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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  BMW 7 Series, Pure Fun - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By loansbrad - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive -- adrenaline rush every time you get behind the wheel. The Mercedes S-Class may be more respectable but it doesnt come close on the funmeter. Holds tight on the corners, responsive engine, tremendous brakes. i-drive is a little hard to learn but becomes second nature after a while. Recommend adding laser cruise control - - it works well in busier freeway driving. BMW purists may not fully appreciate this car. But, I say get behind the wheel just once and youll be sold.

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  Great buy for the money! - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By allawi1 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value, better than expected with soothness of drive and very impressive engine !

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  Great car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark R - August 18 - 2:00 am

  No problems. Fun to drive. A little bit small, especially for 5. Nimble, rugged engine. Great handling. Good in bad weather.

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  WOW !! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By J.B.A. - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first BMW!! But it WILL not be the last! The handling on the highway, especially in traffic and through the endless construction zones surrounded by trucks, is incredible! I feel safe like never before, and driving is actually FUN!!

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  Unequaled ! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim3. - August 18 - 2:00 am

  As a former SCCA competitor and driving school instructor, I find this vehicle to exhibit a tenatious, forgiving dynamic, while remaining comfortable, economical (30 mpg highway) and never trendy. The only complaint is the long, rather numb clutch throw which defies by best efforts at a smooth 1-2 shift !

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  BMW 325is - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By ICatchYou2004 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! i love it!

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  commuter surfmobile - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By screech - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Love this little car. 5speed gives it enough power to do whatever I need. Drive twisty narrow roads commuting 50 miles each way every day and couldnt be happier with this car. Back seat folds down and I can fit my 9 foot surfboard inside. Gets almost 30mpg which is nice with gas $2.30gal out here. Extremely reliable, but I do maintain it faithfully. Have E30 M3 and 325is too. For a everyday economical driver, this is the best....

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  Great car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By hoopzmaker57 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Buy the car. It is great. It is fun to drive and very reliable. Go buy it now.

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  All arounder - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By John Johnson - August 17 - 6:06 am

  Our problem was living in the city and not wanting to drive a big car, yet going to the country house and having to carry all the stuff, golf clubs, suit cases etc. Turning radius is also very important in the city. The wagon does it all with ease. I love the keyless ignition and heated seats are a must. Its the only small car that has this kind of appointments and space without getting an SUV.

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  X3 Owner - 2005 BMW X3
  By Brewer5 - August 16 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned the 2005 X3 for about a month and I have truly enjoyed the comfort and solid performance. The 3 liter engine is responsive with 225 horsepower. The interior is very comfortable, even with 4 adults, but could use more storage space. Panoramic sunroof is great on the 2 trips Ive taken with it. The automatic transmission has the ability to shift as a manual is a great feature when driving in the city. Overall very pleased.