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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  Smooooooth - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By bmr girl - August 17 - 2:17 am

  Fun and easy. This is the most fun Ive ever had outside. Ill have to move south to get more months of enjoyment. Just enough power.

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  Faaaast and safe, corners at 100mp/h - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Rukman - August 16 - 3:00 am

  Amazing handling, I drove this car today at 135mph and still felt as if I could push it more! Magnificent handling, the feeling is amazing, you can practically feel the 4 feels grabbing the blacktop. Sports mode shifter is great, the automatic clutch is a bit slow but not distracting once used to it. Brakes are amazing too! Had to bring the car from 90 to 0 in a short distance but handled beutifully (still alive thanks to the brakes) :) Will never buy anything other than BMW after this :)

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  Sunday Cruiser, Backroad Buster - 2001 BMW Z3
  By PILOT8127 - August 16 - 12:01 am

  BMWs low profile, snearing, snarling front end is what attracted me to the Z3 model. With its flared wheelwells, shark-gill slits and flattend eyebrow headlamps it just speaks motion. After two Corvettes (a 1970, and a 1980), the Z3 had to perform to keep my interest. WOW! Does it perform. With the 3.0 liter engine and AUTOstick tranny, full power burnouts are the norm with the DSC in the off position. The in-line SIX is both smooth and linear, it pulls right from idle and revs quickly. This car is by far the most FUN Ive ever had out on the road. And, it turns heads where ever I go with it. Probably the best bang for the buck in sportscar driving! Try on a Z3 for yourself.

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  I Love This Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ed - August 15 - 11:54 pm

  This car is fun to drive and it makes me smile when I drive it. The dealer was the best Ive dealt with, their service department does what it promises. I highly recommend this car and dealer.

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  Me & My X-3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By LG - August 15 - 11:23 pm

  The X-3 is a very tight riding, solid European car. The exterior styling is beautiful. It handles very well in snow. The moon roof feels like a convertible when opened fully. Gas mileage could be better, but Ive used regular gas without any problems. I do not feel the 2.5L engine is underpowered. The interior I have is leatherette and somewhat plain, but spills wipe off easily. The A/C could be a little better. I wish it had a center console. Overall, Im very happy with my X-3!!

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  My 2004 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Johnny Garcia - August 15 - 1:55 am

  Ive had car for one year now and no surprises with any break downs. Car is absolutely fab to drive. Get the Premium audio, sports package and maintenance coverage for all tuneups and oil changes, etc since its definitely worth it.

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  750i is Winner! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dan - August 14 - 11:48 pm

  Superb car, terrific drive, luxurious interior, excellent finish, driving much superior to Lexus LS430. Tons of features, all working great. Inspire respect and prestige instantly! Quality and performance at its best!

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  545i is pretty darn nice - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Momo - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 545i today after driving a 530i Sport package demo. This car is pretty awesome. The 6 speed auto transmission was surprisingly smooth and did a nice job of kicking into lower gears coming out of the apex of my turns. Anyone who thinks the new i- Drive is difficult simply lacks any degree of common sense. I found the system easy to navigate. And BMW did a nice job of adding a menu button to get back to the main screen if you shold get lost and functional knobs for the temp control and raido volume, which pretty much eliminates the necessity to use the i-Drive when you are driving.

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  exceeds my expectation - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lovemybm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Got my 530i with M Executive Package (premium package + sports package + M trimming, ie, loaded)for a year end dirt cheap price. This car exceeds everything I expected from even the high standard of BMW. It accelerates with such sweet smoothness, handles with such precision and the interior has just the right European and sporty taste. . Also did a very long test drive on the 2004 530i. If you are a real bimmer lover, go out there and grab your 2003 model before theyre all gone.

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  solid and fun to drive - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By zubby - August 14 - 10:00 am

  just got 2003 330xi for $1000 under invoice from a small bmw dealer in rural NJ. test drove car, and fell in love immediately. had an extremely good experience with dealer. they treated me very fair, honestly, and well. Owned acura integra for 6 years, and loved it but found it too small, wanted to replace it with car as fun to drive and a quieter more powerful, and more comfortable ride. bmw 3 series fit perfectly.