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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  Best bang for the buck ! - 2004 BMW M3
  By Michael S. - September 23 - 3:03 am

  For the money,.... its a supercar. Phenomenal brakes, even supercars can only achieve. Solid chassis rigidity. Best stock suspension. Very decent power. One time had a run in with a Ferrari 360 Modena, we were neck to neck and it was a blast. Cannot buy a better all around package for the money. Great cargo room. Good ergonomics. Comfortable ride. Cant say enough.

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  Ratings on Z4 should be much higher! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Pat Talarico - September 23 - 12:08 am

  I have driven many sports cars & I must say when comparing apple for apple this is by far the best in handling without sacrificing comfort. I drove my Z4 from New York to Florida (1200 miles) straight through with no discomfort & I am 63 years old. To sum it up, my Z4 is great in all categorys. My next car will again be a Z4.

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  Great Touring Sedan - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By King Daddi - September 22 - 1:06 pm

  Although it is a great car in many facets, living in the midwest I should have gotten the Audi A8L w/all-wheel drive. The car is quite, smooth, very roomy and is a road warrior. Up keep is pricey but that should be expected, get an extended warranty or a certified one. This car will fishtail on you in the snow and rain that is why my next car will be an Audi A8 L. Also, a bit boxy compared to the same year, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Benz.

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  328XI Coupe - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff - September 21 - 8:33 pm

  I was torn between the 335 and the 328 because of the diffrence in power, When I test drove them both I was shocked how fast the 335 was but was also surprised how much power the 328 had. I decided with todays gas prices and my left foot the 328 was right for me. This is a great all around car if your in the market for a cold weather coupe.

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  Enjoy the 2005 BMW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Karl H - September 21 - 7:55 pm

  I have owned the car for two months and loved it. The handling is incredible and I love the design of the interior. Mileage has been decent and trunk space is decent, although if you are going to have five individuals in the car, I would recommend looking at the Lexus. But, with four or less passengers, this is the perfect entry level luxery car in my opinion. Finally, this is the first time that I have ever driven a rear wheel drive car and that took a little to get used to at first, especially when stopping quickly. But, the RWD is not a big issue in my opinion.

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  Silver Bullit - 1997 BMW Z3
  By oldcarguy - September 21 - 7:20 pm

  Great ride and handling with a strong grip. Engine is a bit thrashy for a four, but the car is quick when need be. Great value for the money with good reliablity. One of the greatest styles ever.

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  Drive it - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By driveithard - September 21 - 5:48 am

  Good Car, Smooth, reliable, fun. What else is more fun to drive 4 the price? Maintain it, and drive the crap out of it and it still comes back for more....buy it, youll like it.

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  X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By George - September 20 - 3:12 am

  The X3 is a very fun to drive SUV. More carlike in its attitude with great traction in rain and snow.

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  Great BMW 325I - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By raysnuffer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is as solid as a bank vault, no squeaks or rattles. It is smooth but it has an edge to the ride. The steering is precise and quick. Acceleration is not as good as the 330I I drove, but that is why the 330I costs a little more. Gas mileage would qualify this car for compact status. It is always 20 mpg or more for city driving. Over all I am extremely happy with the car.

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  Fun-to-drive - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By HeyMario - September 20 - 12:36 am

  This thing is all about driving fun. If youre looking for a car that will please the passengers, look elsewhere, but for the driver, you dont need to look any further. The power from the 2.5L engine is surprisingly good considering its modest power ratings. The handling, of course, is second to none. We own a 1999 BMW 540i with the Sports package, but this 3-series is alot more fun to play with, especially on winding roads.