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 - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By max parker - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Highly underated car. More nimble than a 325ic, feels more like a sports car with the high revving motor. Throw a performance chip in it and it will smoke a 325ic automatic. Less frill than the 325, but also less to go wrong.

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  1998 BMW 528 - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By Bob Gottlieb - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving BMWs off & on for 20 yrs. Started with 3s, movedup to 5s. Driven Saabs, Infinitis and Mercedes in between. No other production sedan handles like a BMW. Quiet, catlike on turns and NOTHING brakes like a BMW. Great sight lines too.

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  oh boy, do they oggle my car.... - 2003 BMW Z4
  By clogozm - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Also got a great deal on a fully loaded 2.5 Z4 (minus the upgraded stereo system) - got it below MSRP. It is such a smooth ride compared to the TT, the SLK, even the Porsche 911. The handling is great. Very responsive steering, its zippy! It is also a very solid car. The top goes up and down so fast, in about 10 seconds. The trunk space is huge for a roadster. Get all the packages you can afford, it is worth it. The only thing is, if you can afford the 3.0 you should get the 3.0, although the power on this baby is definitely good enough! and it has cupholders!

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  Best car yet - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Bobbo - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Z4 and I love it! I constantly hear compliments from other motorists on a daily basis. The back roads of PA have never been so fun!

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  Value oriented roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By kahrboy - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded 02 Corvette as I wanted a car a little more feeling like an old school sports car with a litle muscle car feel. Corvette is a five second 0 to 60 car that handles well, but cant get over speed bumps and every kid in a 5.0 Mustang(Mustangs are a great buy)feels they must race. This car gives up a few tenths 0 to 60 and is not a contender in the quarter. However, on the twisty roads it is more fun than the C-5; I think a better value than the excellent Boxter. For 60 k the Boxter S cant compare to the Z06 with 10 K left over.

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By ehl - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, handles very well, looks impressive, and a real babe magnet.

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  BMW X5 4.4i Sport - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mohammed Sadek - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance in all areas. Like the brakes a lot - progressive and nicely weighted. Steering has accurate feedback, even better from the seats themselves. Very fun to drive, with little body sway The quality of the materials themselves and fit and finish is outstanding. i dont think quality and reliability is an issue. Just close the substantially heavy doors and listen. I dont why some people say the quality isnt good....a find the car much tighter than a Toyata Landcruiser

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  awsome - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jwds - October 17 - 2:00 am

  super awsome it is a great car!!!!!!!!!

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  xi on ice - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By PatrickW9 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  We didnt want to exchange tires twice a year, so I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on our new 330xi. This winter gave us hard rain, lots of snow, glare ice, slush, hail, etc. At normal urban and highway speeds, these road conditions were essentially irrelevant. When hard driving on slick surfaces, the DSC-X sometimes cut in, giving all-wheel traction when accelerating and cornering like ABS when braking. For performance driving, one may want to turn off the DSC, but for safety we just leave it on. In the land of the ice and snow (or wet, or muddy...), I can recommend the xi with either the Pilot Sport A/S or a winter set of Dunlop Winter Sports.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By KeithA - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Nissans all my life,and when my I30 lease was up, I looked at the G35. Almost leased it, until I test drove the 325. The G35 is a great car, but I thought the 3 series was better. BMW has a better interior, better styling, better handling, and holds it value longer, and I didnt have to wait for a manual.