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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  THE GREAT X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By slimm - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my X5 for my birthday lst year. It is my first SUV and I am sooo pleased with it. I have an Acura TL which has a smooth ride and was afraid that the SUV would ride rough. The X% rides just as smooth. Its a fun car and whoever gets a chance to purchase one is lucky!

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  Best of Everything - 2003 BMW X5
  By kdm468 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Range Rover, love it but it literally fell apart when the warranty was up,head gasket, fuel pump, big stuff, we owned 2 Toyota Land Cruisers which were wonderful, reliable, very low maintenance. It was now time for a "fun" car. So we "scaled down" sizewise, and purchased the BMW, after owning several over the years, the BMW reputation speaks for itself.We wanted the flexibility of an SUV, yet didnt want to drive a HUGE school-bus like SUV. The only "must have" is the "sport package" the ride is like night and day compared to the car without it.

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  This is the Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwrocks - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive always dreamed of owning a BMW and for years Ive driven other cars (Honda, Pontiac, Toyota, Mitsu, etc...). After I got my 2004 330Ci, I cant believe I waited this long! The car handles very well and the performance is top notch. Im sure the 225HP rating is "toned" down since it feels more powerful than that. The interior speaks of luxury and the sound system is pretty good. For price/performance/luxury, this car cant be beat. From now on, I will always buy a BMW.

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  the best car ive ever owned - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwhooligan - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. I have always wanted a BMW. This truly is the ultimate driving machine. Perfect for everyday driving. I look forward to driving to work.

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  d - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By SKD - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Very Good itis diffetly the ultimat driving mahine. Very littl cain noise

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  Sheryl - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sheryl - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!! I love this car....Family loves car and husband too

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  Glad that I bought it - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Onisiu - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid car. It takes off the moment I put on the pedal. We also have a C280 Mercedes now but for sure we will get another BMW next time, possibly X3 or 330i. Handling is excellent. Its very funy to drive. I bought it two months ago but I am still telling my wife that its a great "Ultimate Driving Machine." I prefer this stype than the new 2004 model so I decided to get one before I cant. I got an excellent deal at the dealership as well.

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  BMW World - 2001 BMW X5
  By mneal - December 1 - 6:06 am

  I bought the bmw and was in love from the first time i rocketed away. The pick and top speed of (234 km/h) was great and this is the 3.0 liter. the braking is EXCELLENT and the turning great too! Overall you think you are in a sports car and the handling is stiff and reactionary. If you want a mean machine that can get you here to there in style and comfort then this is the year and the model to get , better on gas then the 4.4 and 4.6, 4.8 aswell. Holds its price too!

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  Fun car but.... - 2001 BMW Z3
  By PinkysMommy - November 30 - 9:49 pm

  Had a 318i for 7 years- never a problem with repairs, etc. Only got rid of it because it had 100,000+ miles on it and was worried it might start breaking down. Bought the Z3 as a preowned vehicle - with warranty. Have had it in shop countless times, last time being it needed a new radiator - have had lots of repair issues, it is now just out of warranty and I am hoping it will not break down any more. Love the car, its cute and fun but disappointed in repairs so far. Other BMWs superior to this one :(

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  Dream comes true, even better. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By GaryW - November 30 - 7:00 pm

  Bought it as a Certified Pre-owned vehicle. Now for 3 months and around 3000 miles, I would say my long time dream finally comes true, and even better.The 5-speed auto transmission with steptronic is smooth and responsive. The sport/premium pkg is unmissable. The I-6 engine is a magic with thrilling sound. Its so torquey that I dont even have to rev it above 3K rpm for acceleration. The suspension is stiffer than I expected, but it helps a lot on handling while not incurring excessive noise/rattles. Once raced with a motorcycle on a twisty mountain road and it rocks. I doubt if G35 or TL can do that. No in-dash CD changer is the only gripe. But fuel efficiency is a plus. Love it.