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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  Rocket on Wheels - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By fjz - July 5 - 12:18 am

  Awesome ride and performance for the price beats the M3. Bought to be driven hard and fast-not worried about little details like cupholders, etc.

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  Fantastic !!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By adeluca - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I use this as our third car. It is a blast. Great handling, lots of pickup. We have already been ticketed twice for speeding (just a little!) The looks cannot be beat.

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  The best car I have ever had - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By af - July 4 - 4:30 am

  Great enginnering, great looks, the ultimate drive, perfect finnish. Poor user manuals. No manuals for Blue tooth or active voice command.

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  I love this car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By glenn - July 4 - 2:23 am

  I love this car. Im 64" tall and Im still comfortable in this car. Its fun to drive and gets all kinds of looks. As far as the quality, I think its second to none. My friend has a benz in the same price range and I think my seats and dash are done much nicer, and I have about 15 hp. more than he does. What else can I say I love this car!

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  6 years later...STILL LOVE MY 330i! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Peter Bonerz - July 3 - 8:48 pm

  What can I say? This 330i has been bought, paid for, and still does everything in 2009 that it did in 2003! No rattles, no performance lag, no dings, no dents. See folks, if you take care of a car - love it (as the Germans say) the car will return the love. This BMW is garage stored but driven daily. All repairs are performed as needed. In 99K miles its needed a cam sensor, belt tensioner, 2 window regulators, and a valve cover gasket. All of the aforementioned were replaced under warranty. Tires were replaced with exact BMW spec ContiTouring (including the 5th full size spare). Mobil 1 Oil every 7500 miles. Car is a paid-off gem and looks/works in mint condition! No Civic 4 me...

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  Nothing better out there! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By beakhunt - July 3 - 8:03 pm

  Ive just finished breaking in my 2008; this car is a thrill to drive. And this coming from a guy that used to drive only as a necessary evil! From front bumper to rear bumper, this car is first-class. It may cost a bit more than some, but trust me, the first time you accelerate to 130 mph on the Autobahn (or I guess you cant do that in the States) or take a tight corner, youll be glad you spent the extra dollars! This is easily the #1 car in its class with US military in Germany, and thats against some stiff competition from Audi and the like. Throw in the warranty, and you cant go wrong!

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  Incredible automobile - 2006 BMW Z4
  By swantz - July 3 - 3:38 pm

  Dreamed of owning one of these for a long time. Finally traded my Jeep Wrangler for this certified used Z4. What an incredible automobile. Handles like a dream and Im stared at and asked about it 24/7. Handling, fuel economy, and styling is like no other.

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  Blast Your Socks Off - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By LovenMyBMW - July 3 - 9:43 am

  Bought mine as a leftover 08. Got a great deal. Idrive, Nav, Cold Weather Pack, Sport Susp, Convert, Sport Seats, Active Steer, and whatever else they can add. Owned 3 weeks, rear quarter window switch went out. Replaced w/o a problem. Dealership is excellent! Gas mileage is a little poor. But I cant keep my foot out of it. This is a great little car for fun. Works well as an everyday driver. This car is amazing. Speed, handling are crazy. Do yourself a favor. Drive one and you will be SOLD. And resale is great.

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  Everything Id hoped it would be! - 1997 BMW M3
  By Sammyzuko - July 1 - 10:46 am

  Ive owned my M3 for 5+ years now and couldnt be happier with her. I havent had any major problems with her. You do have to replace basic wear items if you expect these old cars to drive like theyre intended to*. I still enjoy every moment Im behind the wheel of this car. The aftermarket is full of options to keep the E36 driving as good or better than new. *items like bushings that would need to be replaced on any car, but the average person driving their Corolla into the ground doesnt typically care about these items or getting optimal handling out of their daily driver.

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  Incomparable car for its time - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Johnny in NY - June 30 - 11:49 pm

  The 1997 328i was my first German car and well, theyve made a convert of me. My experience with this car, despite its age was extraordinary. The handling was like nothing I had experienced until then, even surpassing cars 10 years younger. Mechanically, I never once had a problem with anything, save a brake replacement, but that was due to my driving more than anything else. My praises for this car are too many to list, but it does come with a few warnings. 1. The car is very reliable, but expensive to maintain and repair. 2. The cup holders are useless. 3. The car handles very poorly in snow and ice, as is to be expected from any RWD car. Do not be mistaken though, the BMW is amazing.