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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  BEST COUPE OUT NOW? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By SCENELOWE - December 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF ART...I THINK ITS A LITTLE ON THE SLOWER SIDE,THE 5 SERIES I HAD A WAS A LITTLE FASTER,ALTHOUGH ITS A SLEEK COMFORTABLE VEHICLE I THINK THE DESIGN IS GREAT AND IT MOVES VERY QUIETLY AND SMOOTHLY A LITTLE ROUGH ON BUMPS (WELL IM IN NY SO THATS NORMAL)IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A NICE COUPE THIS IS THE ONE.

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  E46 - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Barrabyte - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun, Fun, Fun !!! Dont bother looking at any other car :)

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  Good Fun Doesnt Come Cheap - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By FLS - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Great engineering went into the design of 328i. Great handling, good ergonomics, lots of cool gadgets, unbelievable at top speeds, but expensive to maintain. Other BMW owners seem to have the same comments.

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  Best Car in the World - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By ntnylion75 - December 16 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 750il is the most magnificent car I have ever driven and owned. It is a unique blend of power, comfort and excitement. People who are afraid of the 12 cylinder engine due to 15 year old quality issues are missing the drive of a life time. This car is far superior to a 740il and is all around faster than the 540i. I know because I have owned both vehicles. Caution: be careful. If you drive one it could spoil you for other cars. Its that good.

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  Worlds best car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By JPH - December 14 - 11:00 am

  I had a 2003 525i and thought it was a nearly ideal vehicle. This car, however, is almost perfect. It is roomy for long trips and hauling children as well as for looking really "cool" on the road. Low maintenance costs. The iDrive is very simple to learn, even for those who arent very technological. Other brands cant compare to BMW!

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  325i is awesome! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By groberts - December 14 - 3:13 am

  You will not find a more fun and safe car in this price range. The drive train is incredible and I still cant believe the engine is only 2.5 liters.

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  by this car make your life alot better - 2003 BMW M3
  By Scott T - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is the sweetest ride available. The comfort is unparralled coupled with this level of performance. The sequential Manual gearbox is a blast although it takes about 2 weeks to master it. I highly reccomend this option. My prevuois car was a 98 Z3 which I still own. My Z is great but its a child compared to this bad ass Machine.

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  A totally impressive machine - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By L8rnr - December 14 - 12:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 weeks. I recently turned in an 03 Benz E500 after a 4 year relationship. Shopping for a new Benz, I decided to finally drive the other German sedans. Well I have to say, the fun factor pins this car off the scale. After 5 minutes I was sold. No contest in driveability and ride dynamics. The small BMW gives up a modest amount of power and torque to the Benz, but more than makes up for that in driveability. I find myself looking for an excuse to drive! Never felt that way in the Benz. I could have gone for the 335, but the 328 was plenty for me, in addition to getting a bit more mileage and probably saving me some tickets.

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  Very Disappointed in this car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mikmat - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has had too many problems and BMW service have not done a good job at addressing them. I am tired of hearing that they cannot duplicate the problem. At about 4K miles the rear differential had to be replaced (with a rebuilt one). Car stalls at idle. One dealer replaced the ignition coil as a fix, but problem occurred within 30 minutes after the fix. Another dealers claimed that there was no problem, but finally admitted that it was an engine software problem for which a fix does not yet exisit. Shifting into 1st gear is hard at times. Speakers rattle. There is excess wind noise at hwy speeds. window regulator had to be replaced. A disappointment.

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  Beyond expectations!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By R Wightman - December 13 - 10:00 am

  What a car!!! ordered loaded with great anticipation. The car is beautiful to look at, way fun to drive, comfortable, and easy to get to know. No unpleasent surprises or issues. Its everything BMW promises it to be and more!!