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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  enjoy driving - 2003 BMW Z4
  By paul3370 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive always owned a Mercedes, this is my first BMW. This Z4 is a real performance car. The pleasures of driving this vehicle comes from the triptronic and the fully loaded Z4 thatresponds like a cat. My experience with Mercedes was a luxury ride but this is a well engineered machine. The two downsides are the seatbelt does not rest comfortably and the interior is on the small side.

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  The Austin Healy with Performance Power - 2002 BMW Z3
  By EZRishel - January 31 - 2:00 am

  The M Roadster is definately not a Z3 when it comes to handling and performance. It challenges the Z 8 for king of the true sports cars under 150K. It is the car for those who owned or wished they owned the big Austin Healy of the 60s, but with the difference of greater reliability, better handling, and much greater acceleration and top end. This is the car for twisting roads and long road trips.

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  Juliewestlake - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Juliewestlake - January 29 - 2:23 pm

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Aldo Andreu - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with my BMW since I have always owned Mercedes Benz

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By deputy - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is great fun to drive. Once all the quirks are worked out ( window regulators) car will be fine. Would definetly buy another one if one came along at a great price.

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  Great Value In A Sport Sedan - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Convert - January 25 - 9:20 am

  I never thought I would describe a BMW as a great value but boy was I wrong. After shopping Audi, Infiniti, Acura and Lexus I found the 328i to offer a great driving experience for the money. While the competion often out horsepowered the 3 liter 230 hp BMW powerplant, none offered even comparable handling or ride. To allow owning 2 cars (my second is a Boxster S) I kept the options on my BMW everyday driver at a minimum (leather/power seats). The standard features offered provided plenty of luxury for a sports sedan with the interior offering beauty through simplicity. Most importantly, I really enjoy driving this car! Do yourself a favor, before buying another sports sedan drive a BMW.

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Retlaw - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Very balanced, excellent handling, smooth and powerful. With 6 speed manual, car really moves. Gas mileage is ok, good for this type of performance, pretty good on highway. AWD comes in very handy in New England winters, works good, just stay out of deep snow. Back seats are a little tight, as expected.

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  My First Bimmer - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By latina&herbimmer - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! I have been an avid SUV driver for years, until I test drove this car! My 325cI is fully loaded. The only option left to add was a coffee maker! Being in the miltary I drive around a lot on the installation. My 3 makes me wish I worked more than what I actually do! I have put more miles on it than anticipated, but the car is addictive. I will never go back to an SUV again.

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  323 rating - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By LESLEEBYRON - January 25 - 2:00 am

  it is solid and reliable but needs maintenance like any bmw. You cant forget about the car like a Toyota or Nissan.

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  04 3.0 -- Great Vehicle - 2004 BMW X5
  By mch2004 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased in Dec 03. Great vehicle, very happy.