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 4421 through 4430 of 11,088.00-
2005 BMW 5 - Never Better - 2005 BMW 5-Series
By GJ - April 10 - 12:39 amMy 3rd new BMW. Almost didnt buy due to Consumer Reports ratings and negatives about iDrive.Tried comparable Mercedes and Lexus but they dont compare. Glad I stuck with the BMW. Traveling 60 miles daily on Pkwy and Tnpk, the ride is smooth, totally insulated, comfortable (cabins larger) and responsive, like it understands. Drivers in control. No matter how long you drive it, it will continue to make you shake your head and smile. It out-manuevers any vehicle.Trust me.And iDrive took nothing to work. Its a computer with lots of options and visuals a traditional dash board display would be hard to accomodate. Conflicted? Drive one yourself. Dont rely only on ratings.
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Lovin It - 1993 BMW 3-Series
By Amanda - April 9 - 8:26 pmI have recently bought a 318is and I love it! The previous owner had taken very good care of it and it is now in almost perfect condition. I love that I can afford such an accommodating car and that Im driving a BMW at 18 years old. I am a car lover and I will probably never sell this car because of how happy I am with it.
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Wonderful car - 1997 BMW 7-Series
By 7series - April 9 - 6:32 pmThis is a truly wonderful car. The ride is smooth and the build quality is great. I havent owned a car that was built with more attention to detail. One must treat it with utter care, and go very easy on the car and all its amenities and it will last you. From new, mine has almost 110,000 miles. The only work done was the brakes, at 100,000 miles, the navigation dvd stopped working at about that time, too, and there seems to be a strange clicking noise coming from the dash. It could be the computer or navigation, or just a leaf in the a/c. Bar those mishaps, this is one of the most beautiful cars inside and out. My only complaint is that it doesnt have an electronic sport suspension setting.
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Ultimate fun in the sun classic - 1994 BMW 3-Series
By tshedd - April 9 - 4:35 pmThis is a great little convertible. My first. The handling and tightness of an 11 yr old car are excellent. Rear wheel drive can be a bit tricky in winter. When I bring it to work on warm days all the coworkers want to go out to lunch in my car! I love the fact that it can seat 4 comfortably for short distances. A true classic in every way, and many have tried to copy the lines. Gets decent gas mileage , I average 22 mpg.
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fun to drive - 2005 BMW 5-Series
By marc - April 9 - 12:26 pmLove the car. Just picked it up last week. Fun, very fast, and with the sport package it is on rails driving. I have pushed the car and have yet to hear the tires even start to slide or squeal. The only thing I dont like is that the beverage holders stink.
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Awesome - 2005 BMW X5
By chad - April 9 - 12:11 pmRoomy, fun to drive, feels very very safe. has tons of power and speed. Poor fuel economy though, but when you step up to this machine whats fuel economy...
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Love at first site! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
By branco327 - April 8 - 11:04 pmGorgeous car with the M sports package that comes with the nicest 18 inch wheels out there. Gorgeous interior too and the handling/performance is fantastic. Nicest looking BMW ever made and indeed based on peoples reaction to this car it is a head turner. Im not quite comfortable yet with the attention and stares this vehicle gets.
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Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
By TG - April 8 - 10:50 pmThis car is extremely fun to drive. Even with the 2.5l, the vehicle accelerates nicely. Handling is all BMW. While the interior is sparse, it is functional.
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Couldnt be happier!!! - 2005 BMW 5-Series
By BradS - April 8 - 2:05 pmGlad I stepped up to the car I really wanted. Was sold on 530, with premium and cold weather package, but really liked the power of the 545. Traded in my 99 M3 Convertible, which was one of the most exciting cars I have owned, but now with the 545, I now have a rocket with more room and luxury. Considered the new M45, A6 4.2, and Lexus GS, but after driving all, you realize why BMW is the one they are all striving to be.
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Awesome - 2003 BMW X5
By TC24 - April 8 - 10:00 amJust got my X5 4.4i. Awesome vehicle. With a wonderful interior.
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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 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 i3 21 Reviews
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BMW i8 1 Reviews
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BMW M4 10 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 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