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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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Shawn Carter - December 24 - 2:00 am

  EVERYTHING. THE VEHICLE IS MAGNIFICANT. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO CAN AFFORD IT. LOL. I HAVE WANTED ONE SINCE I HAVE BEEN 8 NOW I AM 20 AND I OWN ONE! IT IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE I WANT TO DRIVE IT 24/7. THE FEEL OF BEING IN SO MUCH CONTROL IS MAGNIFICANT AND IT HAS A DRIVE LIKE NO OTHER! IT IS TRULY THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!

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  Spectacular car - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By ArmenB - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Amazing automobile. Quiet and smooth on the highway, great reflexes and dynamics on the back roads and race track. 175k and more solid than some new cars Ive driven.

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  94 BMW 530i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By stc - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is the perfect size. Has been extremely reliable. 17MPG city, 27 MPG highway. No major problems at all.

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  Best Car Dollar for Dollar - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr. Fun - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned dollar for dollar. It is truly a joy to drive and ride in, despite what has sometimes been reported in the news. The I drive is a challenge to learn, but once you read the manual it is easy to use. The cabin is spacious and provides ample room for both the front and rear passengers of various heights or sizes.

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  My Best Vehicle Ever - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Ed Giannasca - December 23 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 BMW 745Li Sport Sedan is a very special car. The new 7 series has met a lot of criticism and I wish to speak up. The comments and abuse about the i- drive is a lot of hype and I do not see it. The i-drive makes it very easy to control the day to day functions of the vehicle. The portable phone has the ability to scroll through the entire address book to retrieve a number and you simply tap the mouse to dial out. My car is in Jet Black with the pearl grey sport interior and all blacked out trim. I regularly have people looking at the car wondering what it is. It has a very aggressive yet subdued appearance.

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  M3 4dr Std - 1998 BMW M3
  By phr - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding handling and braking abilities. I prefer the E36 interior and exterior styling to the E46 series. The only way to learn the potenial of this car is to drive it on the track. Spend a weekend getting instruction in the car with the BMWCCA. After that youll really appreciate what the M3 is all about.

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  WOW, Finally got the BMW 3 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By caniban - December 21 - 6:50 am

  Had Acura TL & Lexus IS300 before the 330i. My take: Ordered steptronic, way good but I just drove my buddys M3 w/SMG. Should of got SMG. Performace: I drove his M3 before picking up my 330, thought I be discontent, nope! Got Nav: isnt intuitive as Acura but does the job. Idrive: cant believe all the bad press, wouldnt have ordered it but comes w/Nav. Anyway, I love the custom programmable settings. No wonder MB, Audi & Porsche are all coming out with their own versions. SIRIUS: I like programing better than XM but the reception blows, not BMWs bad. Terra seats look sweet! Only one CD but it reads MP3 too. On SIRUS or IPOD exclusively anyway. Overall, the 330i is a complete package!

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  Worth the wait..... - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By dlgseattle - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Friends in our small Midwest town cannot understand why I "settled" for this car when a new Chevy could have been purchased for the same price. If they could only drive this beauty, they would understand. The performance and handling of this car is pure joy compared to its American counterparts. In addition to being rock solid at 90+MPH (reflecting its autobahn roots), it handles the tightest of curves like a steel rollercoaster. I can barely stand to drive the family minivan anymore!

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  BMW Smile - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ted C - December 19 - 2:33 pm

  This is my first BMW, had I known it was this good, I would have gotten one a long time ago. Test drove many others in its class but this car is head and shoulders above the rest. The others, although very well constructed and outfitted, were like riding on a comfy couch going down the highway, the BMW, you DRIVE. Ride, handling, acceleration all perfectly melded into truly an "Ultimate Driving Machine". This car is almost too much fun to drive. Hopefully it will not be too hazardous to my driving record!

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  How to get a smile on my face? - 2003 BMW Z4
  By silverwolf714 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a convertible for quite some time. When the Z4 came out, I immediately thought I can stop looking. Love the looks, and love the performance even better. I had wanted to keep my old car since it was paid for, but after driving the Z4 for a couple of weeks, I simply had to sell the old car. Now I am buying a truck as my second vehicle because I simply refuse to drive anything else. Drive one and youll know what I am talking about.