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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  Best 7 Yet! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Burt Spielman - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Our fourth 7-Series, this car far exceeds past models in performance, comfort and convenience. Of particular note is the Dynamic Stability Control, which enables the car to take curves at speed with absolutely no noticeable body lean. BMWs philosophy of eliminating excess buttons and permitting the driver to concentrate on driving is well carried out via an excellent voice activation system and the intuitive, albeit controversial, iDrive controller. Extraordinarily adjustable heated, ventilated, massaging seats, the height of comfort, alleviate the stress of driving while simultaneously stimulating the driver to prevent driving fatigue. The Logic7 audio system is superb.

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  Fun car - 2004 BMW M3
  By vincej - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a sensible, fun car.

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  Love IT! - 2003 BMW Z8
  By LaVene F. Schieszler - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Best sport car I have ever owned. Fast, comfortable, easy to drive, and that styling! BMW finally made a great one.

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  Know what you are getting into - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By joe - December 25 - 3:16 pm

  I sold my 06 330i with the knowledge that the M coupe I was about to purchase was very far removed from the 330i in both comfort and performance. The car is a rocket, but you feel every bump on the road. Also, the "premium" sound system in the M is sub-standard at best. Again, know what you are getting into before you buy. If you are willing to sacrafice comfort for performance, then this is the car for you. It was for me.

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  Good - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By bobby hill - December 24 - 5:43 am

  This car is very Nice and has a lot more room than you would think. It also is a very FUN ride.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Shawn Carter - December 24 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING. THE VEHICLE IS MAGNIFICANT. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO CAN AFFORD IT. LOL. I HAVE WANTED ONE SINCE I HAVE BEEN 8 NOW I AM 20 AND I OWN ONE! IT IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE I WANT TO DRIVE IT 24/7. THE FEEL OF BEING IN SO MUCH CONTROL IS MAGNIFICANT AND IT HAS A DRIVE LIKE NO OTHER! IT IS TRULY THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!

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  Good car...some minor problems - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By rojo - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Really fun car to drive...I bought it for my son and I love driving it also..I have a new audi a4 and the BMW still rides as well. Have had all the typical 92 bmw problems. water pump, rear shocks, thermostat, hoses...but, overall a great car...I do wish the labor was cheaper...car mechanics see BMW and charge you acordingly...they see ya coming...

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  Spectacular car - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By ArmenB - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Amazing automobile. Quiet and smooth on the highway, great reflexes and dynamics on the back roads and race track. 175k and more solid than some new cars Ive driven.

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  94 BMW 530i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By stc - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is the perfect size. Has been extremely reliable. 17MPG city, 27 MPG highway. No major problems at all.

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  Best Car Dollar for Dollar - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr. Fun - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned dollar for dollar. It is truly a joy to drive and ride in, despite what has sometimes been reported in the news. The I drive is a challenge to learn, but once you read the manual it is easy to use. The cabin is spacious and provides ample room for both the front and rear passengers of various heights or sizes.