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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  Superb! - 2003 BMW X5
  By Loren Reuter - December 22 - 1:26 am

  Handles like a sports car.

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  You gotta drive it to believe it - 2003 BMW Z4
  By DropTopZ4 - December 21 - 7:15 pm

  Long story short, I was so enamored with the styling and performance numbers that I ordered my Z4 3.0i via phone without a test drive. Its an awesome car that draws attention everywhere I go. To really feel the power, put it in Sport Mode and punch the throttle. If DSC gets in the way, switch it off. The stereo kicks too. Even the exhaust note sounds as if the engine is bigger than it really is. The automatic top is a crowd pleaser. Handling is solid and stable, and the ride is firm due to the sport suspension and run-flat tires. Test drive one or do what I did and just go buy one!

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  2008 535i: BMW Does it Again - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark Rexroat - December 21 - 6:23 pm

  After owning various BMWs for 10 years now, there is nothing like them. And the new 535i does not disappoint. No need to buy the 550i. This car is absolutely perfect in every way.

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  Simply the Best - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon - December 21 - 6:10 pm

  After driving this car for one year, I will only buy BMWs from this point on. The car is not only fun to drive, it is reliable. After owning American and Japanese cars, it is apparent that German engineering is the best. BMWs offer both performance and superior build quality. About the only problem I have experienced with this car is the scheduled maintenence indicator, which can be annoying and expensive to get rid of (you have to spend a lot at the service department or buy a service tool.) I would definitely suggest buying this car to anyone looking for a luxury/sport sedan.

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  My 2nd 3 Series - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By tslbmw - December 21 - 5:06 pm

  After owning a 91 318is, I knew that my next car would be another Bimmer. My new (to me) 01 BMW 330i, white/tan leather, 5 spd, premium pkg, sport pkg, HK sound system & Xenon, is a major step forward. Everything from the silky smooth I6 and perfect manual tranny to the beautiful exterior (especially the M style double spoke wheels included in the sport pkg) and purposeful interior are BMW perfect. The mid range torque is neverending and the car corners like its on rails. I find the lighter steering effort around town to be fine however, a little more feedback wouldnt be a bad thing. This is a great car that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a TRUE SPORTS sedan.

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  Just buy it - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Feeney - December 21 - 1:06 pm

  I am from a Ford Family, and love American cars. I needed to replace my 5.0 Mustang preparing for a baby, and no Ford 4 door was available with rear drive, 6 cylinder and manual tranny. Acceleration is a little slower, but still entertaining. From every other standpoint, there is no comparison. I do SCCA autocross events, and this car is a serious performer. Handling is tight, predictable, and confidence inspiring. Ditto the brakes. The 10 year old chassis feels tighter than most new American cars I have recently driven. The chassis is so finely tuned, I have learned things about cars that I would have never learned otherwise, like +.5 deg rear camber turns understeer into oversteer.

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  Happy - 2004 BMW X3
  By SUVer in SC - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Compared to my last car, Freelander HSE, the X3 is a dream. A quiet ride for the most part. A few distant squeaks associated with the panaromic moonroof. The cargo area is a good size for a small SUV.

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  Nice Car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim G - December 20 - 8:32 pm

  This car has it all!!! The "Comfort Seats" are the most comfortable I have ever had. The car is quick, quiet, and beautiful. I like the I drive with the exception of the navigation system. It is not easy to use. I would definately buy this car again.

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  BMWs Super SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By VitorJoao - December 19 - 1:32 pm

  I owened a BMW 325 ci before I got my X3. I never thought I would be getting into a SUV, at least not for a while. Although, this car is incredible. It does everything you ask it to do, and then some!! The handling on the car is superb! I would even say better than my previous sportpackage coupe. Also, another plus is its enormous moonroof. A must have!!! The car is so great that my mom and sister had to get one.

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  Awesome Car - 1998 BMW M3
  By RSetzer - December 19 - 7:34 am

  Car is awesome to drive, Dinan stage 4 pushes natural aspiration to the edge. Handling is perfect, onboard computer keeps current diagnostics, power band is perfect, can keep up with if not surpass e46 M3s in power (with upgrades to intake, exhaust, CPU...) and surpasses easily in handling. Steady drive all the way to 135 mph (never tested at higher speeds) and always fun to drive.