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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  great fun - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve S. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  absolutely the best vehicle ive ever owned. Fun to drive, comfortable, sporty, catches everyone eye.

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  my third - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By karl032359 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  my third 325. my first all wheel drive. the car ROCKS. so much fun. LOVE it. only thing, if youre on a budget, gas is a bigtime lover of this car. the all wheel drive sucks it up FAST. hitest fuel only please...

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  Baby Boomer Beemer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By R Lewis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great two-seater that can hold four. Really fun to drive, especially with the top-down at night in Southern California. Superb stopping and acceleration. An M-3 in disguise.

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  maintenace - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By sherry flewellen - July 30 - 10:00 am

  my car has had alot of problems window regulator went out conpressor went out brake problems radiator tank cracked air conditioner would cut off for a few minutes and come back on

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  the ULTIMATE driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw baby - July 30 - 10:00 am

  good looks, A to B in no time, nice styling, excellent ride, good value for your money. Interior, though, could be a little bigger.

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  Bare bones is better than no bones - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By AEH - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling, breaking, solid feel is just remarkable. The others just did not measure up. I drove the automatic with a bunch of features but opted for the manual with NO options. I guess I am a bit old school but I love the control and feel that manual gives. I would have taken a manual with the premium package but none where on the lot. In the end, I loved the car more for its feel than for its options. It shifts smoothly and accelerates very well. Can go from 60 to 80 mph with a slight touch. It is solid. The best car I have driven.

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  the ULTIMATE driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw babyboomer - July 30 - 10:00 am

  good looks, A to B in no time, nice styling, excellent ride, good value for your money. Interior, though, could be a little bigger without becoming a 5 series.

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  06 530i - A Great Improvement - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By 06 530i Has It All - July 29 - 5:53 am

  After two days with this new 530i, Im thrilled I bought the vehicle. Engine responds flawlessly and acceleration is instantaneous. Logic 7 Premium Sound System is a tremendous feature for audiophiles like me. No changes in body or interior design or style over the 05, but the new magnesium/aluminum engine is unbelievable.

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  Z Fore Fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mlife - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun, turns heads, clean look inside with the creature comforts youd expect from a $40K car and BMW. The ride is like a sports car, you feel the road but thats what I was looking for. The engine sounds deep and smooth and will get you up to the speed limit fast enough for most commuters. The top goes down fast (10 sec) with little wind at speed.

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  Extreme Satisfaction - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Casmir22 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Each time you enter this car and get on the road you are amazed at its amazing handling and comfort. I feel as if I am sitting in an easy chair. The ride is smooth and quiet, unlike avearage european made autombiles and better than both the Mercedes 2 & 3 series. I also prefer it over the Lexus counterpart. What continues to amaze me that even after all this time, the car still makes me smile and shake my head in surprise, each ride. Its a never ending joyride that I feel completely safe in because its response is unquestionable in all situations the car stays with you. I planning for the new 530i as we speak.