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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  Z3--best value in pre-owned roadsters - 1996 BMW Z3
  By dannyboy - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I am the 3rd owner of a well-cared-for 1996 meridian blue (James Bonds car from Golden Eyes) Z3. With 49,000 miles on it the only thing needed has been routine maintenance. I avg. 30/mpg using premium fuel. While the 4 clyder engine could use more power, it does well with the 5-speed manual transmission. Definitely just a 2- seater with room for one suitcase or two travel bags. Drives and corners superbly. Will replace it in a few yrs. with another Z3 but with the 2.5L motor. BMW dealer service is expensive with an oil change costing $72.

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  I am going to miss my 740iL - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jrlambert - June 17 - 2:00 am

  It is the ultimate driving machine! Fun and comfortable

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  A sweet year - 2001 BMW Z8
  By BMW-TER - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Can it be a whole year has past since I traded my much loved M3 for the Z8? I still miss the M3 - it was greatly loved, but what a replacement. Ive found myself in the garage sitting on the workbench just staring at the car. I couldnt begin to list all the comments Ive received on the car. Then there is the driving experience, but frankly, that is to be expected - it is the BMW flagship.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By spombe7 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  If you value "fun to drive," this is the car to own. There are other well-made luxuary cars that offer a better value," but none was able to offer the perfect combination of fun to drive, safty, worksman ship and elegant styling inside and out all in one package. If you shop carefully, it is possible to buy one with $500-1000 above invoice. Also, remember that 325i starts at $28000!

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  I love it - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By inlovewithmybeamer - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 37,000 miles. Ive driven it for about 3,000 more and I love it. The car drives really well, it has great acceleration, great handling, and it feels great to be driving it. I really like the looks of this car. I got the sports package on it, which includes alloy wheels, rear and front spoilers. Too bad they dont sell this model anymore in the US

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  Best car I ever owned. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By James 328is - June 16 - 2:00 am

  There is not one bad thing I can say about this car except that oil changes are a bit pricy. Bmw seriously rock. This is literally the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned many. Nothing compares to the quality and reliability and comfort of bmw.

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  Simply the Best.. - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By JDs BMW - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I can say is you do not know what you are missing until you drive one. They are fun to drive and you will enjoy every momment of the ride. They truely are the Ultimate drive machine.

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  My 2000 540i Sport 6-speed - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By jimi3 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The 540i Sport is as close as you can get to the Ultimate Sport Sedan, the BMW M5, for thousands of dollars less. The ride quality and all-around performance characteristics are top- notch. The DSP sound system is also without compromise for a factory installed system. The braking and clutch operations leave little room for improvement. No wonder BMW is called the "ultimate driving machine."

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  2002 M3 SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By matrixone - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional acceleration and handling the ride is what one would expect from the sport-tuned suspension. The SMG seems to work well in LA freeway traffic or on the open road. Styling is understated, subtly sporty, and belies the fact that this is one ferocious muscle car. Current supply/demand situation means paying premium over MSRP.

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  The Best Car in the World - 2000 BMW M5
  By mrwzrd - June 15 - 2:00 am

  The magazines are right. The new M5 is simply the best car in the world. Total luxury for five and blinding speed. What else could you ask for?