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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  fer - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fer - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I love it. THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE IS THE BEST. It handles like a true sports car

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  Allens critique - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWfool - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a gas to drive. Responsive and solid. Feels and handles like a sports car. Now the bad news: be prepared to be raped by your local BMW service dept. They assume all owners are rich and do not care about price. My dealer was charging my wife $125 for an oil change!(Try $8 a qt. for Mobil 1 that can be had at parts stores for under $6) Routine repairs are always $800 to $1,000. I have all the service records and will be happy to share the news.I will buy another when pigs learn to fly. My 01 Corvette is faster,way cooler and I get the oil changed for $40.

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  Nice Car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By drmabogo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 3 wks. I love it. The I drive is easy to learn and use. No other luxary sedan drives as well. The ride has more smile factor than the Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus.

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  What a car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By grasraucher.mxe - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Really the Ultimate not compareable with any american crab car like you do in your article! The car is worthy the price!

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  BEST DRIVE EVER - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By tajz - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Fast and fun. Easy to handle. The i control isnt too hard to learn, but you should really have a teenager there to help. I do find that sometimes settings are changed and I have no clue how I changed them or how to change them back. It will require you to look in the owners manual to fix it. BMW has contacted me several times as well as the auto dealership that sold it to me to inquire how I like the car. I feel like I am being treated very well by BMW. I love this car.

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  Best Car in the Desert - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Living in Phoenix - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the everyday commute. Awesome when you get on the open road, and leaves you feeling safe and snug with the handeling abilities and numerous safety features in the city. I cant wait to purchase the next one! One note, you must keep up on the preventative maint., seems a bit costly at first, but these cars go forever.

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  I FLY 535i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Gurman - August 14 - 6:00 pm

  Our 2008 535i is a rocket ship! The new twin turbo I-6 cranks out 300 hp and 300 lb ft of torque. Matched to a 6 speed sport automatic with paddle shifters, this car hauls! The design is appealingly unique and avoids the cookie cutter quad headlights and triangular taillamps of the Mercedes lineup. The interior is an ode to minimalism but with practical secondary HVAC and stereo controls to compliment the iDrive package. This car provides tremendous performance, the utility of a 5 seater, aggressive style, top notch build quality and solid value. We Came, We Saw, We Bought.

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  BMW 325xi w/Sport Package - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By j_d_k - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the BMW 325xi with sport and premium packages and couldnt be happier. The car drives great and looks even better. The best decision I made was getting a 5 speed with the sport package. I was a little worried about driving a manual transmission, however I drove a loaner 325i w/o the sports package and this isnt even the same car. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, great buy.

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  I love this car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mfeder - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My friend has the 911 Carrera- but we both prefer the Z4. It is a truly superb auto, and you can corner with abandon- unlike the Porsche...

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  BMW has thw worst service - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By pinstripes9 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  You obtain better service from Hyundi. Next car will not be a BMW.