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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  Cant beat a BMW - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By TAMA - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a BMW 530I with the sports and Premium Package. At first I was worried that it would not live up to my BMW 328I, but I was very impressed. After reading the reviews, I settled on the 530i over the 540i and saved the difference. I will always own a BMW.

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  BMW 325XI (2.5 6 cyl) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Wolfgang - November 24 - 10:00 am

  1st & 2nd gear (manual trans) are very high RPM gears in my 325XI. Youll find that youll need to run the tach to 3500 RPM or so to have the car accelerate at a decent rate. On the open road the car is an absolute blast. In 3rd through 5th gear the car really flies. Acceleration in 3rd - 5th gear is fast & responsive. Cornering is crisp & precise. The car is as air tight as a vacuum chamber making road noise is very low. It was suggested by the dealership that I run the AC unit with warm air during the winter to prevent condensation from forming on the inside (this actually happened to me).

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  Simply the best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By larry - November 24 - 10:00 am

  My car is actually the 4 door. Ive motorsport susp. sunroof, 10 speaker stereo, leather, plus everything. It handles like a sportscar, is suprisingly smooth for having sports susp. It leaves many true sports cars for dead with its great exceleration and handling. The dash is superb - my only worry is that they may be about to ruin it with the next model. I would really love an M3, but they dont have an auto. After four manual 3-series im loving this auto model.

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  Total Joy - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Robert Griffith - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I still have not had to take the car in for service, not even an oil change. I have driven it over 100 MPH and it handles great.

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  Fabulous Flagship - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By CreagerLeasing - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This 740i is truely a remarkable car. Distinctive design with true creature comforts galore. The sound system is a reward to the ear. Stable drive that hugs the pavement. Top notch ergonomics, and you can hear, smell and feel the quality of the build. An absolute joy to drive and own. Plus youve saved over 40% depreciation by buying or leasing this 1999!

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  BMW 325 IS Very nice car - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Speedracer Steve - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car a year and the only problems with the car were the problems i caused myself by adding crossed drilled rotors,and other extras,now ABS light stays on,and few other problems i caused myself but becides that , this car is built solid, my first BMW and now i will buy BMW rest of my life, THis is one great car, its a little on the small side but im a small person , if anyone is large, dont buy this car, go for 5 series.

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  2002 smg - 2003 BMW M3
  By ed teitleman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  lots of small things wrong---but overall a 9.99 to drive and own

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  Alot of FUN - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Monkekman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a z3 and I love driving it.

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  BMW M5 - 2003 BMW M5
  By Dylan Baumann - November 24 - 2:00 am

  It is the best car I have ever purchased and I love it.

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  Best All Around Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By jbarnstrow - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Auto Tranny, but still has plenty of power for the twisties. Carries four without the usual coupe cramp.