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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  1999 BMW 323I - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By John doe - December 31 - 12:08 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned in reliability, fun to drive, and utility. It has only been in the shop a few times for routine maintenance and performs nicely to this day.

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  What a blast - 2004 BMW M3
  By Mr. CD55 - December 30 - 11:37 pm

  Ive owned a few sports cars, and nothing can match the fun factor of my M3. It makes me smile every time I drive it. Great power (esp for a 6), great handling, looks awesome, and my local dealers service dept is the best to boot. I am in the process of ordering a new 06 M3 coupe and will be doing the European delivery. I will never buy anything but German cars from now on.

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  Still fun - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cabimmer - December 30 - 8:15 pm

  Bought this car after owning a 95 M3 for its four doors, steptronic tranny and luxury features. Still fun to drive, always feel the difference after being in the wifes Lexus SUV. BMW engine, tranny and handling are great, but the interior and electronics are subpar. The newer ones are getting better, but I just dont think the germans know as much about electronics as the japanese do (Ive owned 2 BMWs, 2 VWs, and 2 Hondas). On the flip side, BMW just feels better on the road than the japanese cars do. Overall a very positive experience!

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  no regrets - 2004 BMW X3
  By bluecoyote - December 30 - 8:00 am

  ive been driving it for 1 and 1/2, and like it so much will likely buy it when lease is up. had an initial problem right after delivery - rattling windows. Dealer took care of it, no problems since. I have the faux leather interior which is awesome for my big dogs. Wish the trunk was little roomier and wish they had offered satellite radio at the time of purchase, but otherwise, its great. Good gas mileage too. Would recommend this to anyone thinking of a crossover vehicle.

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  Value of iPod - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Mary Lou McCammack - December 30 - 2:31 am

  Driving this BMW is a great experience each time I start the engine, except for the iPod screen warning that comes up everytime. I treat it like an annoying child, and try not to pay attention to it. Finally, though I have to acknowledge it to work the radio, ect. Oh well, small price to pay I guess, for a great car. I was surprised the visibility in the convertible with the top up was excellent. This is really a 2 person car, with room for 2 small children.

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  Wish it used less gas - 2005 BMW X3
  By yetialan - December 30 - 12:56 am

  Wow what a great car/truck/suv. I would expect it to get better gas mileage since it is based on a car platform. Awesome ride and handling and what an amazing sunroof. Got the red leather interior. Interesting no one has it so it looks sharp. Easy navigation system. Not that much room in the trunk area but certainly enough. Feels rock solid on the road and safe. Memory seating build into key fob has to be one of the best features along with heated steering wheel. Great sunroof. It sure holds its value. Hope this helps. Thanks

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  The 2.5 Manual Has Enough Power - 2004 BMW X3
  By H. Jones - December 29 - 6:01 pm

  The 25 liter 6 speed manual trans. offers gear ratios which are correct for the nenine. I get 20 mpg around town and 27-28 mpg on the road. I have heard complaints about the power. I live in the Rocky Mountains and have not trouble with power as well as no trouble with passing. Perhaps, drivers dont like the managing the power with a manual transmission. It takes deep snow well and will do a good job in mud (we have both). I replaced the original tires at 20,00 miles with Kelly Navigators good tires! The only problem I have had is the seat cover on the drivers side cracking. It handles so well I think many sedans would be poor by comparison.

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  More than I expected!!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Ab - December 29 - 5:41 pm

  I just got my Z4 for my 28th birthday (16255 miles in excellent condition from one owner!) and I am very impressed. This is my third BMW (currently own 06 330i and previously owned 03 325i) and with out fail it drives to my expectations. This car has every option except NAV and AT. Good acceleration (sport mode) and remarkably quiet. My wife was very impressed after the test drive and we got it! The car makes a better impression in person, than through pics. Interior is nice with remarkably good space, especially the trunk. Now we have to wait for the spring (live in MD) to truly enjoy it, but that doesn’t prevent us from driving it on the weekends!

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  Stepped up their game - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By R.J.Romae Llc - December 29 - 12:28 pm

  Driving this car compared to the previously owned 2002 same model there is a big difference. The car now has a big car feel, big car ride,and big car power. That along with its maintenace and warranty program make it fun to own and drive. I have owned a 318i, 525i, and three 530is this is the best one yet.

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  BMW M3 - 1999 BMW M3
  By John Elliott - December 29 - 12:25 am

  Overly hyped -- not really that fast -- very nose heavy with lots of body roll. Acceleration is torquey but not blazing at all. This is my second and last BMW. They are very much like Audis -- kind of nice but unrealible and not really all that great a car.