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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  Just did it. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By - April 17 - 2:00 am

  It took me a long time to decide to invest the money for the 325i with all the goodies, but it is worth every penny. I am loving it!

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  Best car Ive owned - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe Guzzi - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best Ive owned. Fit and finish are second to no one. No problems in past year.

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  Imitated but not yet duplicated! - 2004 BMW X5
  By BMW LOVER - April 16 - 2:00 am

  For the $$, you get, "the smile factor". It gives you peep, comfort, safety and surefootedness in the snow AND the rain! Most of all it SCREAMS success without "trying too hard!" (Porsche, H2 and ML & G class drivers can relate.) The Range Rover is successful today BECAUSE it was REDESIGNED by BMW. Asked any BMW X5 driver and very few will complain about the practicality it lacks. X5 drivers like it because its prestigious, fast, luxurious and a blast to drive! Newer SUVs today offer nothing more but increase horsepower! Like I said, imitated but still not yet duplicated!

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  A great car! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Douglass Jefferson - April 15 - 1:46 pm

  I just finally got out of a lease deal involving a 2007 Mercedes C230 sport and got what I shouldve gotten to begin with a 335i. Its very fuel efficient for a sporty sedan, its gorgeous, reliable so far, outstanding quality, and unmatched performance. I am so happy with my purchase, I highly recommend it to every one who wants a reliable luxury sedan.

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  BMW 1998 1.9 L Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By John R. Sullivan - April 15 - 2:00 am

  This has been an amazing vehicle. I have never had any drive train problems and in fact it runs as well today as when I bought it 6 years ago brand new. I feel the styling of this car is best of any roadster on the road! As small as this car is the ride is amazingly comfortable the footprint is wide and the car is heavy. It handles like it is on rails!

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  BMW Z4 2.5I BRIGHT RED - 2003 BMW Z4
  By tombrown - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the BMW after test driving the Porsche and Benz convertibles. The Bmw is by far the better automobile. The BMW came with all options except the pop up dvd navigation system. Love the Z4! Handles like a dream, enough room for tall drivers (I am 6ft 5in) 5 speed manual is smooth, engine performance is great! Dealer (BMW NW) were and continue to be excellent.

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  Breath-taking - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By rayn - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Its an amazing machine, uproaring speed and agility, i honestly cant find the proper words to describe it. it is absolutely paramount automobile.

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  Xanadu of performance and comfort - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By jay_wock - April 13 - 2:00 am

  First BMW and it lives up to the brand id of Ultimate Driving Machine. The thing is a delight to drive, and to ride in. Very comfortable. Technology is over the top, but very manageable, and I look forward to the improvements there (e.g. touch screen, easier to see graphics with polarized sunglasses, etc.). Havent driven the Audi, but this thing beats the Mercedes and Lexus hands down.

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  Just bought and will give hones updates - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By finewine - April 13 - 2:00 am

  So far I am loving it. 5 speed convert. Handles excellently!!!! Looks beyond great. Now the real test will be how well the service people treat me /car and how well the reliablity of the vehicle holds up. I will NOT be banging the car. More for show. BUT I WILL push it from time to time so it "stays in proper shape":) But I will post here so anyone looking can get an honest perspective.

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  Dont Believe the Naysayers - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By DeanW - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 3-series BMWs (95 325, 96 328 and 2000 323) in the past few years, after many years of new and used Hondas. The BMW 3 series is a great car that driving enthusiasts will appreciate, but normal drivers may not. I recently purchased a 96 328 (work car) with 123,000 miles that drives better than any Honda I ever owned. At 60,000 miles, most Hondas start to feel like its time to trade BMWs feel like they are reaching middle age. You really can not appreciate it unless you compare and feel the difference between a substantial car and a lightweight. Im not a BMW fanatic, just someone who appreciates quality and a great driving experience.