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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  Love the Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Tank - July 7 - 6:36 pm

  I did not think that paying the extra money for the BMW over the infinit, acura, lexus, etc would really be worth it. I was so very wrong, this car drives and rides so much better then anything I have ever owned. I had the chance to drive back to back the M35 2 weeks after I got my 335i (brand new rental) and wow, I loved the M35 until I owned the BMW. If you are considering any of those cars, you will not be disappointed in the 335i sedan. Impressed is an understatement.

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  My X5 4.4i - 2001 BMW X5
  By Volks - July 7 - 2:00 am

  As expected, the handling and road manners are superb. My other car is a 911 and I am still impressed. Quality of interior is very high, and my entire family loves this vehicle, from the comfort standpoint. The ride with the sports suspension is firm, but this is again what one would expect. It rewards the driver with excellent road manners and confident road feedback.

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  740i sport - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Jeffs740is - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best and most enjoyable car I have ever owned. And my previous car was a 99 540 so it has some good competition. The car handles like a car half its size, accelerates like a Mustang GT and is as comfortable as Lincoln.

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  First Impressions - 2002 BMW Z3
  By kidscifi - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine yesterday after looking for a month. Gorgeous shape and excellent ride. Power of 3.0 worth it over 2.5. Definitely looking forward to having some serious fun with this car.

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  By BMW330xi_@hotmail.com - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 686860001 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Basically, Ive had no problems what so ever with this vehicle. One thing, though, its not made to drag race. If you want a drag racer BMW, get the M3. This care is made for pure driving pleasure. I love just taking the 330xi out on a Sunday afternoon on quiet, curvy, valley roads, and hearing the engine as it goes through the RPMs, and feeling the car respond. The handling is just plain AMAZING on this car. I took a corner that said "10 MPH" going 30 MPH, no problems, I dindt even peel out. The car just stayed glued to the road. Extremely fun car, and pretty quick too.

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  the best mid-luxury sedan in the world - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By alex medge - July 5 - 10:00 am

  dont go for the sport sedan imitations (lexus is 300, audi a4, benz c320) - get the original and the best at the same time - get a 3 series

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  98 Bimmer - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Zebra - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest luxury/performance sedan in the world for the money. Where else could you cruise in total luxury at 90mph & get 24 mpg????!!

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  A+ - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Zug - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car Ive owned. No, it doesnt accelerate fast, but in urban/sub-urban driving who cares? I get 25/city and 38/highway (Yes thats true) off of 89 Octane. Use Mobil 1 15/50 year-round (yes, its worth the extra money) and have added a DRL module. Easy to work on.

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  Satisfied with my car. Had the car only a couple o - 2016 BMW X1
  By wayne cromer - July 4 - 6:31 pm

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  Fun to drive - 1999 BMW M3
  By M3Pilot - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The 1999 BMW M3 Convertible is a fun car to drive. The engine is peppy and the handling is awesome. Driving through winding roads is a blast because the car practically hugs the road. Acceleration is great due to the smooth revving V6 engine. The interior is nice but luggage room is very tight.