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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  Individual style flawless performance - 1999 BMW Z3
  By CT Car Nut - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Z3s give a great modern interpretation of a classic roadster. We all know how they look so I’m not going to talk about that. With 70,000 miles of New England driving I can say I have had few problems. I bought my 2.3 from lease trade in. My dealer replaced the front control arms after I test drove the car. I noticed nothing wrong in the test drive so I’m not sure why they replaced them but I guess I can just be happy they did. The only other item was the air bag light came on at about 55,000 miles and to turn it off the seat belt receptacle needed to be replace for $400. The rest has been change oil and filers and brakes just normal maintenance

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  The last great six-one of the best ever! - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By 4490p - August 8 - 2:00 am

  With 208000 miles this car still performs with amazing spirit and quality. Absolute fun to drive and one of the best ever at highway speeds of 70 to 90. It is still quiet and comfortable with all accessories in working order. Emissions tests always get a comment from the examiner about how low they are.

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  Love my wagon! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By 01 525 Wagon Owner - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Wen my wife and I were about to have our first child a couple of years ago, we looked at every SUV on the market. Nothing satisfied us, plus the fuel mileage for the SUVs was horrible. My wife then suggested a BMW wagon. We went to the dealership, and I was pleasantly surprised! We have the sport package that makes the car sit a bit lower with nice low-profile tires. It also has tight steering due to the sport package. I feel comfortable driving this car even when the kids (we have since had another one) are not in the car.

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  Absolutely Love It!!! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By beemerguy - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several BMWs, but this is by far the nicest most pleasureable one to drive. Maintaining it is worth it since it has all the attributes of a sports car and the accomodations of a luxury sedan. Super for business or family.

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  The best looking car - 2003 BMW Z8
  By bmoss - August 7 - 2:00 am

  It may a little expensive but the Z8 is by far one of the best cars around. It has a stylish exterior and a extensive interior .

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  740i - Performance with Elegance - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By rq - August 7 - 2:00 am

  As a prior owner of Infiniti and Lexus, this car is definitely not Japanese. Like Q45 its performance oriented and does it in a style. Like Lexus its luxurious yet rugged. Even though its interior is not as a sophisticated as a Jaguar, its still very uptown. Its the Drivers Car. On a twisting road it lets you know its a BMW.

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  Compliments - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Eugene Chung - August 7 - 1:43 am

  I had never owned a BMW before. Mostly I had driven Japanese model cars. You just dont realize what you are missing in terms of performance and handling until you put the 330i to the test. It is amazing what a difference rear-wheel drive makes in terms of handling.

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  Nice Whip! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TBow - August 6 - 1:20 pm

  I recently purchased my 325i and thus far, I love it! I traded my C43 AMG Mercedes Benz for the 325i and its the first BMW Ive owned. The car is fun and extremely comfortable to drive on my long commutes. However, I still cant believe it doesnt come with a car alarm, floor mats, dimming review mirror, and a number of other extras. Also, what was BMW thinking on the location of the power window knobs? Nice ride though.

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  Most Fun Car on the Road - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Uncle Dan 1 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is without a doubt the most fun car Ive ever owned. Handles beautifully, plenty of power, and great looks. Got the 2.5 with manual transmission. I was shocked when the dealer said 80% are sold with automatic trans. Why would anyone buy a pure sports roadster and get an auto?

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  Great car to drive... - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jcc - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy the 325i, but changed my mind with a week before I actually bought the 525i. With the new design coming out next month, this car is by far the best value out there if you are looking to buy a BMW right now. Great car to drive for years. Test drive one and turn a few corners, youll understand why.