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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  I like driving now. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Red Snap - January 20 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now and bought it used. Which is the way to go when getting a high end car. I like to drive now, didnt before, and dont plan on giving up the car anytime soon. I hope I can always own a BMW.

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  I like driving now. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Red Snap - January 20 - 5:32 pm

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now and bought it used. Which is the way to go when getting a high end car. I like to drive now, didnt before, and dont plan on giving up the car anytime soon. I hope I can always own a BMW.

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  Not Making the Cut - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By T. Davy - January 20 - 5:01 pm

  I have had several problems with my BMW, fuel filter and pump went bad, ignition coils burning out, window regulators failing, moonroof not sliding properly, I could name a few other minor problems, but why?! Im currently in the market for a new car, maybe a G35 or C320, definitely not another BMW!

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  The Perfect Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By tslbmw - January 20 - 4:43 pm

  I just purchased this car used, with 42K miles, White, Sport pkg, 5 spd, Premium pkg, Leather, & Xenons. I believe that this car is the perfect combination of sport/balance/speed & comfort/everyday livablity. It houses two car seats in the back (although the back seat is a little tight) which is great for the family yet, is a blast to drive on your favorite backroad. The silky smooth six is just as advertised ...PERFECT! If youve got the extra dough, the 330 is definitely worth it over the 325 ... but youll be happy with either one. I highly recommend owning a 3 series (w/the sport pkg & manual tranny), you wont regret it!

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  Compare to E class - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By rick78654 - January 19 - 11:46 pm

  This is my first BMW and I finally got it right! Fell in love with this car when I first drove it early in 2004, but availability was nil. Before I returned to the BMW dealer, I checked out the E class once more - I previously owned an E430. I had some issues with the Benz in the area of seating comfort. I still find I cant get comfortable in a Benz, yet I felt like an old man driving it (E class) with the way it handles. Well let me tell you, the 5 series is truly a remarkable combination of ride quality and handling. I didnt expect such a terriffic ride quality from a BMW handling machine but its unbelievable. Easily the quietest car I have ever owned. Dont listen to the crtics

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  BMW 3.0 - 2004 BMW X5
  By KC - January 19 - 11:38 pm

  Overall awesome vehicle with solid build! Nice upgrade to exterior for 2004. Definitely looks like a man’s truck.

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  Z car 4 you....... - 2005 BMW Z4
  By BeckerScience - January 19 - 9:17 pm

  There is not a bad day when I drive my Z4 roadster. From the time I put it on, until I slide out of it,,,it is sheer happiness and performance. It thinks, compensates, makes beautiful hmusic and can store enough for a vacation for 2!. It handles like a dream, holds the road like it is attached. I love its unique lines and styling.

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  DONT BELIEVE THE CRITICISM - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By TAMPABMW - January 19 - 10:19 am

  Dont let the negative criticism scare you away from this gem. In spite of negative reviews, BMW is selling almost 11,000 745 models a year. There is a reason: it is a fantastic drivers car without sacrificing any luxury. The power is always there and the handling will amaze, and--Comfort! Do not let the I-Drive criticism affect your decision. The basic drive elements of the car are independent of the system. Most of the other systems (toys) are redundant through I-Drive or voice recognition so if you dont like it, you dont have to use it. But if you can use a multifunction remote control for your stereo/tv/dvd, you will have no problem with I-Drive, and may come to enjoy it.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jeffrey Sharp - January 18 - 9:09 pm

  A real show stopper and fun to drive, handles like a sports car and rides like a G4

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  My Beamer Rocks! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnnyOO - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I leased mine used with 15K miles. Ive only had it for 5 months and have absolutely no complaints. Its a great looking car, with excellent handling, acceleration, and braking. Whenever I drive I feel like Im on the racetrack. Watch out for tickets! It maneuvers from lane to lane on the highway with ease and it corners perfectly.