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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  believe what people are telling you abou - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By wishI hadnt - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I also got one of the early models. Had tremendous number of problems. The dealership could never fix them. I just traded it in on a Mercedes S class and they gave me $50K trade in due to all the problems...they know noone wants the car.

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  Greased Lightning and Roaring Thunder! - 2003 BMW M3
  By derek33 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The BMW M3 is a vehicle unlike any other. It combines the power and handling of a Porsche or Ferrari, with the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes. Its ride is firm and responsive. Formula 1 level performance, all for only $50,000!! This car is truly the best car Ive ever driven...I can only imagine what the BMW engineers will create for the 2006 model.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By M1fuller - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned this car for a week but can sum up this extordianary car in one word...WOW...Im extremely excited about this car...email with any questions.

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  VERY GOOD CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By GARY - August 23 - 2:00 am

  this is great car with low $$

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  Great overall balance for a sports coupe - 2002 BMW M3
  By SDHenry - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is easily one of the best car out there if you want some luxury, 4-seater and a hell of a performance car. The Porsche 996 may even be a bit faster around the corners but it doesnt seat 4. The interior of the M3 is nicer than the 996. The exterior is much much nicer looking than the 996 with the possible exception of a GT3. I had the car for almost 2 years and I have yet to have even one minor defect that required me to go back to the service center.

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  Beautiful! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jiggly - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all

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  My "TOY" - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By gerahart - August 22 - 2:00 am

  First time Ive owned a BMW and have decided Ill always have one around. My vehicle is so much fun to drive with more power than I legally know what to do with. Maintenance is a bit expensive but I figured thats just the cost of quality. Controls are logical and easy to get to. Most of the better features I wanted came as standard equipment.

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  NICE CAR - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By KOLYA - August 21 - 2:00 am

  HI THIS IS KOLYA I GOT MY BMW JUST RIGHT NOW IT IS NICE CAR AND BEUTIFUL TO DRIVE IT.I HILY RECOMEDET FOR EVERY BODY.

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  OWNER - 2003 BMW M3
  By JAMES - August 21 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT THE BEST CAR TO DRIVE THE FEEL LIKE I AM IN A SPACE SHIP AT 100MPH

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  Fun Car if you afford it! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By rickn - August 20 - 2:00 am

  After owning the 323 for three years, I can tell you it has been a joy to drive. The handling and overall feel of the vehicle is better than anything I’ve ever driven. The only reason I would caution potential buyers is the reliability has proven to be poor. I have had interior trim fall off, many sensors blown and strange electrical/ computer malfunctions. Fortunately, the very expensive repairs were covered under an excellent warranty program. But, with the warranty ending, the annual repair costs will be high. Check with many on line forums discussing the BMW H46 and Consumer Reports, which recently removed the 3 series from their recommended list.