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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  323i convertible : perfect SoCal car - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By khristophertab@gmail.com - November 14 - 7:39 pm

  the final year of the BMW E36, they worked out all the bugs at this stage. power, acceleration, handling.... this car has it all. of course the traditional BMW pricetag for repairs goes along with this. but... truly a driving automobile. the car is so fun to drive Im going to miss her tremendously. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Still One of The Funniest Cars Ive Owned - 2008 BMW X3
  By rootforthecubs - November 12 - 12:29 pm

  Purchased my pre-owned 2008 BMW E83/X3 coming off of a lease with 32,000 miles on the clock. Lucky enough to find a rare 6 speed manual, which sold me from the get go and unfortunately the dealership knew as in their words "we have 2 other people with cash in hand willing to buy the car sight unseen", and I believed them, but still got a fair deal. So far I havent any electronic or sun roof issues which I understand come with the territory. Obviously cant speak to the automatic shifting complaints that are out there but I can say the 6 speed manual shifts like butter. In summary, the 2008 X3 is roomy enough for the family and fun enough for Dad to drive. The interior is appealing to the eye and logically laid out. My only complaint is that they stopped offering the 6 speed option after 2010 or I would have bought new.

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  Sexy little 2 seater Fun to drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By BG - November 11 - 7:39 pm

  Look for a well cared for car. These cars beg for you to push them. One that is taken care of will give you years of enjoyment. The car has the look that many will envy. its fun to drive and if you get a premium equipt model you will not be disappointed. Enough said.

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  I love my BMW! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Pjustice - November 10 - 9:31 pm

  This is a great car! It rides beautifully, quietly, and accurately. I bought it on eBay from just a picture and it was such a great purchase. When I saw her, I fell in love. I dont want to sell her, but I think I need to get my life back and I need the money. Whoever gets this car is going to be very happy.

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  Classy, Stylish, Head Turner.....Still - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Robert W. Eiser - November 10 - 5:17 pm

  First they are inexpensive to purchase. I own a 1998 740l, was skeptical at first, 130K miles on her but in pristine condition other than needing new shoes. Hands down the best car Ive ever owned or driven long distance in. Smooth ride, adjustable comfortable seating, cold a/c, strong and still turns heads after almost 18 years. Original paint still looks great as does the leather interior. Doors are heavy, its a touring car, weighing in at some 4200 lbs. Keep on top of her maintenance as you would any other machine and shell treat you right. My problem is with parking lots and people bumping into her front and rear fenders. These are impact trip guards that are easily replaced. Forget the BMW dealer on parts, check out eBay and youll find what you need way cheaper. Find a local mechanic who understands BMWs and youll save a ton of money plus have a mechanic that knows your car. The digital display lose pixels but the instrument panel is perfect. For the price they are a steal and a piece of BMW history. Mine is my daily driver. Window regulators could be constructed stronger, plan on replacing these every few years, again eBay is the place to buy them. Like everything else, pick a good one.

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  BMW For Life - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Nahidah - November 8 - 9:31 pm

  Id been looking for a used car for a few weeks but found nothing I liked. My husband was out car shopping with a friend when he found this car. I was never a fan of BMW, now I never want to drive anything else! He got it for a fair price, one owner, 70,000 miles, well maintained and super clean. I love this car!

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  unreliable POS - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By terry - November 8 - 5:19 pm

  if you want an unreliable car this is for you. Timing chain snaps at 97k. Six months later stranded again cause the steering lock mechanism failed. Gotta tow that pos again. Ive only been stranded twice in the last 17 years. Both times BMW, Im going back to Japanese reliability and will never buy or recommend BMW.

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  Best 3 Series ever made - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Fauzi Ummar - November 8 - 10:16 am

  For a vehicle that was made in the 90s. It was way ahead of its time. The innovation and clever ideas incorporated in one machine was superb. And after 20 years, it still runs as if it was only running for several years. I love my 318i. I bought it from one owner when it had 140K. Now with 230K, i only had to change the rear bearings and upgraded the shocks. Not a bad cost for nearly 100K of driving. And it still running strong. Put it next to other cars on her age. You can tell a huge difference.

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  Worse Vehicle Ever! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Carey Goin - November 6 - 11:21 pm

  Rides rough, lots and lots of repairs. I have had the moon roof repaired 2 times over 9k, new brakes, lots of electronic problems, water pump, radiator, heck the whole car has had problems. I only have 100k miles on the car. It has cost me a fortune.

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  Best in class - 2006 BMW X3
  By Joe Hicks - November 5 - 10:12 pm

  My BMW X3 seems to beg to be driven. It seems to be engineered to perform. The 6 cylinder has been very strong to have 130,000 miles on it. I would recommend anyone in the market for a suv to explore this option.