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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  320,000 miles and still Love It - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By TTest - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 320k miles on my 318I with only normal maintenance.30+ MPG at 70-75 MPH.Very comfortable with large trunk. I still love my 90 mile daily roundtrip in my BMW.

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  The sports coupe you must have - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By nil - April 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a sports coupe with performance, no doubt the 330ci is your choice. The car is smooth, responsive and has tons of power. The exterior design is perfect and the overall build quality of the vehicle is excellent.

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  Fun Ragtop! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tribefan47 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle for top down springtome fun...it lives up to my expectations. It could have more power but looks awesome even standing still. The E36 body style is still the best looking 3 series made! My second 96 3 (other was a 328ia). These vehicles epitomize what BMW should still be...fun, sporty, stylish cars. The new BMWs (except the Z) seem to look like theyre built for old people.

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  BMW745I - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By GARY JASTROW - April 21 - 2:00 am

  EXCEPT FOR SOME QUIRKY PROBLEMS, THE CAR IS JUST ABOUT PERFECT. RESPONSIVE, AND SMOOTH, VERY COMFORTABLE

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  Luxury Learning Curve - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By SteveC - April 21 - 2:00 am

  After driving Mercedes since 1985, I finally bought my first beamer. The 745i has great looks, handling, acceleration, finish... all youd expect from a luxury sports sedan. However, why does the cars design require acknowledgment/cancellation of a disclaimer every time I start it? How many times does it take to push a button for "Park" instead of mistakingly "shifting" into reverse? How many times does it take to stop turning on the the windshield wipers when I really want to shift into reverse? Perhaps this car is really not for me -- there IS a learning curve -- and all I wanted to do is enjoy driving it.

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  Youll never fall asleep at this wheel - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jackster - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Youve never driven a car this responsive. Found myself on the highway yesterday and thought I was doing about 65 mph, looked down, and the speedometer was at 90. Thats not to say its a smooth ride -- you feel the road. The SMG takes a little getting used to -- I thought I would be using the paddles more, but I find myself usually driving in automatic. Even in automatic mode, it still drives more like a manual. Its very quick. Corners like a dream. I got the Sirrius satellite radio installed, which is nice, but it puts a funny looking lump of plastic on the back of the car. The car does seem to guzzle gas, but you find yourself not caring.

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  6 week owner - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By wxguru - April 20 - 12:11 pm

  Purchased it used 6 weeks ago with 79,000 miles after driving a Chevy Avalanche for 14 years and 178000 miles on it. Love the AWD aspect and the manual transmission. Very comfortable front seats and fun to drive.

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  zoom - 2000 BMW Z3
  By beemerdriver4life - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lot and tend to push cars to the max. The z3 has held up amazingly well. Other than some early "service engine" light issues which required 10+ trips to the dealership in the first 3mo of ownership, I have no complaints. The engine in this car is a beautiful thing. For the price, you cannot find more of a head-turner. I dont recommend BMWs CPO program. But seriously this is one of the most fun to drive cars ever made. And talk about taking turns! Watch out on tires for this car as they run right around 200 a piece. Also, replace the crappy sound system. Its worth it and makes high speed trips with road noise all the more enjoyable.

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  Safe and secure in our X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Ballyhoo - April 19 - 2:00 am

  After reading the editors review & safety features I knew this auto would fit my expecting wife perfectly. Weve had it 3 days, she loves the style, luxury, sportiness & short tailgate. Im impressed with the handling & technical aspects. Much better fuel econ than my L. R. Discovery.

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  from mercedes to bmw - 2004 BMW X5
  By eddyclk430 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  After driving the ML320, the 3.0x5 is a more plush ride with more power.