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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  The greatest SUV from BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By Pilotpaul13 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  It is an awsome car you must drive it

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  BMW 325i - Best automobile ever!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris Anderson - January 4 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. Im hard to please when it comes to automobiles and always sell them fast. Ive kept this car for 2 years now and love it. I will certainly purchase another BMW in the future.

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  What a fun car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Bobs BMW - January 2 - 9:46 pm

  This car lives up to its title "Ultimate Driving Machine" Fun to drive plenty of power and highly accurate steering. The interior ride and comfort is second to none. The navigation system and radio are a dream because of their ease of use. I would highly recommend this car.

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  M5 Get one. - 2013 BMW M5
  By Mike McManigal - January 2 - 3:32 pm

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jpherit - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive, superb handling, adequate power, decent fuel economy, great looking.

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  2002 BMW 330xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ed - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolute Drivers Car. The car has superb handling and driving dynamics. The engine is flawless and very responsive to a drivers input. The cars entirior is well defined. Its AWD system paired with its premium and sports package (with M Aerodynamic kit) make this car the best on its class. I never get tired driving my 2002 330xi because its a lot of fun to drive it whether it be on highways or mountainous roads. I love it!! BMW sets standards for a true " ultimate driving machines".

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  2002 BMW 330xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Ed - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolute Drivers Car. The car has superb handling and driving dynamics. The engine is flawless and very responsive to a drivers input. The cars entirior is well defined. Its AWD system paired with its premium and sports package (with M Aerodynamic kit) make this car the best on its class. I never get tired driving my 2002 330xi because its a lot of fun to drive it whether it be on highways or mountainous roads. I love it!! BMW sets standards for a true " ultimate driving machines".

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  Worth the money - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Kathleen - January 2 - 1:20 am

  I always wanted a BMW and finally made the purchase. I have the sports package and get about 24 mpg doing a combination of city and highway driving. Probably the biggest treat is being able to quickly merge into commuter traffic. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, merging into commuter traffic was painful. My BMW is a ton of fun to drive and I am so happy with my purchase.