b7 - 2007 BMW Alpina B7
  By d - November 18 - 5:40 am

  I own a 2002 S600 and this, and man what can I say, this car is the bomb, a beautiful car, and I know lots of ppl complain a lot about the design and all but Im one of the ppl that actually like what bangle did with the 750. Oh and dont forget the maintenance, at least BMW is confident in their product.

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  Better than advertised - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By John Bee - November 17 - 11:12 pm

  Maybe the I-drive is a bit much, but this car corners like nothing youll ever drive. It has snap, it has power, itll give you whatever you need and it holds the road like nobodys business. GREAT to drive. An experience you must try.