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 6191 through 6200 of 11,088.00-
Solid, and classy - 1995 BMW 5-Series
By Techmaniac - July 23 - 2:00 amWho would have known that a four door sedan would handle like a rocket ship. I had a littl 318, and the 5 was a definite step up in life. The power and feeling from the engine are great for any driver who likes to have complete control.
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...wow - 1990 BMW 3-Series
By GolfGod325 - July 23 - 2:00 amThis was my first car and it was a great one. Everything was easier than expected to repair (ex. headlights, brakelights, etc.). I am definately going to keep buying BMWs forever.
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this car is ahead of its time - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By All M - July 23 - 2:00 amThis car is not for the simple minded person. this car made me injoy driving like when I was in my teens.
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BMW 745 - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By Kobe - July 23 - 2:00 amEVERY FUN TO DRIVE AWESOME CAR OVERALL
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So Much Fun!! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By UTFan - July 23 - 2:00 amThe car is unbelievably fun to drive. Handles beautifully. We have had some problems getting our phone to work. Been back to the dealer 3 times and still are having problems. The other problem is that the vehicle is so fun to drive that I do not care about the phone situation. VERY fast and handles VERY well...and oh the looks that it gets. I am afraid that we are going to cause an accident.
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I LOVE MY X5 - 2002 BMW X5
By LA95CAM - July 23 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my X5. Before I purchased my X5 I drove a few other luxury SUVs and found that the X5 was the best overall in handling, comfort and performance.
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This thing rocks! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
By SteveW - July 22 - 2:00 amI have owned a Saab 9000 turbo, a Range Rover, a BMW 6-Series, etc. All-in-all, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its "subtle", esp. w/the 6 cyl. Its so competent, so smooth, esp. with the auto trans., that it took me awhile to realize the many ways in which it excels. Just take a 5-Series on a road trip.....10 miles out, youre thinking, "OK, I could drive to Canada right now, no problem!" I used to wish for the V8, but the BMW 6 cylinders are legendary for reliability, smoothness, & make really nice sounds. The "Touring" model is a bonus all the goodness of a Five, but more distinctive, & with cargo capacity.
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BMW 330Ci Convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
By ohh_yay - July 21 - 10:00 amGreat car, rides well and is a true pleasure... My first one was a lemon back at the end of 2003, the dealer exchanged it for the 2004 refreshed model with no fee charged to me. I would have to say the BMW buying experience is wonderfull and they are very helpfull if you end up at the right dealer (e.g. Stevens Creek BMW not Allison BMW). Ride is great, and comfy. The most amazing things is when you throw it into a curve with a sharp turn at high speeds it sticks like glue on the road. Try that with your Mercedes and youll end up off the cliff!
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Love That BMW! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
By Booking - July 21 - 10:00 amThe BMW 330Ci is an outstanding car. Great looking and comfortable, it provides amazing performance in every category. The brakes let you "stop on a dime" without a fuss. The acceleration is really exciting and youll have passengers asking you to slow down before you even reach your desired speed. The cornering is beyond what you thought possible. Four six-foot people find comfort in its supple leather seats while the trunk provides a lot of space. When the top is up, youre in a very comforting and quiet vault. And, even though it is a convertible, the ride is as solid and commanding as youd expect in any high- performance BMW.
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Un-Beemer-Lievable - 1999 BMW 5-Series
By Mr. Beems - July 21 - 2:00 amOutstanding handling beautiful, classic design, reliability, outstanding service.....and those are the low points. I cant wait to purchase my next Beemer hopefully the new 7 or the newest 5 series.
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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