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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  Definitely Worth the Money - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By EvilJ - February 26 - 2:00 am

  When we first bought our 2003 330i (Premium, Sport, Xenon, Steptronic), I was skeptical of all of the raving reviews my car magazines gave the car. Now that weve had the car for a couple weeks, I can do nothing but rave about this car. It is perhaps the most gorgeous, most fun to drive car we have ever owned.

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  No compromises - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By toerdoc - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought the BMW 325i after considering 2003 Honda Accord coupe, VW Passat, Nissan Altima. The BMW was the best by far. You dont compromise anything when buying the BMW. Great styling, handeling, performance, quality and a luxury brand. I was yelling-out-loud happy while driving it home!

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  What a great car! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RGB - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from Military Sales overseas and saved a bundle. When I picked up the car it was awesome. I drove 1,100 miles in 3 days and could not get enough. The car hanldes excellent and the controls are at your fingertips. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Disappointed - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Connie - February 25 - 10:00 pm

  This is the 3rd 3 series that I have owned and I must say that I am very disappointed. This car has no pick-up and you have to hit the gas to the floor, literally before it jumps forward but not without a 1 or 2 second delay. I do not drive it like my previous 330i, where I could change lanes while I was almost at a complete stop onto oncoming traffic. The first few times I did that with the 325i, it was scary because there was no pick up and I thought I was going to be rear-ended. As for reliabilty, one day, it just died on me... something to do with a cable. Now the bluetooth and SOS features have malfunctioned, the drivers seatbelt sticks all the time and once for almost 5 mins.

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  335i sedan - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jchen - February 24 - 7:03 pm

  I have the sport package with a manual transmission. Love the car. It has a perfect balance of performance and utility. Enough room to carry 4 people and luggage for a long weekend or to do some track days and autocross. Just keep in mind that while it has great power and decent handling, it is not a true sports car. On the track and autocross lighter cars that handle better catch it in corners. Not to say you cant have fun there but it isnt a truly dedicated track machine. The car really shines on long road trips. Quiet and will cruise at super legal speeds all day. Also has enough power to pass in 6th or climbs hills.

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  nearly perfect - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By kerwin - February 24 - 3:20 pm

  Overall, the new 325xi is a wonderful vehicle. I love the styling, ride, comfort, etc. It has plenty of bells and whistles to keep you occupied. The iDrive system is worth it, even though there are a few issues. And the lack of iPod support/connectivity (the Aux jack connection is a joke) is a downgrade from previous models.

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  The ultimate machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric - February 23 - 5:26 pm

  Great ride and style. Good power on the 325i. People are complaining about the price, of course I would like to pay less but were talking about greatest entry level luxury car in the world. Go get one!

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  330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By tbbt - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Amazing machine...test drove the audi a4 3.0,volvos60, and Lexus IS300 and just do not handle the road as well. Edmunds editors are on the mark with there all of their evals.

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  first roadster - 2003 BMW Z4
  By damills - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait til I drive it each time. Alot of fun to drive, 2.5 plenty of power for those who dont need 0-60 < 6secs. Ride as good as the 3-series, handling excellent. Sports mode (only comes with the Sports Package) a must. Audiophiles, audio upgrade a must. Powertop a must, no boot, no latch, very slick. Very quiet ride, top up or down

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  Awesome BMW - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Florida_Rottie - February 20 - 4:06 pm

  This is the third BMW 3 series that I have owned. The new turbo engine has more power than any other car that I have driven. More than the 2006 M3!