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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  Lots of Fun - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By zipper - February 19 - 2:00 am

  Combines luxury with performance. Very fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Scotthog - February 18 - 2:00 am

  2003 6 speed Black with Red interior which is beautiful. Engine is unbelievable and handling is typical 3 series which is great. I also have a 330cic and this handles much better. Fuel tank is too small, Im averaging about 20 miles per gallon so far. Sport mode is alittle hard to get used too at slow speeds but it hauls ass and is a blast to drive. I highly recommend this car.

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  NoneBetter - 2002 BMW X5
  By djph - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I cannot imagine driving a better SUV. Aside from the 16mpg I average, the vehicle has no downside. During my first year of ownership the X5 was not a common sight on the street and I had dozens of people ask me about it. Now they have become very common and I can understand why. Mine is powerful, extremely comfortable and incredibly fun to drive. Its also given me a terrific sense of confidence, driving through the snow that was dumpen on the east cost this past weekend.

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  Solid SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By totally - February 17 - 10:00 am

  When you shut the door, you will know your in a save vehicle. The SUV sticks to the road and has incredible breaking.

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  Wow !! - 2003 BMW M3
  By BigHat - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have NEVER had more fun with a car. Great fit and finish. A thrill to drive. The SMG is the future...get it now. Its not hard to learn. A5 mode not bad for drinking coffee or using the phone. Back to BMW after many years (1987). What I love is the market for all the cool add-ons.

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  Mixed Bag - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By meredith - February 17 - 2:00 am

  For all thoose that dont like the I- Drive use it over time it becomes very user friendly. As for the looks it is much better looking in person then in pictures. It is the best looking car on the road. The bad the car lurches at stops. Has a horrible shimmy from 45-60 and the computer somtimes has a mind of its own. BMW should have tested the car before sending it out on the street.

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  The Best Car I have even owned - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Gus177 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This is not only a high performance car, it is a beauty, both in and out. Design wise, has BMW written all over it, unlike the new 745il that can be mistaken for an Infinity or a Nissan. It broke my heart when they discontinued the 740.

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  The best of both worlds. - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By gallois - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Euro Delivery on a 525Ti is the way to experience the capabilities of this car without looking in the mirror for black and whites. Pick up the car in Munich, its ready to go, fully insured for 30 days, a tank of gas and no restrictions, plus you save 7% off the US price. The car is a dream, sports suspension, tiptronic shifter and adaptive controls make driving a pleasure. On a French road a dog ran out at 60mph+, I hit the brakes thinking new hood ornament, the car stopped so fast my wife didnt have time to scream ! The dog walked away. The 525Ti takes the biscuit. I should have known this when I noticed Munich cops in 5 wagons as standard issue.

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  This is a great sports car! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By hollybuttitta - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredibly reliable and a complete workhorse. Its hauls up hills, passes at the slightest touch of the gas, it wants to run! The engine purrs and its ride is really smooth. I cant say anything bad about this car. BMW makes cars that are strong, reliable, and fun to drive. If you have to enjoy driving you need a car like this- its worth the extra money.

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  Excellent car!!!!! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By sal sheik - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I got my 99 4 dr 323 from a dealership and have been nothing but pleased. I put some 17" m3 wheels on it! If the engine light comes on it is usually only a loose gas cap.