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:
Showing 2781 through 2790 of 11,088.00-
Best car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By minnnn - April 26 - 2:00 amFirst time, I thought that the steering wheel was too heavy, but after I got used to it, I love it! I love the sound of engine and the perfect handling of this car.
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I love this car. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Turtleman - April 26 - 2:00 amI love this car.
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BMW 535xi - Its a Keeper - 2008 BMW 5-Series
By Steeler Fan - April 25 - 11:06 amAfter nearly a year and 12k miles, this car has proven to be even better than the initial write-ups. It is fast and fun to drive, gets around great in the snow and is wonderfully intuitive and responsive to the driver. This car is a keeper.
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Awesome - 2001 BMW M5
By MALEXCAB - April 25 - 6:57 amM5 is an amazing car to drive. I always wanted to have one... now Im driving it. Great handling, very comfortable, and not too "show off" unlike other sportcars. Wanted to get a 911 but the M5 is an all around vehicle that can accommodate the whole family. Cupholders are terrrible but I should not be drinking in the car anyways. I find myself turning off the radio and just listening to the exhaust. What a wonderful beast!!!
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Great Small SUV - 2007 BMW X3
By Barx1316 - April 22 - 8:28 pmI just bought the X3 after months of research. Ive been very happy with it. Great engine, nice interior, good interior storage space for vehicle size.
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The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW X5
By MelissaC398 - April 22 - 11:29 amI really like this vehicle. It handles well, comfortable ride, great sound system, and lots of extra goodies. Fuel efficiency is not the best 14.8 around town but considering the V6, its not bad. The only thing is the narrowness of the front windshield. Creates a blindspot when going around curves. Also, the back window does not open at all. MINOR items considering the overall performance, handling, and satisfaction of this ride!!
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Fun and luxury - 1995 BMW 5-Series
By jrutledge - April 21 - 1:12 pmI wanted a performance car and a luxury car. I got both from one car with the 540i. With very slight mods it is even better.
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Great little coupe - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Hellrot - April 20 - 10:18 amVery comfortable highway car. Im 63" 220 lbs. and I have plenty of room. It has plenty of power for the highway and is very agile in city traffic. The central locking system these Germans designed is a tough one to figure out. Thats my only beef. The car is very tight, solid. At high speeds it is quiet and smooth. You definitely have to pay attention to your speed or set the cruise control otherwise youll be traveling 80+ mph and not realize it. It handles like it is on rails but still maintains a smooth ride quality. This is my first BMW. I have owned 30 different cars over the last 30+ years. This car impressed me so much that Ill be adding another BMW to my collection very soon.
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Just got it, love it. - 2006 BMW 5-Series
By evan - April 20 - 3:26 amThis is a great car so far. I did a lot of research and although the price is high, this cars design and technology sold me. I think people who always buy sedans are missing out. This is as good as the sedan plus you get a lot more utility for a bit more weight.
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2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 6M - 2005 BMW 5-Series
By Joe V - April 19 - 7:46 pmBought used w/ 24K miles. This is a truly amazing car. Ive had it now for 4 months and love it more every day. My only complaint was the REALLY bad OEM Dunlop DSST run-flat tires. BMW should be embarassed by these - LOUD as a truck and extremely jittery due to uneven tread wear all around. Replaced them a month ago with Pirelli P-Zero-Nero MSs and I have a totally different car. Handling & comfort are 100% improved. Trunk is huge. Sat radio & nav are great. Excellent night vision. 18 MPG in town - 28 MPG HWY. No regrets. A great purchase.
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BMW 1-Series 166 Reviews
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BMW 2-Series 12 Reviews
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BMW 3-Series 3,778 Reviews
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BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo 24 Reviews
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BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon 1 Reviews
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BMW 4-Series 13 Reviews
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BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe 4 Reviews
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BMW 5-Series 2,190 Reviews
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BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo 19 Reviews
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BMW 6-Series 227 Reviews
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BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe 1 Reviews
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BMW 7-Series 906 Reviews
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BMW 8-Series 27 Reviews
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BMW Alpina B7 14 Reviews
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BMW i3 21 Reviews
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BMW i8 1 Reviews
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BMW M3 573 Reviews
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BMW M4 10 Reviews
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BMW M5 213 Reviews
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BMW M6 38 Reviews
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BMW X1 103 Reviews
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BMW X3 616 Reviews
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BMW X4 9 Reviews
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BMW X5 1,143 Reviews
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BMW X6 64 Reviews
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BMW Z3 224 Reviews
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BMW Z4 630 Reviews
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BMW Z4 M 20 Reviews
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BMW Z8 41 Reviews