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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  A Bang for your Bucks - 2002 BMW Z3
  By az_hermit - April 10 - 2:00 am

  It is the best sports convertible for your money. I test drove and priced S2000, Boxster, Miata, SLK, MR2, and Spyder. This car rates #1 in my $/ (fun*performance) index. I got a great deal at $25,800 a basic model with no option in classic red/black color scheme. Great performance good torque at any rpm.

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  Drive One!!!! - 1999 BMW Z3
  By tim - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth, agile, and fast. I am glad I got the 2.8, worth the extra cash and the extra torque makes the difference. Still have not been able to break it loose, I will keep trying. This car is a keeper!

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  Drive One!!!! - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Tim - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth, agile, and fast. I am glad I got the 2.8, worth the extra cash and the extra torque makes the difference. Still have not been able to break it loose, I will keep trying. This car is a keeper!

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  My Sweet X5, what a car - 2002 BMW X5
  By Kofi Ankamah - April 10 - 2:00 am

  well let me tell you, the first day i got it i drove untill midnight. This was just to see how much i will love this car over the six years i plan to own it. While driving not knowing where i was going, i felt like a king, this is due to the high quality comfort i got. i cant wait to take it off road. I guss my Boxter is goin to be in the garage for a while.

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  2000 X5 Rating - 2000 BMW X5
  By jwnorris - April 9 - 2:00 am

  For a first year production the X5 has proven to be a top performer. The X5 includes all of the BMW characteristics as the other models. We have experienced only minor problems, e.g. key remote control of outside mirrors is not consistent and is a problem BMW knows about. The console became difficult to open and was corrected. The tailgate has been criticized because it has a top and bottom that open independently. However, when you open the top part of the door everything stays in place rather than rolling out and down the hill, thanks to the bottom part of the rear door. Performance is awesome! It handles in curves like any other BMW and is a thrill.

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  BMW 745i - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Paulo Castanhaes - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Ann excellent car, with everything you need to make a perfect drive

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  Beautiful - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Benz Eater - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car. When I first saw the car I must say that I thought it was ugly but now I think it is gorgeous. It has so many features. I would definitey recomend getting the luxury seats because I have never been so comfortable, especially thhe headrest that moves and almost grabs your head. I love it

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  2001 Z3 Review - 2001 BMW Z3
  By jwnorris - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Z3, the others were a 1.9 and a 2.8. This car is awesome to drive and turns heads everywhere we go. The Harmon Kardon sound system is top notch. Performance is exciting with 225 hp and a 5.9 0-60. Fuel economy averages 21 miles per gallon. All hardware is solid inside and out. Very comfortable even on long trips thanks to great seats. Wind noise and motion is minimal with a windscreen option. Handling is near perfection in curves or any weather.

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  Best car ever? - 2002 BMW M5
  By kashi - April 9 - 2:00 am

  As fast as my porsche and better built, and it costs less. So good it should be illegal!

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  The Ultimate Car - 2002 BMW M5
  By alex grossman - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Only the envy of not owning this amazing automobile can make you not like it. I´m in LOVE with my car.