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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  my 2001 m3 convertable - 2001 BMW M3
  By Q - March 12 - 4:27 pm

  the ultimate convertable

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Nick Wilde - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Smooth to drive and very fun inside.

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  BMW gets it right this time. - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Cratum - March 12 - 10:00 am

  A great driving experience at a reasonable price. Excellent blend of comfort, performance, styling and fun as long as there is another more practical vehicle available when the weather is poor or space is required.

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  New Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By TO//M - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded a M roadster that I had really liked, but I dont miss is. Lost a few ponies but the gains far outweigh that. Handling, rigidity, styling, comfort and features are all improved.

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  Love to Z4oooom - 2003 BMW Z4
  By theedge - March 12 - 10:00 am

  So far, I have had this vehicle for 2 weeks. Let me tell you, it is FUN. There is hardly a time that I do not have a big old grin on my face driving this down the road. The only bad part so far, is it has been raining here a lot, so I have only had a handful of Top-down days. But, I take advantage of those days and look forward to more!

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  Turning 40..Great Birthday Present - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Kathleen - March 11 - 7:26 pm

  My last car was a Honda (great) but for my 40th birthday, I wanted a special present. I could not be any happier with my decision to take the plunge into a luxury vehicle. The drive is smooth and handles the road (city and highway) better than any car I have had. BMW is much heavier than the Honda which took getting use to. However, I cant see myself owning another car. I am hooked on BMW.

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  BMW 318i Convertible - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By jtb - March 11 - 3:14 pm

  Manual Trans replaced in 3rd year under warrantee (first gear synchro went out). No other problems! Car is just as strong & solid as day I drove it off the lot.

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  BMW 740iL - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Link - March 11 - 2:38 pm

  Nice Car

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  The Best Vehicle I have ever owned - 2002 BMW M5
  By James Sigworth - March 11 - 2:00 pm

  I have purchased 27 new Vehicles in my life and this one has been the best purchase of my life. Yes, I had to pay full MSRP but got what I wanted. Enough toys to keep me happy and enough power to push me deep into my seat. I almost waited for the new 7 but I figured Ill wait till they have the bugs worked out of them.

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  Growing Pains but great car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Bill Miller - March 11 - 1:51 pm

  Ive had some recalls on my new Seven butI expected that with a new body style. I love to get the latest and greatest cars and this one fit the bill. I am use to problems with new body styles and the growing pains relating to that. Overall the 7 is to date the most advanced car I have owned and the looks have really grown on me. It was a hard choice between the performance of the M5 and the luxury and room of this new 7. I think I made the right choice.