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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  Makes me find excuses to drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rgzimmer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my convertible bimmer as a replacement for my old Mustang. Ive read a lot of great reviews on the car and its got the classy look Ive been wanting. I went to the dealer and took a test drive and fell in love! I look forward to driving it all the time. I jump when someone needs to run up to the store. I dont mind the brake dust, though it is excessive. It gives me time to admire my ride. :-)

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  My Dream - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Karo - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted this BMW for several years. It definitely is a WONDERFUL vehicle.

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  Silver w/PP - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ksm1998 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a car nut, had owned 11 in the past 6 years. I have to say that this car is the best so far, even more than my S2000 (and about as fast). Quiet interior, handles great. Thick M steering wheel helps. Shifter not as nice as S2000, but I dont think there is anything in the world that is.

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  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By CJ SWART - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My Z-4 is great handling, responsive fun and solid. It is a great car to drive. Really get attention to.

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  beats up on boxters - 1999 BMW Z3
  By ronnielaguna - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Handling is amazing, i corner it as hard as possible and the tires just wont break lose, freeway ramps feel like astronaut training. The unusual styling grabs to much attention at times it seems almost everyday someone asks "what is that" Some people just rave about it others just dont get it. Im going to make some modifications, new chip, exhaust and intake and take it to the next level.

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  As close to perfect as I can imagine - 2002 BMW X5
  By AJM - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My only gripe is that the cupholders need to be able to hold 32oz bottles or cups. 12oz beverages are a German thing I guess. The performance is excellent and I highly recommend going to South Carolina to the plant to pick yours up. What an experience!

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  2001 525i review - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By gammak - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Other than for two recalls, very satisfied.

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  328i Wagon - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By ks - March 31 - 5:13 pm

  Zippy 6-speed wagon in a color to match...Montego blue. Handles well and grips the road. Run-flat tires dont add noise like my former X3. Gas mileage is excellent with the manual transmission.

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  The superstar 0f SUVs!!! - 2002 BMW X5
  By spunky - March 30 - 5:36 am

  The more I drive it the more I love this car. The performance of the 3.0 is impressive. Must say I was suprised at how well It handles, it inspires confidence.Super fun to drive. This is my first BMW, it will not be my last.

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  Best car Ive EVER bought - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By DrD - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Except for the cheap plastic cup holders that keep breaking.....and these are replaced FREE....this is absolutely the best car I have ever bought or driven. I can see why Consumers Report and all the car magazines love this car!