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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  BMW 330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By reddevil7nine - October 8 - 6:36 pm

  Had the car for a year, absolutley love it. I slave over it to keep it clean and it still looks brand new. Only complaints I have are break dust and rock chips from Interstate driving. Then again, with breaks this big, who cares about dust! A joy to drive everytime you get behind the wheel!! Its not rated as the best sports sedan for nothing!!

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  Nothing beats the Cote dAzur in 330CiC! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By PokahPlayah - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing to drive. Overpowering engine with an easy cluch. I picked it up a year ago through european delivery, and it is worth the time to drive around the sourth of france if you can afford it. Its been very reliable over the alps and through normal rush hour commuting. Id definitely recommend this over the 328 cabrios because of the real rear window and the trunk space which justify the markup. Note: Wind deflector is required and heated seats should have been standard.

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  nice fun sexy car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By dougie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  tis is ine beautiful car with wonderful build quality. best sport sedan in the world.

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  BMW 325 ci - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cnh - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great car for the money. Yes, its a little pricey for what it is, but its a great car for someone (like me!) who is young enough to want a car that is still sporty and fun, but old enough to have outgrown American muscle cars.

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  2000 BMW X5 4.4i AWD Automatic - 2000 BMW X5
  By X5 Fan - October 7 - 10:01 pm

  Finish and quality of materials is first class. Performance is awesome! It handles in curves like any other BMW X5 or X6.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2009 BMW X5
  By Senoroso - October 7 - 9:05 pm

  Car is very nice, great build quality, great mileage on the road, looks good, passengers and bystanders both seem to like it. Driving comfort is impressive, 400 miles in the seat is nothing.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By PW - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  First BMW I owned. Was hesitant at first because of reliability issues but so far have had no problems. Gas mileage in the city is poor (avg. about 15 mpg), but gas mileage on the highway is great (avg. 31 mpg). I have the sports package with 18 inch wheels so the handling is fantastic. The car is so fun to drive and I love the small size of the car. Why are new cars so large these days? Used to own a TSX (good car too) but this car is so much more fun. Also, The RFT tires dont really bother me at all. Overall, best car I have owned.

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  Found but not lost? - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By GP, military handle - October 7 - 2:29 pm

  Bought used from a friend, parts are very high in price. Service from a BMW dealer so high that after a couple you could have bought a new car. Finding a car shop that is low in labor cost is really a job. Then finding the, they go and purchase parts form the local BMW dealer, just can not win. I love BMWs have owned a few in the few years.

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  Interior Design Needs Major Improvement - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By bmwenthusiast - October 7 - 12:54 pm

  Ive leased a 7 series for over the past 12 years. Ranging from the 03 to 07, to now 09 model. The drive is excellent as it always has been throughout the years. It is fast, comfortable, sleek and a pleasure to drive. However, the interior design has been a huge disappointment. The little space that was already in the earlier 7s is gone. The only item you can place at the dash now is a pen let alone the only place my phone can sit is the cup holder. For a business man, this inconvenience makes day-to-day travel to meetings a hassle. So much to the effect where I have even considered that when my lease ends switching to another make who has planned the interior with more practicality.

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  A drivers wagon - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By M.Cooper - October 7 - 9:53 am

  This has to be the best 3 series by far, and the best looking wagon out there. Handling, performance and fit and finish are first rate. The options are pricey but fun, especially the panorama sunroof (not available on the sedan due to its size). Sport package is worth it for the wheels and seats. Logic 7 sound system is remarkable.