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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  Awesome - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By John Smith - March 9 - 11:54 pm

  very cool

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  only when it snows - 2002 BMW M3
  By maninblack - March 9 - 8:17 pm

  what more do i need to say,this is the only time that a M3 will get beaten on a road

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  Little Red Z - 1999 BMW Z3
  By hogurt - March 9 - 7:46 pm

  Fun car. If you are taller than 63, its a little tight.

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  of da chain - 2002 BMW M5
  By KSutaria - March 9 - 5:20 pm

  ive been driving the car as much as possible and i love it..the look and the performance is excellent. i highly recomend anyone who is looking for a luxurios and a powerful car, 400hp, to consider this car. aite beast and im out

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  fun but not the great car it could be - 1997 BMW Z3
  By fred - March 8 - 7:17 pm

  several small electric problems terrible stereo and speakers for an expensive car back window (plastic) scratches too easily no cup holders! some cheap finishes terrible car on wet pavement (on snow dont even think about it!)

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By queenbee27 - March 8 - 4:34 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I have never had any problems with it. As long as I maintain the regualar maintainence, the car performs wonderfully. BMW is absolutely the best in its class. I will be purchasing a new 3-series very soon!

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  Fun to Drive---Annoying Otherwise - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By KMc - March 8 - 3:38 pm

  I love driving this car! However, several things have been a disappointment. I purchased the car pre-owned (mistake), and ended up putting $3000 into it over the first 20 months. The most expensive repair was the clutch. I would imagine the previous owner learned to drive a 5-speed on this vehicle. My 2nd mistake was purchasing from Plaza Motor in St Louis. Worst buying experience in my life. Women, avoid shopping for any car here. You will get absolutely no respect.

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  2001 M5 - 2001 BMW M5
  By JavaHunter - March 8 - 3:53 am

  One of the best values on the road today in terms of super-exotic-car-type performance at a reasonable price. The best blend of luxury, aestetics, engine performance, road handling ability, and convenience, and all in a 4-door sedan no less.

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  Great car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By allawi - March 8 - 2:29 am

  great car (the best i have seen so far

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  cool car - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Homer Simpson - March 7 - 11:40 pm

  it is very fast and very cool