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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  BMW 528i - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By wahill - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding ride. Very impressive in the snow and on ice. Quiet, comfortable and fun on the highway.

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  No wonder theres a waiting list.... - 2001 BMW M3
  By ttocsffej - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Everything youve read is true! BMWs E46 M3 is really a race car in street clothes. From the moment you fire it up, you know it is not your normal E46 coupe. My delivery experience at the BMW Performance Center was totally first rate! Its free and you should go if you can. Driving (their) M3 on the track gave me first hand experience of this cars true capabilities, which Im sad to say will probably always exceed mine as a driver. Get one!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1997 BMW M3
  By JoeBigDaddy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  If it were remotely possible to disprove the BMW motto of, "The Ultimate Driving Machine", they wouldnt be allowed to say it. Trust me, if you have the $$$ and you want the BEST 4 door sports car on this planet, you pick up an M3, period.

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  Envy of Sport cars - 2002 BMW M5
  By X-treme Performane - March 19 - 2:00 am

  must test drive it to beleive the power

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  Suits every need. - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By CR - March 18 - 11:32 am

  Since purchacing My 328is I now know the true meaning of refinement. It preforms well without any complaints. A great mix of sport and luxury with many hidden safety features

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  This car loves the Autobahn! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By alpinebum1 - March 18 - 7:30 am

  I bought an American Spec 325xi 1 year ago and have been driving around Germany ever since (currently on 3 year tour in Stuttgart). This car flat out rocks! Its as smooth at 130mph than it is at 70. I typically drive between 100mph and 120mph when taking road trips and find myself loving every minute of it. Its even a pleasure to drive around town. I would recommend this car over all others in its class.

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  My red concorde - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Justind - March 18 - 1:19 am

  I must say even with the problems that I have had with my 540i, it still is a pleasure to drive. I am a little disappointed with BMW because over the past years of ownership I have had to replace Sunroof Tilt, control arms, radiator, wheel bearing, instument panel. It is an expensive car to run there no questioning that. That why I have a Honda. The quality of the car is excellent but the reliability could be better. I have never been stranded anywhere but there have ben tedious moments with my 540i. The performance on the car is AMAZING. You get pushed back into you Seat on full trotle takeoffs. The feeling is great. Its like having an f-16.

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  Vintage BMW 2002 Reinvented - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By tothebeach - March 17 - 10:33 pm

  Bought this 4-banging hard runner as a pup and have put all 89,000 miles on it in a variety of environments. I run it daily on n 11-miles commute, and then again have put as many 32,000 miles on it during one year (1998). Its a blast to drive, has never let me down, and I still get questions as if it were brand new - there just arent that many around.

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  awesome 5er - 2002 BMW M5
  By grnatl - March 17 - 5:48 pm

  This is absolutely the most awesome car in the world when you consider performance, comfort, passenger capacity and saftey

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  Cant go wrong with this vehicle - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Yago - March 17 - 5:01 pm

  This is an incredible car. There is not a fault I could find in it.