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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  I wish I could drive it year round but - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Caligula - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I live in Philly so in the garage it stays for the winter. If I cant put the top down Im not drivin it. There is nothing like putting the top down on a cool crisp night and watching the stars roll by as you criuse down the highway.You may not be sold on its looks but spend some quality time behind the wheel of this puppy and you might just change your tune.It handles like a dream and trust me theres more then enough power to get you into trouble.If you are in the market for a car do yourself a favor and at least take a Z4 for a test drive. You wont regret it!

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  BMW Airliner - 2004 BMW X5
  By guykazoo - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Had to order one without test driving as my dealership could not keep it in stock. Super solid vehicle. You feel like youre driving an airliner with its controls and warning beeps. Drives like a sports car and the V6 3.0 has enough "guts" for this mid size beauty. Computer a bit challenging to learn but works fine. Cannot believe how fun it is to drive this baby!

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  Ultimate Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Cruisin Happy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  It really is the ultimate driving machine. Ive had mine almost 3 years and I dont even want to think about ever getting another car. It is just fabulous in snow and rain. The tires can be an issue. I hit a very large, deep pot hole and had to replace all 4 tires. Other than that, not one thing has gone wrong. Mine is loaded to the max with the integrated phone..worth the extra bucks too. I hope this car never wears out!!! Worth the money!!! (45,000)

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  Good Perfermance, poor durability - 2002 BMW X5
  By performanceplus - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and it was great until the 50k mile warranty expired. Thats when onboard computer readout started to go bad... just the start of one big headache. The resale is awful on this car. Also, car had a noise that the dealer was never able to fix. Goes thru the oil, fast. Maybe I just got a lemon.

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  If you need or want AWD - 2005 BMW X3
  By Andrew - September 18 - 9:33 pm

  Try to find a vehicle out there with AWD that has the utility of an SUV and the handling of a sports car. Unlike the 3 series, it actually has a back seat. And, it sits up just high enough to give you a commanding view of the road. You get BMW handling and quality in a perfect sized package.

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  I (Heart) My M3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By Slinksterfeline - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Aside from having to wait close to a year to get my hands on the exact M3 I wanted, the men at the dealership treating me like a naive little girl, all the while failing to know as much about the car as I did & my M3s cute little habit of sometimes acting like a newly saddled bronco (i.e., BUCKING), I adore this car. I love the SMG & once you get in sync with it youll be able to drive right through the random/periodic bucking (..I saw from an earlier review that Im not alone with the bucking, good to know), heck, I look at it as a nifty little challenge, Like racing a thoroughbred, its worth any mild troubles to be able to fly with ease, style & grace.

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  truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BGT - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Love this car and was worth every dollar! The 3.0 inline 6 is amazing- quiet, smooth, and pulls all the way up to the redline. The body is tight and makes you want to find and push the limit on the twisties and turns. Interior quality is excellent and only the Audi is as nice. Very tight build and everything feels solid. Body style is not the most forward design but it has a look that will age gracefully and is a car that is worthy of owning many years down the road.

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  Most fun/value among used luxury cars - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By solution - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 740IL when it was 5 years old with 1 year of CPO warranty left. It was love by first sight. It looks gracful on the outside, and unblieveably spacious in the inside, much more than the 96 Deville it replaced. 10 months passed, it has been smooth running and problem-free. With it, I have been looking forward to my daily one-hour and a half commute. So much fun and comfort.

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  my 745Li - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By mrrfk - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The seats are a bit hard to adjust while moving. There are just to many options.

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  Whoaaaa - 2004 BMW M3
  By JYPE - September 17 - 2:00 am

  THe best car I have ever driven. I had a 325i and compared to the M3, lets just say whoaa.