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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  Its the ultimate driving machine - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By ryan - April 26 - 12:45 am

  I bought my car used with a mileage of 75,000. This is the best car I have ever had. I love to drive this car especially on freeways because it have a lot of power in it. Its very comfortable to drive no matter how far your going. I love the engine its very reponsive, have a lot of power and very quiet. I love the looks, the projector headlamps to the roller sunblinds. This is the best BMW 7 series ever made.

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  Best Car-like Luxury SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By realblandpoet - April 25 - 3:16 pm

  I hate SUVs. Needed more space, and didnt want a wagon, so looked at the X3, and havent looked back. Closest thing to a car ride. Have bad backs, and dual lumbar support in front seats are THE BEST compared to other cars. Suspension is a little tight, though not as bad on mine w/o the sport package. Base sound system so/so only. Panoramic sunroof amazing. Backseat comfort very good - spacious, especially with sunroof. Fuel economy is my biggest gripe: average 16 MPG in mostly city driving (with a heavy foot). Overall value was great with end of year deals - probably wouldnt have justified cost otherwise. Got Aux. audio jack: Works great with iPod (dont think iPod jack is worth it)!

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  Best bang for the buck - 2003 BMW Z4
  By smokin_z4 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is truly an amazing roadster. It undercuts the Boxster by $8K and it outperforms all other roadsters in its class. I have thorougly enjoyed driving it.

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  Outstanding Convertible - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By jdcowboy - April 24 - 11:00 pm

  Love the car. iDrive better than wifes Lexus nav system. I knew it was a small trunk when I bought it and dont care. Hard top is great. Have a coupe when the weather is bad, convertible all other times. Windblocker a worthwhile accessory. Keeps the interior warm at 55 degrees and comfortable for talking at extra freeway speeds. Small car, but dont buy it to put football players in back seat. Buy it for the fun, comfort, great engine and versatility.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By 01AnthGray740iSport - April 24 - 7:44 pm

  I searched for just the right car - a 2001 740i Sport in Anthracite Metallic Gray with Black leather - stunning. I bought from a BMW dealership and paid to have it certified (smartest thing Ive done). Ive had the car for 5 months now and it has been to the dealership several times. They had to replace the radiator, the power steering controls, navigation screen, cupholders and now the opera shade in the back. However, I knew I wasnt buying a brand new car, and at 4 years old it is in great shape and now flawless! I will definitely keep this one until I can afford a 05!

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  BUY IT - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWLOVER - April 24 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my 05 325xi six months ago. I love it. It was one of the best decisions Ive made. Just disappointed that leather and bluetooth was not standard. For the amount of money you pay for the car, one can just expect a few luxuries, and with gas prices running through the roof, I wish it was better on gas. You do have to buy supreme. The Mercedes C-class is comparable, but the BMW was more sporty. Since Ive only had the car for six months, I havent had any problems. Overall, its a good car. Its a BMW.

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  road trip heaven - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By driverdriver - April 24 - 8:57 am

  Bought this car knowing Id be making many trips from Jax to Tampa. 40,000 miles later, I still am in love. Yes it hurts to pay $53 to fill up right now, but two near miss situations (I avoided stupid drivers) are worth every single penny. I cannot imagine driving anything else.

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  Practical SUV and a joy to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By Jim Burdelski - April 24 - 12:53 am

  I shopped around for about a year and finally settled on the BMW X3. I would recommend the panorama sunroof and if you ride bikes, get the trailor hitch. No need for ski rack because skis fit very easily in the back. Im getting between 20-23 mpg with regular gas. For little less than 35,000, its a great SUV.

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  6 years so far! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By jasbudd - April 24 - 12:09 am

  I bought my 1998 328i in January 1999. It had 14,000 miles on the odometer. It currently has 64,000. It has never broken down or stranded me. It is a 5 speed stick with premium package (no sport which means I can rotate the tires). The car is awsome and I am a car nut. The acceleration and handling are the tops. The HK sound system is excellent. My ave. fuel economy is 25 miles to the gallon. Yes you become one with the car, its a BMW. I have only performed the routine scheduled maintenance since owning(the countdown lights). Nothing has broken so far. I did just replace the battery 2 weeks ago (original, its in the trunk!). I hope to keep this car till either it or I expire!

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  zooooooom - 1997 BMW Z3
  By wheaties99 - April 23 - 6:34 pm

  This is truly one of the most fun cars to drive. Excellent acceleration. You definitely need manual transmission for the true driving experience.Is there road noise? yes! That is what makes this car fun. Not only do you feel the road but you hear it as well. You have to drive one to know what I mean. Step on the gas and feel the rear end squat and the front end raise!!!!!!!!!!!!