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 Roller Skates!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By acruff - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Love this car... Going to work on Mondays is fun again

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  2002 Silver 325ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By j stastny - May 9 - 10:00 am

  outstanding car. this car turns heads wherever it is. silky smooth inline six. xenon headlights are super bright. the handling couldnt get any better due to the michilen pilots and sport suspension.

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  The 330i and others in its class - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 330i (RWD 4dr sedan ((3.0L I-6 5M))is almost a perfect balance of luxury and sport. This car has excellent fuel economy it this Near- Luxury car segment. The Audi A4 Quattro has a better interior and exterior than the BMW 330i. The Infiniti G35, a big competitor to the 330 has a better looking interior also. The G35 sedan is about $7,000 cheaper than the BMW 330i sedan and is as good if not a better of a performer than the 3-series. So get out and take a test drive to see which one you like better. My wife is in line to get a new G35 coupe! So Ill tell you later which one I like better.

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  Dream car doesnt disappoint! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Paul - May 8 - 3:26 pm

  Loved BMW since a little kid, finally got one. Even entry level 328i has plenty of power and sticks to the road like glue. Many people warned me that they dont handle well in snow/ice, but I found it to be better than any car Ive ever had (including front wheel drives). I couldnt make it skid when I tried. Glad I didnt go for the "x" option, unnecessary. The car is quality through and through. Wish I had an autobahn to really run it! May do European delivery next time.

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  My ultimate driving machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By spoondog - May 8 - 12:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Its fast and corners like a go kart. I havent had any problem other than a software update. If you love to drive and feels like Jeff Gordon occasionally, this is the car for you. Just point and shoot.

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  A Rock with 4 doors - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By joneboyy - May 7 - 8:55 pm

  I think this is a close as it gets! This is my 4th 7 since 1985, they keep getting better. My last 745i 02 was crap and couldnt wait to get rid of it. This V-12 flies and get great mileage for such a huge G-force power plant. This 7 never breaks & the dealer gives me a free 7 loaner when I go for regular maintenance. The iDrive is the best part and I feel like Im on the couch when driving. I cant wait for the new 2009 models and style with power plant improvements. I have the 100K extended warranty and only pay tires. I get looks all the time with black on black with black tinted windows. Thanks BMW.

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  540i cannot be beat - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By raj - May 7 - 12:51 am

  Best car I have ever driven. Also own a CL500 and I prefer the 540 over the Merz. Great car and the only reason I would replace is if I get a 545i. Performance cannot be beat, great ergonomics. BMW really builds a car around driving. Dont get this car if you like eating or drinking in the car, thats what American cars are for.

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  New car - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By jeramie alward - May 6 - 9:34 pm

  I have always enjoyed BMWs, I drove my first one back in 04 when my mom gave me a hand-me-down 325i 94. It was a great car for a just out of high school kid to have. I now drive an E46 99 and this is by far an excellent vehicle. The fact that these cars are very electronically sophisticated makes it almost imperative that they be taken to an authorized BMW tech for service every time the engine light comes on and for all tune ups. These cars are very fragile and not as durable as others.

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  Frugal fun in the sun - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By mgold - May 6 - 1:00 pm

  Ive owned this car since 1999 and have logged 115000 on the odometer (the car is about to hit 200k). Since I got the car, its been my trusty daily driver and fun machine having taken it on several road trips (including Yosemite) and have autocrossed with it. Its also pretty frugal getting about 27 mpg in mixed driving, although due to taller gearing than its hardtop siblings, it doesnt get mileage in the low 30s like they do (the cabrio has a 4.27 final drive ratio and the sedan and coupe have a 4.10). I highly recommend any of the 91 318i models to anyone looking to get into their first BMW. Im soon retiring my car for weekend fun and buying an E36 318i for my commute.

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  1995 BMW 5 Series - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Dream Master - May 5 - 1:06 am

  This car is a mixed bag. It is extremely comfortable in front but cramped in back. It gets fairly poor gas mileage, about 19 mpg in mixed driving. OTOH it is fast even by todays standards the engine is a joy, and it handles amazingly well for such a big car. The steering is perfect, the brakes are excellent, and the controls are generally within easy reach. One exception is the window controls, which inexplicably take up most of the area between the front seats, where a console should be instead.