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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  I fell in love... - 2004 BMW X3
  By dantec - September 25 - 2:00 am

  There is really nothing I could want from my X3, that it does not offer. It handles roads amazingly, feels light like a feather in comparison to my moms X5... As usual the BMW in-line 6 reigns supreme. The power is very good with the 3.0, and can take out any Lexuss or other wannabe SAVs (they will try and challenge you..) easily... The NAV is great... Its pre-iDrive but still very very good by german standards (which are pretty low since we have MB & Porsche horrific navs)... Its great how it rememebers its previous position and flips up or down when you start the car...

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  Zzzzzzzzzzz Way 2 Go - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Robert J. Kent - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a eye catcher, 1st BMW and it was love at 1st sight. Very satisified. Daily comments from others. Feel like Im driving a shark. General Motors take note, Its a Beamer not a Vet.

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  X5 Big Station Wagon - 2004 BMW X5
  By Jimdog - September 25 - 2:00 am

  With every company making Suvs, each company is entitled to their own vision when creating their model. The X5 is an excellent vechile in the standpoint of build quality, and luxury features. The interior is nicely laid out, everything you would expect from BMW. When you drive this suv youll notice it is smooth. But, it really isnt that much fun to drive. Very average. It feels like the Grand Cherokee I used to own. Living in Michigan, you expect your suv to hold up in bad weather. The X5 is not really suited for this. Very average in bad weather. The Awd system is not suited for heavy snowfall. My GMC Yukon is much better, for much less money in these kind of situations.

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  MY 1st Convertablie --ohhh what FUN!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By azpharmd - September 24 - 2:00 am

  man i got a great deal on this baby and i love every moment of it!! people stop me everywhere i go and ask me about it. for the price of this ultimate driving machine...you cant go wrong. you can get a better deal now that they are making rooms for the 2005 models. like some one posted earlier..this is not a race car, but a FUN CAR TO RIDE!

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  Satisfied - 2004 BMW X3
  By wolfy - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I am enjoying my new X3. I like that I can go anywhere with my new X3. It is agile enough to manover in the city and ruged enough to go off road into the mountains. Very Satisfied, Thanks BMW for a great vehicle.

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  An Excellent Ride - 2004 BMW X3
  By Anu - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been outstanding. It is a SAV that drives and feels like a car. It has exceptional performance, manuevering capability and load of safety features. You just cannot go wrong with this vehicle.

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  530I Comments - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Dawg - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. Highly recommend it! Only critique is the flimsy cupholders. Best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Great alternative to the SUV - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By family_hauler - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for a month now. I purchased it as my 3 series was too small for the family. Absolutely the best car I have owned to date. Performance of V8 and sports package is amazing. Steptronic transmission is velvet smooth. Fit and finish are excellent. Maintenance is very reasonable if you do it yourself. Take a look at www.roadfly.org to learn about typical problems. Only problem is that wife and I fight over who will drive it. (she has an Acura MDX) Keep an eye on the radiator as these are known to fail every 50K. (A $300 DIY fix). Purchase a set of winter tires

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  Not what it used to be... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By JWestley - September 21 - 5:26 am

  I am not impressed with this car at all. I leased it even against my own instincts. I was trying to decide between BMW and Mercedes. Even though Mercedes had one heck of a deal, I opted for a younger, more exciting look, but the car has been everything, but... I think BMW needs to go back to the drawing board and redo this model. Otherwise in 24 months, I will not be shopping for this car.

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  Best selling Bimmer! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By orupaperboy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, and love it!! Rides great, wonderful handling, great acceleration. Good looking car. Gas mileage would be better, but I commute 15 minutes in the city.