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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  driving used to be a bore - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jody Wilks - June 28 - 2:00 am

  I hve driven this automobile in driving nighttime rain, through snowy mountain passes, the deserts of the southwest, windstorms that closed mountain passes and finally, cold icy roads in Alaska. It has always been a joy to drive.

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  JPDZ4 2.5 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jpdz4 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 is my first BMW and it the best driving experience I have ever had. The looks grow on you and the uniqueness and rarity of the car draws a lot of attention. I had first intended to buy a Porsche Boxster but the current style is boring and they are very common in my neighborhood.

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  Love my bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemybimmer - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car 3 days but Im already hooked. Ive driven over 350 miles...thats how much fun it is to drive my 325i. This car handles beautifully...stops on a dime and is extremely responsive to the driver. I can now understand what BMW owners mean when describing their "ultimate driving machines". Go get one...you wont be disappointed!

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  Over Z Top - 2004 BMW Z4
  By rvrmongoose - June 27 - 2:00 am

  In the few short months I have owned this Z4, I am convinced this is the ultimate roadster. Fun to drive, great engineering.

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  Initial impressions - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Gravad - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first roadster and I love it. Handling and performance are great. The interior is comfortable and pleasantly styled. The cons cannot subtract from the enjoyment factor. I recommend the premium, convenience, and sport packages.

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  WOW! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By CWO5USN - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car! I have never driven a car that sticks to the road like this one! Very quick and agile! Also, BMW obviously understands that speed is not all that matters! I love that sport button! This car will make you want to take the longest, twistiest, open road home! When I drive by, peoples head swivel! Classy car! A great driving machine!

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  BABY BLUE - 2004 BMW Z4
  By VALUE - June 26 - 2:00 am

  GREAT ROAD CAR,SOLID FEEL,CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH TOP UP OR DOWN, GOOD TRUNK SPACE FOR WEEKEND TRIP, WHAT A ROADSTER SHOULD LOOK AND DRIVE LIKE.

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  very responsive cool car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By maricell - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a sport car yet it feels like a full size car to drive. Its roomy. doesnt feel closed in. Hugs the road beautifully. The sound system is great. Its great to drive at night. For a sport car it can light the whole street and beyond as you drive by and you wont feel alone or scared on a lonely road.

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  none - 2004 BMW X5
  By ocsd - June 25 - 2:00 am

  most interior room of the midsize suvs

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  Best car Ive owned - so far... - 2016 BMW 7-Series
  By John S WILSON - June 25 - 1:57 am

  I bought my 7 Series X-Drive with the big V-8, here in Colorado, in early March 2016. I drove this car from Colorado to Palm Springs, CA, shortly after my purchase, and was just amazed at its performance and handling. I traded in a Porsche Panamera 4S (2012) and that was a great car, designed (I think) with my demographic in mind. Im 75 years old. Before the Panny, I drove 3 Audi A8 Ls. This is an incredibly high-tech car, and I discover new things about its innards almost daily. The BMW organization practically fawns over me as a buyer of its top-priced sedan, and I guess I like that. I also really like the full maintenance warranty, so - unlike Porsche-Audis "turn" over the last few years with their very costly maintenance services, I pay for nothing; although Id guess its in the price of the vehicle. Especially at Palm Springs altitude - sometimes UNDER sea level - with all the O2 that location provides, the power of this vehicle with its twin-turbo engine, is astounding. And to my great surprise, my mileage, off the vehicles computer, was averagiing 30.2 mpg from Boulder to Palm Springs - 1050 miles. Huh? Incredible. And the cars comfortable and ultra-luxurious interior is a pleasure to experience, and the various optional handling levels (suspension, throttle response, shift points) provide varied driving experiences which are a real kick to play with. At my home in Colorado, I live in the mountains overlooking Boulder, and at 8000 feet, the car still runs like a Vette - and there are many twists and turns on the roads leading from my Boulder home to Boulder-City, 2400 feet below my front door. If you want ultimate luxury and incredible power and handling, consider this car - the AWD Xdrive is a huge plus for my home area, and so far, it has operated flawlessly. My current miles put on this car add up to just over 4000 road miles, and I hope it runs and handles as well as it currently does, for another 30-40K miles, before my next car must be selected!