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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  never again - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By lg72 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  In the 2 years Ive owned this car Ive had to replace 4 power window motors, 3 diff sensors and some temp gauge for the A/C... thank god its under warranty. But the warranty expires in Nov and Im selling and never buying another BMW. Way too high maintenace. The roadside assistance guy told me theyre great in the Alps... but thats about it.

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  Love it! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By sthoops - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable! There is a lot happening with the car, but if you have the BMW Client Advisor teach you, you can learn how to use the I-Drive. Lots of leg room. I am 60" tall, and my husband is 65" and "big".Passenger room is great. The trunk is huge. Getting the sport package was a great choice. I am getting the best gas mileage.Overall...I really enjoy this car. My only complaint is that the paint stains (by dead bugs)and scratches too easily. If you can, take European delivery of your car (its awesome). My car coming from Germany was some added fun.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By erickblackwelder - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This little rocket ship can break the sound barrier and go un-noticed by the law. Cops dont stop "station wagons" for speeding. Dont call mine a "station wagon"... its a SPORT wagon, as in sports car. My xiT has nice manners too. My newly licensed 16 year-old can handle any situation safely, with total confidence. I fell in love with the looks at the December 2001 DC auto show. Who can resist a sport wagon with sexy lines?

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  2004 BMW X5 3.0 - 2004 BMW X5
  By hp2go - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Thus far we have been very pleased with the X5. No to pleased with the customer service at the dealership where purchased. The X5 drives and handles much like our previous 528i series.

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  Great car - 2008 BMW Alpina B7
  By ejnathan - May 13 - 4:43 pm

  This is a great car. I traded an M6 for this nearly perfect everyday automobile. The speed is phenomenal and Alpina really made excellent use of the power and torque. The level of finish and luxury features is excellent.

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  Get one before the style changes!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By jayvoto - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful Auto, I have the 6 speed with all the fixings. Nav,Harmon,Backup sensors ect. Need to purchase new winter tires (toyo) and rims to cope with New England weather. Preformed well after the new equipment.

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  SWEEET - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JDM - May 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife fell in love with it on the show room floor. I fell in love on the great River Road. This is by far the best car I have ever driven.

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  Still the best - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ajm - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 328Ci coupe for a 325CiC convertible. I was afraid Id miss the extra horsepower of the 328, but can barely tell the difference. I was able to get a loaded 325CiC for the price of a basically equiped 330CiC. The only shortcoming I can think of is that you cant get adjustable lumbar support, not even a manual adjustment. This should be standard on a car in this class. It is extremely fun to drive, has a wonderful exhaust sound, seems much smoother and quieter than my coupe, and gets better gas mileage. All in all Im very satisfied.

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  One happy fellow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Joseph - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned more expensive cars than the 330i. Nothing is like it. Addicting!

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  One happy fellow - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JOSEPH - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned more expensive cars than the 330i. Nothing is like it. Addicting!