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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  PRESTIGE DOES NOT A CAR MAKE! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By IGEG - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE A 94 540 AND 97 328.THE TRANS AND DOOR RUBBER HAVE FAILED ON BOTH MAINTENANCE IS INCREDIBLY HIGH ON BOTH AND IT SEEMS THEY BOTH NEED IT OFTEN I DONT SPARE EXPENSE TO KEEP THEM RUNNING YET I AM GETTING TIRED OF THE $ HOWEVER THEY ARE BOTH FUUUUN TO RUN AND STILL TURN HEADS

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  Life of an M3 by M FACE - 1997 BMW M3
  By black beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car overall has one of the best looks i have ever seen or owned. The car is a blast to drive but has too many problems to deal with. It has a stupid radiator problem that all e36 have. I loveeeeeeeeeeeee my car but sadly i cant handle the maintance because its wayyy to costyyy

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  "simply the Bast" - 2002 BMW M5
  By Earleeeee - January 15 - 2:00 am

  "simply the best" This car fits like a Glove once you drive it you cant think of driving anything else.

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  The Awesome Z8 - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Cars4me89 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a really superb automobile. It is very fast and has good handling at speeds around 100+ MPH. I am really excited about the Alipina. Although it will no longer be M powered it will still be very fast.

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  High maintenance - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By maxi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.

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  High maintenance - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Maxi - January 15 - 2:00 am

  An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.

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  M3, the only 3 series to own. - 1999 BMW M3
  By dallasslacker - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a very good experience with this car. There are a few minor areas of the car that almost demand upgrades or replacements near or before the 50k mile mark. Rear strut mnts are rubber and sqeak upon failure. These can be replaced 4 $80 + labor. Clutch stop & short shifter need replaced as origs. are too tall & sloppy. Suggest UUC for upgrds. Service is covered for 4yr/50k but I dread service @ both Dallas area dealers. This has been the worst part of owning the M3. I could not wait until the warranty xpired so I could take it to another BMW shop in Plano. Its too bad the service is slow, unprofessional & inconsistent.

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  Simply great! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Belcebú - January 14 - 2:00 am

  THe best thing u can do is to purchase the M3 with the new shift SMGII, simply great!!!!!!!

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  The Killer - 2003 BMW M3
  By M333HP - January 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is outrageous - speed, handling, aggressive styling and a complete blast to drive. The car comes from the factory ready for the track The bulging wheel wells, quad exhaust tips, huge front air intake, 6-Speed manual gearbox and free revving engine that redlines at over 8000 RPM signals that this car means business. If BMW markets their regular 3-series as "The Ultimate Driving Machine", then I dont know how to better describe the M3... drive one yourself and feel the perfect blend of power and handling.

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  BMW M5 - 2003 BMW M5
  By Glen - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Car handles like it is on rails. Awesome performance. The radio has electronic gremlins that shuts it down from time to time. I have the standard audio system which is satisfactory but not as good as in my previous Lexus. Cupholders are poorly designed and appear to be an afterthought by the design engineers.