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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  Superb Sport Wagon - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Derek Simpkins - May 8 - 8:26 pm

  The new 325 XiT is a superbly designed wagon that is a joy to drive. Coming from a 330i sedan, I was somewhat skeptical that the 325 engine would have enough power, but it is more than adequate unless you are seeking a dragster. The versatility of the wagon, the X-drive, the exterior design and amazing features like the panorama sunroof all combine to make this machine the ultimate wagon. With perfect 50:50 F/R weight distribution and X-drive, this car has amazing cornering capabilities and the same wonderful steering found all of the 3 series.

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  98 M3 Coupe - 1998 BMW M3
  By riznic - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Performance and Handling. Fun to drive. Reliable.

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  Not a slug - 2003 BMW M3
  By BimmerMan - May 8 - 2:00 am

  With SMG this car is not a slug. Also to the reviewer in the previous post... it is Getrag. Guess you need to be trained as well...

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  Excellent - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Johnson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Just Excellent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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  745 Li - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Roger W Perman - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This is our third large BMW, th eprevious were 740iLs. This is a great car and a wonderful road car. We have had no problems with this car and are really enjoying it. The handling and ride are superb. The quality of the finish on the door sills needs some BMW attention.

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  NICE ~ FUN ~ CAR - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Debi - May 7 - 3:46 pm

  This is my first BMW, my husbands second, I bought it for his 50th birthday gift; he has driven it a handful of times. If I let him, lol. (I stole it from him!) We both love it! Along with our 3 kids. We have had just about every car out there. IT IS FUN! We all love it!

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  Completely Happy - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Cfarmer - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW, I have had almost one of the other german autos and I have to say this is the finest of the bunch. Great style, excellent interior, plenty of power, and as good fuel milage as my past VW. THe other up is you dont feel like an old timer driving this car like I did in my Mercedes.

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  Very Reliable, Fun to drive, Classic - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By OrlandoGuyz - May 6 - 2:00 am

  My car has 112000k miles. Everything works-still, and its nine years old. My friends want me to get the X-5, but I dont think I can part with my convertible. Its a very quick 5spd, and still tight. People always watch when I put the top up or down. I still get many compliments. Would and will another. No problems, except on occassion message center says brake lite out...which is a quirk on these. Car is definately the Ultimate Tanning Machine....

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  Great Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By stev1ap - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It was in great condition when I bought the car so I have not had to many problems with it. Little stuff like the drivers electric door lock messed up. That only cost me $150 to fix so not to bad. My water pump messed up and cost me $300, but I am told that it is common on these cars if the original pump is still in there. It has 80K miles on it. But the motor purrs like a kitten. It runs GREAT!

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  $79,000 worth of gagets - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Jerry Madden - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the car but have had eight recalls since owning the car. Most all of problems have to do with the computer or iDrive which is a mess to use. There is still the constant hesitation which they are unable to fix. Overall the car is overated,over "gageted", and over priced. BMW rushed the car to market a year too early.