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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  97 Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By beatless - July 20 - 2:00 am

  97 1.9 Z3, silver and black top. I think is the best color combination for this car. The 4cyl eng from the 318 is expectedly not powerful but enough for cruising. Fairly good on fuel but my accord is better. Somewhat cheap interior but otherwise its nice. The exterior is what shines on this car, it is pretty with top up or down. The short throw 5-spd and good brakes makes it easier to drive. The suspension could be tighter, at times it wanders esp. on rough roads. Wood interior is classy but the LED clock is almost useless topdown at daytime.

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  2004 Z4. It is Zelightful! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Moneil9 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  3.0 Great car for the money. Head turner wherever I go. The Olivin Green color is stunning. I have a light leather interior and Beige top. Ironically, that combination is not an option on the BMW web sight. Pleasure to drive, great handling. Love the heated seats,power top,6 speed & 10 speaker stereo. Cup holders are weak-lousy design. Soda cans/cups- condensation drips into elect. window siwtch-not good. Could use a few more ponies 250-275 bhp would be better. Overall very satisified, and would highly recommend.

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  Havin fun, now. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By ZSag - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. The bright red paint and sculpted lines get lots of looks! Handles great, build quality is impressive, rock solid. Ride is a bit on the firm side but not punishing. Fully automated top is a breeze to use. Tenacious grip is a blast.

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  Great Car for a short while.. - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Ingersoll929 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is excillent for getting noticed and for the looks.However, when things mechanically go wrong, it seems like anything less then $500 isnt in the question.The trunk does leak, Engine rattles like no other, and the ride isnt very smooth at all for being a BMW. Trust me when i say you feel EVERY bump or rock in the road.Other then that its a very fun car and its great to be noticed in!

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  THE SUV OF DREAMS - 2001 BMW X5
  By MUKA97 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL THIS IS THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER DRIVEN COMPARED TO ALL THE HIGHLINE SUV.

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  Technology Falls Short - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Mark Dunham - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The voice activation doesnt work well and the electronics seem to need constant updating as the phone and navigation system dont always work properly. The steering has a vibration in the steering wheel until the low profile tires warm up, which takes about 8-10 miles of driving before this goes away. This is not what you should expect in a $70,000+ automobile.

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  Fun value - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By commuter123 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over 4 yrs now, originally purchased as a second vehicle for local driving, mix highway and city. My experience has been overall very positive - the car can be a lot of fun to drive, despite the higher mileage it performs well, sticks to the road and handles like a sports car. Since 92 was the first year of the new BMW body design, the car actually looks like a much later model. With routine maintenance I had no major repairs and the car has been very reliable. All this for just over $10k as initial investment.

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  Built to Drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Benway - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Very hot car, supple performance, stylish, eye-catching.

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  its a machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By mcguire - July 19 - 2:00 am

  been driving the bmw x5 4.4 for three months and it is wonderful. its more of a sports car then an suv. great vehicle!

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  Its True (the Ultimate Driving Machine) - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Cella - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my 1st BMW and I will always own a BMW from this point on. The car has features than are even listed. If you own or buying a BMW you have to read the manual. If I didnt I wouldnt know so many things the car does for me. It sticks to the ground like glue. The electronic governer doesnt allow you to go faster than 147 MPH. People asked where I get it that fast in Chicago. It doesnt take long and U dont feel it. If you are thinking about buying one DO IT!!! Drop that top and fly... HK Stereo upgrade a must!!