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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  Wow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Macgyver - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance for all seasons. This is tops when it comes to entry level sport sedans. The all wheel drive on this car is absolutly perfect for the snow and ice in the northeast and the power and responsiveness put the audi a4 1.8t and the ugly ford-styled x-type to shame.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MrBeachguy - December 5 - 2:00 am

  All the BMW hype about the 3-series, ITS TRUE. This is one awesome ride combining sedan quality comfort with about as sporty as it gets handling. Go for the 330 vs. 325 .. its worth the extra money! See you on a curvy road somewhere!

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  My 16th birthday present - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By JChris - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Everyone at my school loves my car. I got it from my mom after she drove it for 2 years. No problems since our ownership. This car is fun and turns lots of heads. Great gas mileage! Still looks and feels new!

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  Possibly The Perfect Car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Sportscarnut - December 5 - 2:00 am

  THE best practical sportscar on the market. Looked at the 4 door M3 also until my significant other declared it "plain". Quick poll of females at the office reached the same conclusion. Take your time looking and spend about 20% over the Edmunds estimate to get an enthusiast owned car. Youll be glad that you did. High mileage is OK as long as maintenance has been done, and the pricing is appropriate. Be prepared for sticker shock on operating costs if you have owned a Honda. Dealer parts are pricey, and M-specific parts are ridiculous. 17" tires last about 15,000 miles at the max. PAY THE PRICE AND BUY THIS CAR!!

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  It Will Teach You to Drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Buzzy501 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Performance, Speed, and Handling are all tightly integrated with a great user experience. As the road conditions became more demanding, I found that this car responded at each opportunity better than I anticipated. After driving this car for awhile, it struck me that BMW needs to market this machine in this way: "IT WILL TEACH YOU TO DRIVE"

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  1st...but not my last - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Phil - December 4 - 8:23 pm

  I was so close to buying an Audi A4... then I test drove the BMW 325i. It wasnt close. The quickness and agility of this car is amazing. When the gear shifter is in DS mode car really comes alive, well done BMW. The steering and handling is exceptional, you truly feel connected with the road. I highly recommend this car. Cant wait to get another one in 2 years.

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  Its an A+ Car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By wpb - December 4 - 9:20 am

  This is the first BMW that Ive bought, and I will continue buying BMW for the rest of my life. Good performance. Good ride.

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  2003 BMW M5 - 2003 BMW M5
  By Brion - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an 03 M5 last month, and it has been on the best decisions of my life. Truely, one of the finest cars to drive. The combination of raw power, stability and comfort makes this car worth every penny.

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  everything they said was true! - 2002 BMW M3
  By oliver_m3 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  if youre thinking about getting an m3 - just do it! its wonderful - the best car i think ive ever driven and ive had six porsches! power is amazing - growls around town and nice and docile on the highway! comfortable, powerful, great on gas, reasonable cargo room, looks amazing! - what more could you ask? oh- and if you get the convertible- consider the hardtop for it. it gives you the chassis strength of the coupe - and you can take it off in good weather!

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  THE Drivers Car. - 1995 BMW M3
  By sdmf1919 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Before I got my ///M3, I had a 96 Chrysler Sebring. It was fun to drive and all but after a while the thrill was gone. I wanted something more. Something exciting every time I slid behind the steering wheel. After 6 months of searching, I finally came across my cosmos metallic black Motorsport BMW. I instantly fell in love with its sharp styling, EXTREMLY responsive throttle, quick steering, and amazing power on tap. The 5-speed transmission is the best Ive ever experienced. This is the first German car Ive ever owned and I dont think I will ever go back. So, if you love to drive but cant afford a Ferrari, look no further than the BMW M3.