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 30 Grand Sedan - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Bond - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the price.

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  Sport package w/ 17" rims - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jdiehl - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Getting ready to turn in my 3yr lease vehicle and Im not wanting to give it back! This car gave me zero problems in the 3yrs that Ive driven it. This is my 2nd bimmer and will not be my last. When I first picked it up, everyone thought it was the new M3 (in 99) because of the sport package (really glad I got that option). :-)

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  look out open road - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By bigb - March 31 - 6:13 am

  Bought it recently and car was well cared for. What a car-like going on vacation every time behind the wheel- just pure pleasure. I know it will eventually cost me but who cares-you cant take it with you. If you have the desire-try one used and you will see what I mean.

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  unexplainable feeling, BMW! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By carlo - March 31 - 2:00 am

  If you are picky about one or two repairs( which can happen to any manufacture ) this in not a car for you. But if the performance the handling or the safety such as 50/50 ratio is what matters, give it a try...

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  BMW 323i - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mnbiker - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely rock-solid. No reliability issues of any kind. If I had it to do again, I would have purchased the Sport package. Otherwise no regrets.

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  Perfect combo of performance & value - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DUCE68 - March 30 - 6:47 pm

  I bought my car used with 5k miles, it now has almost 9k, no problems whatsoever. It is base model, so options limited. Reminds me of the older BMWs and ALFAs of the 60s & 70s. Handling is superb (Ive previously competitively raced ALFAs). Although engine power is slightly less than some competitors, the broad powerband and sound of the engine is a sweet blessing. Ive got the auto, would have bought 5 speed but price was right on steptronic, and the tranny really works with the engine to deliver the best ratios for whatever driving you do. Not worth the money for the extras or the 330i, youll be happy with the base 325i if youre an enthusiast! Happy Motoring to all....

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  Pleasure - 2005 BMW X5
  By Jess - March 30 - 2:32 am

  I use this as a 2nd vehicle but always looking for ways to drive it more. Just took it on long drive. What a great ride, cruising at high speed always felt solid. Hit some very heavy rain handles superb. May upgrade to the 4.4

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  Another Great 3er - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 29 - 9:09 pm

  Incredible in every way! After owning many BMWs this is no disappointment. My last was an E36 99 M3. BMW has come a long way in terms of refinement, but build quality has suffered a bit compared to the E36 cars, especially interior. It is nowhere as "raw" as the previous generation, which some owners may see as regression. Smooth torqueband, perfect styling, handling hardwired to your brain. This car is really so much fun to drve and like any other BMW, you love it more and more every day. Reliability is perfect and even maintenance parts are dirt cheap compared to Honda, Toyota, etc. Just know where to look!

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  540i - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Atlanta - March 29 - 6:17 pm

  E39 540i is one of the best cars ever made, bar none. With that said, there is one thing to watch out for when purchasing one, the cooling system. Water pumps with PLASTIC impellers, PLASTIC expansion tanks that crack, Thermostats that fail, and radiators that usually dont last past 70K miles. CPO is great, when it runs out, do-it-yourself and save a bundle. This car is put together right and working on them (and I didnt until this car) is a breeze. You will not be disappointed with this car.

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  Hmm - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By skobola - March 29 - 10:46 am

  I leased this one after having a 2003 BMW 325i (E46), and was actually expecting more performance, as the HP got increased 17%, however, the car remained to be pretty much the same. In addition, the RFT Bridgestones are very noisy! They screwed up the cup holders as well as the window and locking commands - I believe that they were better in the old BMWs. Otherwise, everything else is very good, and I love the new feature of having the automated wipers and Bluetooth connectivity with my cellular phone.