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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  Love it! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Char - April 10 - 8:43 am

  I had an older series 328. I decided to make the break and trade it in on the X1. I am so glad I did! I love the car! Fun to drive and handles like the sporty car!

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  It should be in the sports car category - 2002 BMW Z3
  By gilbert - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Althought, it is luxurious, I would classify it under sports convertible category. In everyday street driving, I think it outperforms Boxsters due to its good low-end torque. It is more fun to drive. I just cant get use to Boxsters hydralic clutch. Its 3 times better than the weak MR2 Spyder or the S2000.

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  A Bang for your Bucks - 2002 BMW Z3
  By az_hermit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  It is the best sports convertible for your money. I test drove and priced S2000, Boxster, Miata, SLK, MR2, and Spyder. This car rates #1 in my $/ (fun*performance) index. I got a great deal at $25,800 a basic model with no option in classic red/black color scheme. Great performance good torque at any rpm.

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  Drive One!!!! - 1999 BMW Z3
  By tim - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth, agile, and fast. I am glad I got the 2.8, worth the extra cash and the extra torque makes the difference. Still have not been able to break it loose, I will keep trying. This car is a keeper!

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  Drive One!!!! - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Tim - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth, agile, and fast. I am glad I got the 2.8, worth the extra cash and the extra torque makes the difference. Still have not been able to break it loose, I will keep trying. This car is a keeper!

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  Stay away - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By badnews - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most dangerous car Ive ever owned. In the two years I have owned it, the engine has blown, the electrical system has completely failed, and the car almost caught on fire. I bought it used with 42,000 miles on it and it now has 91,000 miles on it. BMW should be embarrassed. The only saving grace is that I have a 100,000 mile extended warranty. It has easily saved me $15,000 in repairs. I am about to trade it in for a Honda Accord.

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  My Sweet X5, what a car - 2002 BMW X5
  By Kofi Ankamah - April 10 - 2:00 am

  well let me tell you, the first day i got it i drove untill midnight. This was just to see how much i will love this car over the six years i plan to own it. While driving not knowing where i was going, i felt like a king, this is due to the high quality comfort i got. i cant wait to take it off road. I guss my Boxter is goin to be in the garage for a while.

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  BMW 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Paulo Castanhaes - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Ann excellent car, with everything you need to make a perfect drive

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  Beautiful - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Benz Eater - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car. When I first saw the car I must say that I thought it was ugly but now I think it is gorgeous. It has so many features. I would definitey recomend getting the luxury seats because I have never been so comfortable, especially thhe headrest that moves and almost grabs your head. I love it

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  Best car ever? - 2002 BMW M5
  By kashi - April 9 - 2:00 am

  As fast as my porsche and better built, and it costs less. So good it should be illegal!