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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  SHEER ECSTASY in DRIVING MY BMW M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Ferraristi - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic performance, superlative eye- catching appearance, terrific handling, a navigation system Id never again do without, user-friendly 6-speed trans., Phoenix yellow exterior w/ black canvas top and cinnamon leather interior thats REALLY unique, an optional Harmon Kardon sound system thats worth every penny. No problems to date other than driving in snow, which buying an extra set of wheels with Dunlap run- flat M3 tires has corrected.

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  m3 conv - 2004 BMW M3
  By gml - December 10 - 2:00 am

  vey fast, quick, beutiful, great sound, great color - phoenix yellow, smg is amazzing

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  m3 SMG convert-ible - 2004 BMW M3
  By vino - December 10 - 2:00 am

  originally suspicious of smg, but it is a fantastic innovation. I am glad I got it.

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  Whats not to like?? - 2004 BMW M3
  By jeffnnj - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My favorite car by far so far!!

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  FUN TO RIDE - 2003 BMW Z4
  By 1ST SERGEANT - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY Z4 AND I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE AUTO. I GIVE HIGH TO BMW FOR ITS DESIGN EFFORTS AND BUILD QUALITY. THE DESIGN IMPRESSES ME MOST FOR ITS EYE CATCHING LINES AND STANCE. IT IS VERY DIFFERNT IN SOME RESPECTS FROM OTHER AUTO THAT YOU SEE ON THE ROAD TODAY AND THAT IS WHAT APPEALED TO ME IN MY SELECTION PROCESSES.

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  the most car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jose Unibe - December 10 - 2:00 am

  great driving car, small bugs (telephone, trunk automatic release)

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  HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By LEB - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1994 BMW740i, and this car has given me some many headaches that i dont recommend anyone to buy it, and even less to buy it from VOB. Save yourselves a lot of aggravation and dont buy a BMW! My complaints were ignored repeatedly by VOB and by BMW of America.

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  love this car! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By hp181 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  looks grow on you. Wasnt looking for this car and then I drove it-wow!

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  sonny - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By sonnyjos - December 10 - 2:00 am

  great car from bumper to bumper

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  awesome - 2003 BMW Z8
  By manny1818 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  steering ,braking , awesome