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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  Z3 - Fun to Drive - 1996 BMW Z3
  By bobricher - April 24 - 2:00 am

  The 1.9 engine might be underpowered, but the car has plenty of pick up. The drive is very comfortable and smooth. This car is top down driving at its finest. Ive been getting about 31.5 MPG. Its very reliable and a pleasure to own.

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  My Fun Toy - 2001 BMW Z3
  By zippyiceman - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a very fun car to drive and draws a lot of attention. But they have to upgrade the cheap plastic interior parts and rear window

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  323I with Sports Package - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Laos - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This car sticks to the road, handling curves and turns very easily. the acceleration is perfect for passing but not for racing. the car is very smooth and luxurious inside. one should consider the 2.8L 328i if you want a faster car. the sports package and the harman kardon upgrade are awesome on the 323i. the sports package provdes the sports suspension which in turn makes for a smoother ride and better looking car. the stereo upgrade provides 200watts of pure bass. it has the volume and track changing controls on the steering wheel as well as cruise control. im glad i choses the 323i over the acura cl and tl type s.

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  Soooo Delicious . . . - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By plushredchair - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my pre-owned 1999 323i Sedan, and I could not be more happy about my purchase. The car is gorgeous inside and out. The ride is incredibly smooth and the automatic acceleration has power and control. I just sold my 2001 Honda Prelude for this car, and I am MUCH more content with the Bimmer. My friends can finally ride in my car in style and comfort. EXCELLENT BUY!

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  Fun, but totally impractical - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Debbie - April 21 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my 330Ci convertible in March of this year and traded it in September. Part of the reason was a chance to own my "dream" car and an inability to justify owning two convertibles, but part of it was the sheer impracticality of the car. We couldnt fit two carry-on suitcases and two backpacks in the trunk, no one could comfortably ride in the back seat, there is very little storage space inside the vehicle and almost none that is secure if you leave the top down. The tires cost $355 EACH and apparently only last 8,000-10,000 miles - an added cost no one tells you about. The car was already recalled with a problem within 6 months. All in all it was fun to drive, but not worth it.

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  Glad I waited - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnM - April 19 - 9:30 am

  I waited a long time for just the right BMW, AWD 6-speed manual stylish coupe, and couldnt be happier. A perfect daily driver for my needs. Always fun. Superb on two long highway trips so far. Great combination of exhilarating when pushed and serene when cruising. Unbelievable cornering forces generated even with the lowly Conti all-season run-flats. Completely predictable handling always. Firm ride is OK but big bumps cause a resounding whack when suspension bottoms - avoid potholes. Upgrade sound system is worth it - best I have heard. Bluetooth works great. Very little wind noise or buffeting with sunroof and windows open. Beautiful engine. Notchy shifter improving a bit with break-in.

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  Love my little SUV! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Karina - April 18 - 9:33 pm

  I just love this little SUV! Everyone who sees my X3 asks why I dont have an X5, very snobbishly. The fun part is when I get to reply that I do. Well, its my husbands car. I had to drive his X5 while we shopped around for my car and I have to say I did not enjoy driving the X5 it was very hard to drive. It was a work out to try and turn this tank of an SUV the X5. My husband loves his X5 & all its manly power. The X3 is very nimble and very easy to drive. It is the ladies BMW SUV. And my two small children love that the sunroof opens all the way back over their car seats. The X5 is bigger but the sun roof wont do that. Only con is small interior space. Mommys cool car!

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  Follow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By septsong - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, a lot of fun to drive. My third 3 series, but first AWD. Has plenty of hp and torque. The car shifts silky smooth.

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  problems only - 2002 BMW X5
  By danieldanko - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I got my x5 3.0 for a 4 months now and went to service for 5 times . First week- check engine light on(bad fuel cap) second visit - same problem plus problems with memory seats (no solution). third visit - check engine light again (bad fuel hose)plus headlights getting foogy (new driver headlight) fouth visit - problems with am radio(no solution still suks!) plus headlights getting foggy again (passenger side) fifth visit next week - temperature in chicago 90 degree and a\c is not working. Dose anybody has the same problems ??? Let me know

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  Ridiculous!!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By 54jordan54 - April 17 - 5:50 pm

  This car is ridiculous!! Ive only had it for 3 and 1/2 weeks and Ive already put 2,500 miles on it (including a 1200 mile round trip to Jersey). But this is the fastest car Ive ever driven in. From the way it picks up from a dead start with all that torque to the way it handles SHARP turns, and it has a CRAZY mid range punch!!! To attest to the fact its a fast car, the BMW M5 which is a 500 HP V10 only beat this car in the 1/4 mile by 1/10 of a second! I love this car and could go on forever about it!