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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  Ultimate - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By egavas - February 15 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for classy fun this is the way to go. The 325Ci has the looks, comfort and power to impress anyone. It is a very pleasurable experience to have own a BMW, it makes you feel younger and more energetic.

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  The best car on the market in this niche - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By plusdirekt - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The BMW motto in America is "the ultimate driving machine", in Europe - "the pleasure of motoring". Both quite accurately describe this particular car. I dont know any other car in this category that would compare to a BMW Coupe.

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  i love my 325 i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By PJK - February 10 - 10:00 am

  i love my 325 i. it starts with the styling. the hood and grill smack of elegance and BMW quality. the sides are indented with a ridge that adds style to the overall car. the built in spoiler on the trunk adds a sporty, but sophistacated look. you wont believe the room that the "small" 325i offers in the cockpit. you dont feel like youre in a small car and the styling is just right. leg, head --all the room you need.

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  A dream - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Santana - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I think one of the best vehicles ever produced. My family loves it. It suppossed to be my car but since I bought it my wife is driving it all the time. Last weekend after I cleaned I went for a "short" ride. Two hours later my wife call on the cell-phone... I just love the drive in this car.

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  Fast and fun... refined and reliable - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By fastdriver - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought a certified used vehicle with 13,0000 miles. This car is very refined and smooth and fun to drive. The amount of money that I spend on the monthly payment is worth every cent. I have never driven a car that is so refined, smooth, and performs so well. The way the steering is so accurate and the way the car handles at high speed. Also, on the freeway the car rides so smoothly and on rough roads you can feel the bumps with the sports suspension but it is worth the trade off for the superior handling. I know of no other car in this price range that combines the quality, refinement, ride control, and handling of this vehicle.

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  Incredible Car - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By SF Bay Area Driver - February 10 - 7:53 am

  This car is absolutely fantastic. Ive had it only three weeks and I get excited every time I back it out of the garage. Love the looks, both inside and out. Interior finish is superb and very comfortable --lots of leg room and great seats. Drive is phenomenal, and the automatic transmission shifts so smoothly. My wife and I argue over who is going to drive! This is my first BMW, and it definitely wont be my last!

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Sonya McFarland - February 9 - 10:10 pm

  Just bought a new 2006 325i this summer in electric red! Drives like no other car Ive owned. Factory stereo totally "BUMPS", Love everything about the car except, the "SHARK " fin on the back! (satellite receiver) Wish they could have done something different there. ( more compact perhaps).

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  Budget BMW - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Willie Herring - February 9 - 9:56 am

  Sports car for a sport! Bikes,skies all the gear fits inside. First class handling with 4 cyl economy. Owned since new.

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  Dream Car for People Who Like to Drive! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By New BMW Fan - February 8 - 4:36 pm

  This is one awesome car. Some of the other reviews say "fun to drive"; what an understatement! Even the 528 is fast, agile and responsive. The controls are in just the right place. This car fits like a glove. The seats are the best I have ever encountered in an automobile. I had read reviews stating the iDrive was too complicated prior to my purchase and was very concerned. Forget about it. The iDrive takes no appreciable time to get comfortable with and then you wonder why everyone doesnt use it. The sound and climate systems are terrific!

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  Another happy driver w/ silly ass grin - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Jspeed - February 6 - 1:43 am

  I absolutely love this car.