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 i drive system aint that bad - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By jharoski - October 1 - 2:00 am

  the i-drive system on the new five series aint that hard to master, if you can use a computer mouse it should be a snap. once you take the time to set the car up to your liking it is terrific!!! i spent a good hour looking for defects and really could find any except for the lame cup holders. the navigation system is better than the one in my acura and that is saying a lot! the power of the six it fine the eight would produce too many speeding tickets, i could tell. i wonder why i didnt get one sooner! if you are looking for a car dont buy this one, if you looking for a partner for the road this is the machine to buy.

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  Good Car, High Cost to Own - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Chicago Bimmer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, hate the car. Most beautiful car Ive owned. A joy to drive, when everything works. Replaced 4 window motors, 1 seat motor, a radiator, 2 water pumps, an alternator, a drive shaft, a CD player, and dash read outs. The other day the exterior door handle just came off in my hand. This car has been maintianed by BMW and certified mechanics, yet the build quality work against the owner. Its a shame considering the cost of the car.

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  Truely the ultimate driving expericance - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By beemerboy - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Recently my Porsche was stolen, so I decided to get something different. I decided to get a 4 door that was under 35k. Well, I decided to look at a BMW 325i. Since the day I purchased it I havent looked back. My new Beemer handles great, I sometimes forget Im driving a 4 door. Unlike Porsche, BMW pays for all your schd oil changes, brake pads, etc. To sum it up, BMW is turely "The ultimate driving experiance."

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  Fun,style and class - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By peabee - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in July 2003. One of the first to buy the 2004 model. I got the new color Mystic Blue and pin striped it according to the beige interior. Ive received many compliments on the color combination. Ive dreamed about this car since I was a kid. Finally treated myself to one on my 60th. birthday. I LOVE IT. What a great driving experience it is. Power, close to the road (hugging) 5 speed manual shifts wonderfully. I only wish they had made the 325 with the 6 speed manual transmission. Ive laid it up over the past winter in my garage (even covered it up) and cant wait to get it out and on the road again.

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  2004 330Ci Convertible 6spSMG - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lhalljd - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is unquestionably the best sports convertible for the money. A perfect combination of room for people, luggage and/or golf clubs in a pure preformance convertible. A joy to drive.

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  BMW owner for life - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Love My BMW - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Ford Mustang for my BMW and it was the best choice yet ! I have the sport package and personally think it makes a huge difference. The handling and suspension are pure German engineering. I reasearched this to death and for the money and warantee could not find anything close. Acceleration is there when you need it and driving this car is pure pleasure. Its fun, classy and sporty all wrapped up in one. I am 51 and the boyfriend is 64 the programmable power seats are a great option.

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  Bomb Ass Beemer - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Karlo - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so much fun driving a vehicle. Not only does the Z4 turn heads, it is a joy to drive.

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  BMW X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By Fearnley - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a BMW X5 3.0i. It is great, the interior quality is just superb. The exterior is gorgous. Fuel economy is ok, but not great.

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  This is an awesome car - 2004 BMW X3
  By akgski - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I am thrilled with this car. I purchased a 2.5 6speed manual which handles beautifully. There is plenty of power, and top notch performance. There is plenty of room for childrens car seats and the extras in back.

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  The Dream Machine - 2005 BMW X3
  By X3Man - September 28 - 6:36 am

  This is an awesome car. From the time you unlock it to the time you lock it and walk away, you are guarenteed sheer joy. The car has so many dependability control and saftey features that it allows you to spend time focusing on the comfort and entertainment. There is no shortage of that. The ride is not too stiff (improved in 05) and I like the interior (light wood = the best). The vehichle is very sophisticated if you equip it properly (please do). If you just want a dependable car to drive, there are others out there. If you will stand for nothing less than the best...name, engine, looks, entertaining and futuristic features, then equip one fully and join the club.