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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  Lorenzos Beast - 2004 BMW M3
  By Lorenzo262NY - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Car is amazing as described in Auto write ups. Have a Dinan stage one chip and car beahves even "beastier"

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW M3
  By bobfadjr - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal appeal, inside and out. Fun to just go out and drive

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  M3 First year ownership - 2004 BMW M3
  By gustafson - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Flawless performance, very reliable. Winters requires special tires, Dunlop wintersportM2/M3 are great. Car has a very stiff supension You will not like it on Midwestern roads, but on good pavement its flawless. Car needs a different muffler system It has a raspy sound under full throttle, could use the M5 unit. Nothing has gone wrong with car up to now. Recommend a careful break-in period Many have ignored this and found out that it can result in problems at high RPMS.If you need something to motivate you and puts a smile on your face every day this car is it. Fear no challenges from anything on the road, the M3 will never dissapoint!

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  wonderful to drive nightmare to own - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By ducati749 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The car handles like sports car. the acceleration for such a large vehicle is remarkable. the i drive requires a college degree to operate. I think I have the car at the dealership more often than at home. I think a yugo is more reliable.

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By jb0613 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great driving car. Excellent control and good feel.

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  Great Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Buckeye Bob - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Handling is excellent, fun to drive, decent acceleration with 5 speed, fit and finish is perfect.

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  Sport Wagon - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By new car - February 16 - 3:16 am

  To me, this is a big car - just as long and heavy as our full sized mini-van. Drives very well and easy around town. I live in Europe (US spec) so tons of fun on autobahn. Easy driving at 130mph with (sleeping) wife and two kids. Night vision is a hoot, but well see how useful it is. Owners manual is a tome, but worth the read, esp the voice command section. Once set up iDrive is no issue; though my wife has yet to tackle it.

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  Hang On - 2004 BMW M3
  By Happy in St. Louie - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Shear fun to drive. Cant beat a rag- top in the summer and its not too loud with the top up any other time of year. Definitely get the 19" wheels for grip! I bought 18" radials for winter and drive it all year round without much problem but I have the most fun with the "summer" tires. I get thumbs-up and stares everywhere I go and the car isnt really rare to see. The back seat is actually usable and I drive the kids to school often. I have owned 6 BMWs (4 different models) and this is the most fun of all!

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  She Handles - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jZ - February 16 - 2:00 am

  i have yet to drive a car that handles like a bmw. The classic steering, brakes and suspension are hard to beat. Love it every time i am in it. the controls are intuitive and smart.

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  Expensive and Shoddy Build Quality - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By sbcste - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Both my sister and I own a 2001 232ci and 2002 325ci respectively. Her car had a broken gas cover when delivered, after about a year the overhead liner began to fall off, the sunroof broke and the electric seat broke. When I took delivery of my car in early 2002 the a/c did not work and about six month later the doors could not be open from the inside. Where is the German quality I have read and heard so much about?