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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  328i=Permasmile - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt Van Dyke - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Parts can be expensive, but most problems very easy to fix. This car is still tight and rattle free after 120k miles. I love it and will buy another BMW. Actually, I dont think Ill buy anything else again.

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  Beware the Electronics Demons - 2002 BMW X5
  By HokieMan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been a BMW buyers for over 20 years. This is a good hybrid of a SUV and a sports car. Interior is functional and comfortable with only a few annoying problems. Interior door handles are coated plastic and had to be replaced in the first year when paint peeled. Radio constantly fades in and out even with local stations. Gas pedal is too small. Rear leg room is minimal if tall occupants are in the front seats. Electronics are constantly on the blink. Been an ongoing problem for over a year now. Dealer cant seem to fix. Brake warning and service engine lights stay on all the time. Dealer is 2 hours away and day-long trips to try and fix are getting tiresome. Cargo storage is minimal.

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  Rides like a 5 Series sedan, NO WAY! - 2004 BMW X5
  By GregM27265 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The X5 will leave most other SUVs in the dust including the VW Toureg, especially climbing up a twisting, winding mountain road. However, it will bounce you along like an 18 wheeler. Fun to drive, yes; on a long trip though, it is pure agony. Styling, it excels. Safety, that is one of the primary reasons for buying it. Would I do it over again, no way, not since I have driven the VW Toureg V8. Although the Toureg is not as fast, it rides like a car, handles like a sports car, and unlike the Porsche Cayenne, it has better trim, and cost tens of thousands of dollars less.

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  BMWX5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Ann Meurs - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned, most useable features. Holds the road at any speed,leaves everyne in the dust.

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  The BEST sports car out there. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Beamerfan - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The body style is great!I dont understand why the editors at edmunds.com are complaining about it.The BMW Z4 won the JD Power APEAL Award.And is number 1 in its class.I would highly recommend this vehicle to any one looking for dynamic style and performance.

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  I am back - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By im back - October 7 - 2:00 am

  amazing! I had a 2002 525 and last january sold it and bought x5. x5 was great but certainly no 5 sreies.My wife now drives the x5. I did not think bmw could or should mess with the 5 series. but now that i own the new 530 with the sport package i am impressed. the car drives and handles impressively.i had mixed feelings regarding the new body style, but after seeing the car in the drive way it is sharp!

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  Nirvannah- This is Heaven on Earth - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Iqfinsvcs - October 7 - 2:00 am

  During the past 12 years I have owned three different 5-series models, including the new 525i..This car is by far the best in terms of luxary and design, external and internal. I doubted that BMW could better the 97 model..well folks, the new 2004 is a far better auto overall..its a knockout. The much maligned i-drive is easy to use but you have to play with it for a while..Drawbacks: a noisy interior with the moonroof open on highway, and a premiun cd changer that allows random play on one cd only...minor quips tho.

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Puchi713 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The BMW 5 Series is the best driving car I have driven as well as comfort interior. Well worth the money. Anyone who takes pleasure in driving should test drive the BMW

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  Great Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By sdb8 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great fun car. Automatic roof is great. Smooth acceleration, nice cruising (though the engine revs a little fast on the highway). I have driven it over 500 miles in a day and was comfortable (61", 230). I took a db meter on my test drive, and with the top up it was just a few db higher than my Acura RL.

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  Ultimate Driving - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By RKVK - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It drives like no other in my humble opinion and this is my 5th (7-li).The ride is smooth and confortable with a sense of safety you dont get with a lot of automobiles.The car has a look of class and in again, my opinion great lines.I could go on and on but Ill end with I LOVE THE 745Li!!!