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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  Hesitation-awful transmission - 2007 BMW X3
  By markdi - May 3 - 8:46 pm

  I just bought a 2007 BMW X3. I test drove a different one, then took the one off the showroom floor in the color I wanted. I did not notice hesitation on test drive, but immediately noticed on mine. It is a week old and I hate it. Not to mention the stupid plastic handle that my knee constantly hits. The hesitation is horrible. It does it from a dead stop, and while driving at slow speeds. It is unacceptable to me-I want to return it. The transmission is so erratic, that passengers complain about the rough and jolty ride-it is embarrasing to tell them I spent so much on a piece of junk. I think I made a mistake. This is going to be my last BMW. I should have bought the Nissan Murano!

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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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  Previous Porsche owners observations - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By dazeahead - May 3 - 3:06 pm

  Unmistakable German engineering. Handling excellent for a car this size, but not as easy to corner aggressively as with a 911 and its "oversteer" which makes any turn at any speed effortless. This is more a touring car and less a sports car. Very comfortable and manageable interior. The iDrive is very easy to learn and use. Sport package, comfort access and heads-up (I do not have HUD) a must. You cant see the speedometer or tach when cornering which is a distraction when pressing the car around turns. Overall a very impressive and formidable automobile. Not quite the Ultimate Driving Machine, but an excellent stand-in. A 911 is a 911, period.

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  Too expensive to maintain after warranty - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Calzone - May 2 - 3:31 pm

  Nice sports sedan, lots of fun to drive in dry weather. Poor handling in snow, and very costly in repairs once the warranty expired. Several issues with AC unit, latest $1,200 for an evaporator. Real wheel spring broke after 60K miles. I am selling and getting a Honda.

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  Dont be a sucker for BMW - 2007 BMW X3
  By Bill - May 2 - 2:14 pm

  Okay, I have myself to blame. I buy a new car every two years, last one was a 2004 Acura TL--not the most expensive car Ive owned, but far and away the best car in every category. I read the reviews for BMW X3 and know the car was not higly thought of in the past--but that 2007 was a NEW year with many improvements. The gas mileage is bad! 18mpg city/highway. The tranny is rough, and at low RPM there is almost zero torque and a rough go until about 25mph. The electronics are less than high tech--the radio is pathetic for a $44k vehicle--and the rear seats, despite what the catalogue said, do not fold flat, making the rear space useless for boxes, dogs, and anything else.

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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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  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!