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 it - 2004 BMW Z4
  By evi man - October 5 - 2:00 am

  My friend let me drive it round he block and i instantly fell in love with it. its handling its looks its comfort its one of those cars that people just go wow about. when i get the money im buying one for sure

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  Love it so But I wish.......... - 2004 BMW X3
  By supaman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My girlfriend and I recentley purchased an 04 X3 2.5i Auto.. We have had so much fun in our X3 and we have only had it for a couple months. This vehicle can do anything you want, and then some! We love driving it, even rock, paper, scissoring to see who will drive. Overall we are in line with most reviews you will read. Its a great vehicle, but watch that bottom line. Although from most measurables the majority of X3s look and perform very similar or the same, the prices are very very different.

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  For the right price it is a great car - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By ChrisG1979 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  When I found this car, I had been looking for two months. I paid the guy 4000 cash and he was asking 5000. To date I have to put about a 1000 into it, and probly will need to put another 500 soon. I have had a few problem with the car, one of which is that it has burned up 2 cat. converters, which gets expensive. If I was not able to do the repairs myself, I would not still have this car. I think it is a great car for the price and is so much fun to drive. I plan to buy BMWs for the for seealbe furtrue. These are great cars.

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  Enjoying 7 Series but... - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Carmen Miranda - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Long time BMW owner. First time a 7 series owner and loving it. Performance, style, power, comfort are wonderous. However, computer keeps shorting out causing it to be in the shop 2 times in last 4 months. Overall, just as long as BMW corrects problem and gives me a free loaner car...am satisfied, for now.

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  Problems Problems Problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By ReneeBelkin - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive been in the dealer more than the car. Told flaws are fixed in the next years model! Pain in the rear to get the car in. The problems are repeated cup holders broken, in dash software problems, doors rattle, lights stay on, signals flip to one side then ther other, wheel balance is always pulling,seat adjustment controls and overall one thing or another,.

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  Good Car, High Cost to Own - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Chicago Bimmer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, hate the car. Most beautiful car Ive owned. A joy to drive, when everything works. Replaced 4 window motors, 1 seat motor, a radiator, 2 water pumps, an alternator, a drive shaft, a CD player, and dash read outs. The other day the exterior door handle just came off in my hand. This car has been maintianed by BMW and certified mechanics, yet the build quality work against the owner. Its a shame considering the cost of the car.

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  locker - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By locker - September 28 - 2:00 am

  all 4 pwr windows replaced in first 24 months, under warranty consumer reports 2002 top rated car was BMW 5 series...the 330 series was priced about 10 grand less and still got great reviews...I chose the 325, 4 door, non-leather which brought the price down another 4 grand...fun to drive...would purchase another 3 series

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  Sweet Engine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By brusstar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The sweet V-8 mated to the six-speed manual make this car great fun to drive, like a sports coupe but with a decent back seat. Many question the 2004 (E60) exterior styling in pictures, but in real life people agree it looks beautiful, and does not look like every other great sports sedan of the last ten years. It just takes a little time to master the i- Drive, and it really cleans up the dashboard (other reviewers seem to forget this design benefit).

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  X5 Big Station Wagon - 2004 BMW X5
  By Jimdog - September 25 - 2:00 am

  With every company making Suvs, each company is entitled to their own vision when creating their model. The X5 is an excellent vechile in the standpoint of build quality, and luxury features. The interior is nicely laid out, everything you would expect from BMW. When you drive this suv youll notice it is smooth. But, it really isnt that much fun to drive. Very average. It feels like the Grand Cherokee I used to own. Living in Michigan, you expect your suv to hold up in bad weather. The X5 is not really suited for this. Very average in bad weather. The Awd system is not suited for heavy snowfall. My GMC Yukon is much better, for much less money in these kind of situations.

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  Great alternative to the SUV - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By family_hauler - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for a month now. I purchased it as my 3 series was too small for the family. Absolutely the best car I have owned to date. Performance of V8 and sports package is amazing. Steptronic transmission is velvet smooth. Fit and finish are excellent. Maintenance is very reasonable if you do it yourself. Take a look at www.roadfly.org to learn about typical problems. Only problem is that wife and I fight over who will drive it. (she has an Acura MDX) Keep an eye on the radiator as these are known to fail every 50K. (A $300 DIY fix). Purchase a set of winter tires