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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  sweet & sour - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By johnmn - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car. Hate to fix it.

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  This is a SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By Ha Ha Ha - April 29 - 2:00 am

  After a year of casual driving, this 3.0i still performs like new. You can see and feel the craftsmanship from in and out. The Neon lights are nice, the bold rear mirrors, and of course, its BMW name (not someone said: Big Mouthed Woman). After a year of 7,000 miles endend driving, there has no problem yet. The set-up of on-board computer seems to be more than sophisticated than you want, but, live a real life then.

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  The new E90 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By THX1138 - April 28 - 10:40 am

  Having owned 3 E46s since they were released, and just purchasing the 3rd one (330cic w/ performance package) a month ago, I was a bit worried about the new model. So far, I LOVE this car. Internet pictures and reviews do not do this car justice. I purchased a 330i Silver on Black w/ Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, and iDrive/Nav. The car is fast, comfortable (larger interior), fun to drive. Its everything youd expect from a 3 series plus more. The sound system is excellent, and I love the ability to use voice commands to control the iDrive. Add in a bluetooth phone, the ability to make calls with one push of a button without ever touching your phone is a really winner in my book.

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  My best BMW yet - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By carole - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Even better that my 740iL and Z3. Many previous reviewers scared me, but I took the plunge and the car is great - aperfect mixture of luxury and driveability.

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  Top notch car !! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 1stopauction - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car all around !! Best handling and braking and great acceleration makes this more fun to drive then any other car in its class. This car is also a great investment because it has some of the best resale value anywhere...

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  LUV MY Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lovemycar4ever - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Although I only have the car for a short time, it is the BEST investment that I have made! It is so well built and rides like a dream. The heated seats are very comfortable and the power top is a breeze to put down. I have never been happier with a car! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Hard to Beat - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JP - April 27 - 9:43 am

  Superb handling convertible, especially with the six speed and performance package.

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  I love my BMW - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Cezary Lachowicz - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive purchased a 2003 BMW 760Li in february, scince the first test drive, i have fallen in love with this car. I have driven many cars, including the mercedes-benz s-call, but none have proven to be as luxurius, as powerful, as reliable, or as great to drive.

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  Instant Woody - 2003 BMW M5
  By Mellen60 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is all that and a bag of chips. Fierce power, Awesome handling, First Class Sytling. I feel like a beast when I drive it.

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  BMW 740i -- Sports Package - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Cutterguy - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly the ultimate driving machine. Its a full size sedan that handles like sports car. It sure footness and accerlation not only makes it safe but fun to drive. THis is one car I always look forward to driving.