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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  Great car, an engineering master piece - 1998 BMW M3
  By Roadwarrior1956 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it used 6 mths ago and love this car, I own a 94 Z28 also and cant believe how close on power they are. The M3 is like a surgens scapel, the Z28 a battle ax :)

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  as edmunds says: Perfect Tanning Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By phal - September 3 - 8:26 pm

  Noone can go wrong with buying the 325 or 330 Convertible. These are simply the best in the class 4 door compact convertibles which provide the best hanldling automobiles. The solid feel at high speeds, absolute stunning looks and perennial head-turner.

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  love it - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By greg rn - September 3 - 2:00 am

  great reliable not to fast great for a teen driver

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  WOW!!! FORGET LEXUS!!!!!! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By NaughtyGirl - September 3 - 2:00 am

  WoW!!!! My first BMW, this little beauty was found in near perfect condition for less then 10K. I find this car amazing, this is my first 4 door car, and at 43 I feel grown up in my sleek gray Beemer! I had a 2003 350Z and afew other cars this year but love the timeless lines of this cutie.......

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  Classy Sport - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By tango - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 180,000 kms appeared to be in mint condition and fully serviced. Performance is better than I was led to believe with this car in automatic and the six cyl.. Handing is superb with 17 TSW wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE730s. Only problem is the lack of a cup holder. Gas mileage is great - motor runs like a sewing machine. Model looks sportier (more aggressive) than current version. No regrets buying this one and will be upgrading with engine and transmission chip and a Dinan High Flow Throttle Body. Considerably more luxurious than my other BMW (84 533i).

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  E46 M3 is a superior car - 2003 BMW M3
  By JetBlackE46M3 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second M3, but the first of this (E46) generation. I am absolutely stunned and impressed with the level of performance that has been drawn from this exceptional 3.2 litre inline 6 engine. I thought my old 97 M3 with 240HP felt quick, well this thing is unreal. You can outrun 911s and most of the muscle car crowd and look better doing it. Handles amazingly well, rides smoother than expected (even with my 19" wheels) and is an all around wonderful car. I would change very little about it except maybe make the interior a little more "Mercedes like" I guess.

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  SWEEEEET!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By deewaye - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I really cant say much bad about the car...I love the looks and the aggressive style. The 3.0 is the way to go. Everyone who is an enthusiast wants the 3.0 over the 2.5 The motor is great, tranny superb, and the handling is out of sight. I have noticed fairly quick wear on the tires. But, I do drive it with authority..If you can find one in good shape get it..The car is gonna be a classic!!!!!

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  Wagon is the way to go - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Ferko - September 2 - 1:10 am

  I just came back from Europe where a large percentage of cars is wagon. I was looking for something different than a sedan, and definitely not an SUV. (I own one). I was leaning toward an A4 Avant with the sweet 2.0 l turbo engine. When I saw the 530xi I bought it the same day afternoon. The balance of the car is so unique that I dont know of anything else in this price range. It has been a pure delight.

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  A very practical and fun car to drive. - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By isodose - September 2 - 12:43 am

  I traded in my 2004 Porsche 911 for this 335xi, needed a car for all the weather as I live in the upper midwest. This car is not a sports car like the porsche but it can hold its own on the road ( I have not taken this car to the track yet). I customed ordered this car with manual and navigation. The overall build quality of this car is excellent. I have driven the car for 6 months and 10,000 miles, no problems so far. The acceleration is there when you need it, can pass 95% care with ease on any road. The four wheel drive is very competent in any weather. Average duel mileage with 70% freeway is about 23 mpg. The iDrive was easy to use and very intuitive. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Awesome car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By D Whit - September 1 - 3:37 pm

  What a fun car to drive! After 5 years I still love it!