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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  First Sports Car - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Forest Green - May 4 - 11:23 pm

  I had always wanted to own a Corvette, but when I reached the point where I had the cash to buy a sports car I opted for a BMW. My decision was driven by BMWs reputation for quality engineering and workmanship. Having owned a couple of BMW motorcycles and having ridden them from coast to coast and border to border more than once, I figured that a Z3 had to be a rugged machine if it was built like the motorcycles that roll out of the BMW factory. Driving a Z3 is just as much fun as riding a motorcycle and you get a lot more respect. BMW did a fantastic job of sculpting the sheet metal -- the car does attract attention where ever you drive it. Ill take my Z3 over a Vette any day.

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  Love It! - 2001 BMW M3
  By Dane - May 3 - 7:37 pm

  Where to start, picked this puppy up from my friends dealership, thought it was too good to be true. I drool every time I get to drive to and from work, thats the best part of my day. I love having a car with 330 hp that gets 30 mpg at 75 mph. The styling is fantastic. I cant wait to buy a used 07 M3 with the V8. BMW owner for life!

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  Such a fun beast to be in - 2006 BMW M5
  By TK - May 2 - 9:49 am

  Took delivery in Germany (ED program - look into it!) and received it back in the US one month later. What a fabulous car. Whether driving at sane speeds (50-80 mph) or Autobahn speeds (150+ mph) the car is very predictable and gives excellent feedback. Doesnt feel like a 4000+ lb car through the twisties. SMG is a great system, once you get used to it.

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  Perfect for Michigan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - May 2 - 7:23 am

  My 328xi has the premium, sport, and cold weather packages, and it is also a manual. Its a great car. The run flat tires are hard for Michigan roads, but Ive had no problems otherwise. The accelerator pedal (electronic, I suspect) is a bit dead, but the rest of the controls are great. There is no on-the-road performance hit compared to the sedan or coupe. I considered and test drove them all.

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  Best Entry-level Sedan Available - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By CROYBOY - May 2 - 2:00 am

  One word describes my 2003 BMW 325i: Sweet. Although Ive only been driving this car for about a month and am still in the break-in period, this car is amazing. Cant wait until I can put it to the test. Whatever you do, dont let your car get low on gas--it messes up the sensors and you have to take it in to get it reset. Leave it to the Germans to make such a solid, well built vehicle. Its too bad passengers cant get the same excitement from riding as the driver.

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  YOU MUST GET THIS CAR - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Yerushalmi - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my 330 i at age 18 and i dont think i am ever gonig to get rid of it. For anyone who wants car that is fast look great and had a good name get this car. Driving has never been this fun. Getting stuck in the 405 trafic will never ever be a drag if its done in thsi car.

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  36k AND STILL GOING 323ci - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW BUYER - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have to say that except for a few minor bugs, my 323ci has been problem free. The only issues I have had is a sunroof that was tempermental. It didnt want to open on occasion. My only other real complaint is this car produces a ton of break dust. You cant drive more than 50 miles and the wheels look terrible. The sport suspension comes on the coupe and it drives in rails.. VERY SPORTY. The Harmon Cardon stereo is a must have also. I have added the Dinan Performance Chip, and Dinan Cold Air induction, and AC Schitzer Exhaust to my car. It added about 30 HP and makes it sound like a M3. Very throaty sound.. IM IN LOVE!!

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  Came down to Lexus or BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lreeves - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for a little over a month, but it reminds me daily that I made the right choice!

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  Z4 2.5i update - 2003 BMW Z4
  By visserdove - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is one great Roadster. Highly recommend

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  Great Car - Love to Drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Satisfied Owner - 1 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  It was between the 325 and the Infinity G35. For the money, the G35 is probably a better value (bigger engine, more interior room, etc.) but, the 325 has much better/more unique styling and no one confuses it with the Altima. Ive owned the BMW for 6 months and I definately would by the BMW again. It is very quick, even the 4 wheel drive and the smaller engine. It holds the road well and is a pleasure to drive. I now understand the reason the magazines compare all the cars in the class to the BMW!