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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  One of the best cars I ever had! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By kriss77 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a superb car, and it is definitely the best in its class. This is a true sports sedan, that not only is very comfortable (16 way adjustable seats), but performance oriented. Acceleration times are amazing for this type of cars. 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 on an automatic, and 5.8 seconds on a manual transmission speaks for itself. The V8 produces a massive torque and every time you step on the accelerator, you get "pulled" into the bucket of the seat. If you have never owned a 540i, you are missing a lot. If you plan on buying this car, make sure you get an extended warranty.

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  BMW Z3 2.8 (6 cyclinder) - 1998 BMW Z3
  By andre - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream come true. I grew up with friends who drove used MGs, Triumphs,Sprites,and even one 1960 Austin-Healy 3000.I wanted a sports car that didnt need so much attention. I bought a 1998 2.8 Z3 last year. It is the most incredible car I have ever driven.It has more power than I will ever need, and is incredibly agile. And even though there are some "roadster type" cars on the market with more powerful engines, none are anywhere near as beautiful and stylish as the Z3.The Z3 is The Roadster Defined.Its as if those others are just poor imitations.Bottom line,it is so much fun to drive, that I even enjoy driving to work, and I work at the Post Office.

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  Great car - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By money - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The 1996 bmw 740il is one of the greatest cars ever made. The handling is superb, the performance is great, and it is a very good investment. The car holds it value, and still is a sweet looking car today.

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  Monica - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Monica - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great car!

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  My first foreign vehicle - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Craig Graff - April 27 - 6:16 pm

  After owning only American vehicles since 16 - I made my first move to a foreign car after I fell in love with the new BMW 5 series styling - Everyone that views the car seems to feel the same. I think the 550 i with the larger tires just finishes off the car as I would desire it.

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  The Most Fun Roadster Yet - 2002 BMW Z3
  By old geezer - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing! I bought the 2.5 with about every option which brought the price up to 36K, but it was worth every penny. The steptronic automatic transmission is very smooth in normal mode, and acts like a manual when in sport mode. The cornering is great and the ride is very smooth for a smaller car. As you ride the curvy mountain roads, you want to push it to the max. This roadster is more fun to drive than any I have had.

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  m3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By joe c - April 26 - 2:00 am

  after tax it hit 60k. however i feel its the best car for the $ in the world. or maybe just the best car. the car has smg transmission which is formula 1 style shifting. awesome!!! good looks and great feel.

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  M3 outperforms my Porsche - 2002 BMW M3
  By John G. - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 M3 outperforms anything on the road in its price class. The performance and handling are outstanding. The fun-to-drive rating is a solid 10. A tremendous value for the money and excellent fit and finish throughout.

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  99 BMW 328i Review - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By RDRisi - April 26 - 2:00 am

  After owning a sport packaged 5 spd 328i for more than three years now, I believe I can offer an experienced rating of this vehicle. Having spent 39K and change not including taxes on a series that started out at 27K I had high (and justified) expectations. All were met. A sport packaged 328i 5 spd delivers all the performance, fun, and practicality anyone could want from a "sedan". The car looked good, had no build quality issues, and only three minor recalls that were handled quickly. Im now waiting for an M3 that Ive just ordered, and I know I will enjoy the new car very much, but even this new coupe will not provide the user friendly broad range of qualities that the 328

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  A true BMW Marvel - 2016 BMW 4-Series
  By J. Haider - April 25 - 8:20 pm

  A true luxury with comfort, class and excellent dynamics.