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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  Has BMW forgot about reliability? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rrand - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car thinking I wouldnt have to buy another car for years. I had nothing but problems from the day I bought this car. The car stopped running 3 times (twice on the highway). Each time I was told the problem was fixed - fuel sensor that registered 1/4 tank when empty. The list of problems is endless: faulty computer software, leaking water tank (never was fixed), faulty climate control, seat pads that were hot enough to leave burns, interior parts that came off. Sure this was all covered under the warranty, but what a hassle for a car that is not cheap. I sold the car a few weeks ago - good riddance..............

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  I fell in love... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By dantec - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car definatively gets its place in one of the most extrodinary cars driving the earth... The combination of the interior, exterior and BMW power is amazing. This longtime BMW enthusiast is happy that BMW has found a new design direction to innovate... This car drives like a charm, the 4.4 V8 is amazing..! Smooth and continously giving you power... It is true that iDrive has a high learning curve, but once you master it - its truelly amazing. I just love the car and time put into this car. After driving it for a few months I can see the time, care and love put into this car.

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  Whiplash - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By mulligan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my launch vehicle for 4 months and it still turns heads so fast, guys get whiplash.

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  I like it - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Repoman777 - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW and by far the best. I also own MB E class but I like the 745i better. The computer display could be improved to a more logical layout. It has too many things all over the place and could be organized in a more meaningful way. The parking distance and navigation system did not appeal to me that much. The performance and the head turning factor is tremendous.

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  BMW truly is Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ChrisM - July 4 - 12:33 pm

  You cant beat the handling, smooth engine, technology advances, pristine styling, brute strength and refined luxury. Some cars do one or several of these things well. The BMW 3-Series has mastered them all. Where previous generations had a more pedestrian exterior - especially the coupe, which appeared to be missing the 3rd and 4th doors - the new 3 delivers aggressive styling with balance and panache. This is the best car on the road, period. You may find more technology gadgets in an Acura, less road noise in a Lexus and more power in an Aud (?) ... but no competitor comes close to delivering the complete package - from tip to tail - with so many features at or near the top of the rankings.

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  525i - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jrwest - July 4 - 7:10 am

  This is my third 5 series. I have driven many luxury cars including the S class and consider this car the best combination of size, performance, ride and comfort currently on the road. Also, the cars brakes are terrific. The 525 engine lacks a bit of power but the 5 speed automatic (with manual mode) makes the drive lively. The 530 more than makes up for this "issue" and the 540 is a Porche killer.

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  What a Car! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Gilesjewels - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Always loved Saabs for the way they handled curves and cornering but this first time Bmw owner is convinced that this is the best car I have ever driven.It is powerful,luxurious, and drives smooth.

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  Clean - 2004 BMW X5
  By Tigran - July 4 - 2:00 am

  It feel like a you are at your home. Just your house is moving, its that comfortable.

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  Do not hesitate to buy it ! - 2004 BMW X5
  By L. Quinn - July 4 - 2:00 am

  A great experience to drive it! Reliable and safe drive in all weather conditions, specially in snowy and rainy days. Fun to drive this comfortable SUV will provide you with good fuel economy (like 400 hundred miles with less than 3/4 of the tank of gas, hwy.)and lots of great times. Enjoy driving it!

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  Ice Cream Runner Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By VFRAV8R - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have it. We imediately replaced the loose seats with aftermarket and its been a joy. Tops are easily fixed or replace and its a looker. Inexpensive fun and 30 mpg. Exactly what we wanted. Pleasant ride. Manual tops seem to work better with these models. Give one a try.