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 4551 through 4560 of 11,088.00-
Jaseng - 2005 BMW 5-Series
By Jaseng - February 18 - 4:53 amExcellent automobile. I cannot be more happy than I am with the BMW 5 Series. It has everything I could want and need with it. I will continue to be a loyal BMW owner.
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bmw - 2004 BMW 5-Series
By Pat Malvaso - February 18 - 2:00 amat 3000 miles vehicle computer chip for controlling the speed/transmission shifting failed and needed replacing the cup holders are in a terrible location, difficult to use and cheesey
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My 330 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Manfredeaf - February 18 - 2:00 amThis car is fun to drive. The powerful engine with the Tip Tronic gear system helps in critical situation when top exceleration is required. Fun to drive in the mountains!
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best care i have ever owned - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By doing it all - February 18 - 2:00 amdid my research, found this to be the safest and most reliable for my money.LOVE THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE! living in pennsylvania i shock all the macho men in my little white sport sedan by being able to get anywhere i want to go. just put the blizzacks(the winter tires made for this car)last week. my dealership i should be able to take this litte baby anywhere! now i KNOW i will be trouble-i feel sorry for those who dont own one!!
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good - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By DLP - February 18 - 2:00 amWe drive this car only occasionally because we have other vehicles. I find this car to be a lot of fun. It handles well and drives smoothly. My next car will be another BMW.
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Real men drive German - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Dr. T. - February 18 - 2:00 amI presume that if you do not want to think nor drive, then buy a Lexus or similiar vehicle. But for the true satisfaction of feeling and experiencing the road, buy a German car, With BMW, you get more for your money than the other comparable autos.
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Early Review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Bill Brown - February 18 - 2:00 amThus far, the automobile is excellent.
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Great Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Elaine233 - February 18 - 2:00 amSo easy to drive it drives itself!
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Awesome Car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By mmf - February 18 - 2:00 amThis is the best car I have ever owned. It is a blast to drive. It is has great style as well as great safety reviews. Truly a winner in my book.
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My Beemer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By WRFLO - February 18 - 2:00 amMy Beemer is fantastic! The performance of the 184 hp six is very exciting, and has much more performance than would be indicated by the horsepower. The engine loves to rev, and does so without effort. As the engine hits 3500, then 4500, and then 5500, there is a surge of power as the variable cam reconfigures. The handling and comfort are superb. The quality is up to any standards imaginable, and more so than many more expensive, but lesser cars.
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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