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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  Will drive this car for 10 years. - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By new645cicdriver - September 11 - 2:00 am

  What I think is best about this car is how well it operates in the two roles of luxury cruiser and sports car convertible. Overall it is exceptionally self assured and holds the road with tenancity. The low grumble from the v-8 sounds great. As a luxury car it compares to anything out there. But put the top down, select the sport setting on the transmission and you have a car that will give you all the excitment you want and remind you of what fun driving is. Additionally the aerodynamics are phenominal. At any speed up to 80 mph, with the top down and windows up the car is quiet and there is virtually no wind buffeting in the front seats.

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  terrific car! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By roblaw - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Although many must disagree, I love the look and handling of this car. Its got plenty of power, as opposed to the jaguar and mercedes convertibles i previously owned. The new lines make it unique. The lack of the idrive makes it the only BMW I have any interest in driving, since I am not a nuclear engineer or software designer, which I assume is a requirement to be able to understand the idrive.

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  98 Bimmer - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By tex2007 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  ..enjoyed the car more than any Ive owned. Problem areas are :cupholder, drivers seat brackets,electronic control panel...wish BMW had not been so in love with plastic.

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  Love it - 2004 BMW X5
  By Bellevue3 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a BMW Sedan and its great in the snow!!!

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  The Z3 is the car of my dreams - 2001 BMW Z3
  By Karl Z - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 3.0 on 02.2004 and since then, I can say that is so fun to drive. Everyone loves it!!!I installed the BMW Harman Kardon Traffic Pro GPS system The Z3 is a real classic.

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  enjoying my Z4 x 10 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By patrick R - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a FUN FUN FUN car to drive. The 3.0 engine with the SMG transmission is even more FUN. I truely am enjoying this car and appreciate all the complements on its good looks. I chose the metalic black with red seats and electric top. The Z4 looks fast even standing still. Im 62" and fit very comfortably. The sound system is excellent as is the exhaust system. There is a lot I like about this car and spend a lot of quality time in it. Its not something you see all around town.

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  1995 525iT - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By feaqs - September 10 - 2:00 am

  What a car! It has room for cargo and people, great interior appointments, good gas mileage, great passing power (thanks to the variable valve timing), still looks great at 10 years old, stable at 105mph and still got 28 mpg...only complaint is theres no place to set your can of soda or cup of coffee.

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  another happy customer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By jefflieb - September 9 - 2:00 am

  4 bmw and very happy

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  Great Ride - 2004 BMW X5
  By knerps - September 9 - 2:00 am

  A superb vehicle all around. Great looks with the performance to match. Love the sound the engine makes when you turn it on. It makes you really look foreward to driving.

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  Pricey but better - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - September 8 - 9:10 pm

  Traded up from previous 04 Saab. Car is best on open road and takes turns like on rails. car not best for city commuting, does not like to go slow and has slow idle speed. Top down car stays toasty with great heat. Pretty soon see how cool it stays with AC on and top down. Did not get sport package and have no harsh ride, think it is the sport tires rather than run-flats that does gives stiff ride.