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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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jmcewen - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been by far one of the best cars I have ever purchased. Only one thing I have to point out is watch out when parking the air damn is very low and easily gets hung up. Another note park far away from people or park next to others BMWs...

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  The New 5 - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BoyOboi78 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Test drove today the new 530i, Still a very nice car to drive Great steering and handling with excellent ride quality, comfort and highway quietness. Interior no longer seems to have the edge like the previous 5 did but still not bad at all, still nicer the the New Mercedes Benz E-Class.

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  Great Performer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary W - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a German Car before. I am amazed of the performance of this car. It is solid and feels very heavy and safe on the road. I currently have a lexus as a second vehicle and this BMW totally out performs it. I recommend it to everyone. I will be looking to get another BMW when The Lexus lease is up. Cant wait.

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  530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By guy colvin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned. 3.0 liter engine has reasonable power for the money but the 4.0 would be better. 5-speed manual trany is fun to drive but not always as smooth as I would like (could be my fault to). Have 7K miles on it and have had no warranty or other issues.

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  My Dream Car Lives Up to My Expectations - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By LadyTLS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new in January 2003 and have been grinning ever since. The ride is a great combination of luxury and performance -- meaning you ride in comfort but you still feel connected to the road. And when you hit the gas, you know youve got power under the hood ready to meet your needs. I also had to take a quick evasive manuever once when another car turned in front of mine, and I quickly discovered that this car handles like a champ!

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  The old 5 will remain on top - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By rmarsh96 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  However, Like the commercials say, I do find excuses to drive. I would buy this car again. Unfortunately there are a few negatives. The cup holders are small and awkwardly placed. When using them it is almost impossible to access the climate control system. I did not purchase the navigation system because I didnt want to give up the on board CD player. My 530 is a manual shift and came with the sport package. I find the gear ratio rather difficult to handle in stop and go traffic. The car wants to get up and run. BMW has engineered a marvelous automobile that will continue to be a pleasure to drive for many years to come.

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  540i - Sport 6 speed - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By pdegel - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, fun to drive, silent and strong engine. No complaints at all, but I hate the rear-end styling of the new (2004) design. And it waits to be seen whether the I-drive joystick will be more user friendly than in the 7 series.

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  This Car is Wonderful! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Califlygirl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car makes me smile every time I slip into it and take it for a ride! It is smooth, extremely well-built, lovely to look at and is recommended highly.

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  Love it!!!! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By sean neill - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Best car i ever ownd.... but i am going to trade it in for the new one

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  BY ENGINEER - 2005 BMW X3
  By R. G. Hegi - January 26 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in my 04 X-3 for this 05 - and yes, I like them that much! Once you get hooked on the outstanding build quality nothing else compares. And the performance of this turbine smooth 3.0 engine coupled with so many built in occupant safety features puts this SUV way ahead of any other choices I reviewed. Sit in one - dont even drive it - look around then turn the key on and watch it come to life just waiting for you to guide it and show what you want. Its there for you and years from now it still will be and with one of the highest resale values on the market. Guess you can tell I like this ride. Take one out - get close to it and youll want to write something too.