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 My Beemer! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By J.R.T. - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car, but I am already deeply in love with it! Its beoynd comfortable in every way and one of the best handling rides Ive had.

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  Love this BMW!!! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By hawks97 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Only had this for two months, but I love it! Car is very comfortable, and fun to drive. iDrive system is OK, but dont like the need to "accept" BMWs disclosure every time you start the car ("dont mess with this while you drive"). Also, for radio use, you cant simply push a button to get to a station, you have to scroll through every preset. Poor storage space. For a 2004 luxury sedan, it baffles me why BMW still has a place between the front seats for an installed cell phone. What little space is available is mostly taken up by that holder. Even with very limited drawbacks, this car is amazing.

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  My BMW 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By James Cheek - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 BMW 530i has fulfilled all my expectations. It is quiet,smooth, powerful, good looking, easy to handle and fun to drive. The I-Drive is sometimes a pain and at times one yearns for the simpler, digitial dash controls, especially for climate--the radio and CD controls may acutally be better on the I-Drive. I had a defective airbag warning light (most apparently did) but BMW promptly replaced the defective computer causing it.

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  Be Your Own Judge - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By E60_90024 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  You must drive this car to appreciate the blend of sporty performance and luxury. The full size appearance belies actual performance characteristics. The handling and performance are nothing short of awesome. iDrive takes a little time to master, but you soon realize that you have ultimate control over systems and have access to information that in any other car, youd have to rely on the dealer service department for. The ability to create custom settings for the steeing wheel control buttons is a great feature. And Bangle bashing aside - The styling is both sporty and elegant, and unlike anything in its class.

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  Lovin It - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Johnny JK - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I really love this call, except for the fact that lately, some iDrive features are acting a little funky (need to take it into the dealership)

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  bmw top notch - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Dr.. Frank - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Acura its so much diffrance.BMW terrific car,top of the line sedan. So far, I like everything about it. The I-drive is fine I do not see any problems. It should be a bit cheaper and have more standard features.

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  A dream machine - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By george henderson, jr - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This could be the neatest car Ive ever owned and that includes a Corvette, an XKE and 24 years of Mercedes S Class. This is a blast to drive and a show stopper. A sports car with room for four if you need it (a plus over an XK-8) and quicker than a cat. The design and air-flow keep you and passangers from being wind blown.

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  A good, fun drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lankyyankee - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Small defects, tho: open glove compartment, everything falls out. Open storage bin between seats, its so high up you can hardly get to anything. Side door compartments are difficult to reach into. But theres more trunk space now, than the Z3. Glass window in the back instead of plastic. Neat-looking with topdown. Still a blast to drive. Love it!

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  2000 540i 6-spd. - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By El Jefe - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic, fantastic car. Elegant and luxurious, but crack the whip and you can get places in a hurry. Doesnt handle or feel like a 3,800 lb. car. I had a 99 M3 for three years and loved that rig, but this one can essentially do everything that car could, while offering more room and many more standard features. Too bad BMW lost focus and is now turning out hideous designs and chasing after segments they should never bother touching.

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  Love the car, hate service experience - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 530i Owner - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second E39 and I must say the 530i is a huge improvement over the 528i it replaced. Its a blast to drive hard and at its limits. Its comfortable for 5 adults. Its rock solid engine and transmission are a delight. My sales experience was the best, but I have a personal relationship with the business manager at the dealership I chose. I had to go 350 miles away from home to get treated like a human being, but it was worth it. On the negative, my service experience at local dealers has been less than acceptable. I have a recurring problem with my driver seat that has been reported on 4 visits and still not resolved. Sad.