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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  BMW Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By joseph vitale - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I have the v-6, the car is a great car for performance and power, however, the car does burn a hell of lot of gas, but then again, when you pay over 42000, for a sports car, you cant complain too much about gas. The car is extremely fun to drive and I love the automatic top that you don t have to latch yourself.

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  Love this car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Tomhau - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and I couldnt be happier. It is taking a bit getting used to the Germanic controls versus the Japanese I am used to, but it is fairly intuitive. Drives great, and I like the traditional styling.

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  Love it but problems - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By RPHSR - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Have put 85000 miles on it since 01/00. Mostly highway. Need to repaint ($1475) bumper, hood, front of fenders, not so much from stone chips but from tiny white speckels from worn away paint. BMW provided parts(I the labor $271) at 69000 to rebuild the front steering.Under warranty replaced front rotors and pads, trunk lock twice, power moonroof once, wood trim on driver handle (now cracked again). Love my Harmom/Kardon sound.

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  2004 BMW 525i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By lulu - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Tight steering and rapid acceleration surprising for a 2.5L engine. I-drive is complicated and requires studying the owners manual extensively. After owning for over 2 weeks I still havent quite gotten a handle on the I-Drive. Would like to have the navigation sytem but it is not available until March 2004 production. Dont exactly know if it will be possible to install after the fact.

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  Skip the Sport Seats - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Billil - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car with terrible Sport Seats. They are very, very hard and impossible to get comfortable in. You also loose the heated stering wheel with the sport package.

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  Awesome driving machine - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By x1811 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 52,000 miles. Car looked and drove new. After two months, I can say this is the finest car Ive ever owned. Although Im partial to high end Toyotas, this vehicle drives like a dream. Comfort front and back are superior, wind noise is low, and it attracks looks everywhere, even in the church parking lot. Great fun to drive at higher speeds (80-90). Gas mileage hwy 23 mph.

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  Do yor really know how to use the SMG?!? - 2004 BMW M3
  By Mohammad Khan - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Im 19 years old and on January 15, 2004 I became the happiest 19 year old in America. The car is great in performance and handling. The SMG (once you truly figure out how to drive it) is an amazing achievement for BMW. Tip to burn out turn traction control off and turn shift gauge up to the 6th! place. Then push your stick into first holding it and reving the car. It will let you rev to about 1500 rpm then let go of the stick and watch an amazing take off. For the price this car is in a class of its own especially for younger generations. Furthermore the Audi S4 is amazing in performance as well the only problem is that it suits an older consumer base.Cant wait for the new M3 in 2008!

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  BMW SUV X5 3.0 - 2004 BMW X5
  By donrJ - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride and excellent brakes. It is a solidly built automobile and finishing is excellent.

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  Was this a Good Choice? - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By misniki - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I love that fact that you dont see one everyday. My problem is my car has been back for service 4 times 4 mths. 4x for the flat tire monitor. Its in the shop now and has been there for a week. My A/C comes on by itself, sometimes the window goes back down when you roll it up and the radio has frozen up three times. This car was not ready to be sold. I love the power and performance. Heads turn everywhere I go. If BMW can get the computer system under control, this would almost be the perfect car. Even though its a sports car, the convience package would be nice to have for the price. I cant wait for the M6.

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  645cic - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By reeddix - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car!