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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  nearly perfect - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By happy SC driver - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had the BMW 530i for only a short time but this may be the best luxury sedan I have ever owned and that list includes top of the line Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Volvo and Infiniti automobiles. It is smooth on turns and powerful on straight runs. It looks great inside and out and is technologically superior to any car I have owned.

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  Excels in every aspect! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jamez Bond - January 4 - 2:00 am

  great! I just bought mine in September, and as of yet. I have no complaints!

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  BMW 545i with sports package - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Alberto - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I had the somewhat unique experience of actually picking up my car in Germany under the European Delivery Program. I got to drive this car on the AUTOBAHN around Munich and Austria, regretfully because it was a new car, I could not exceed 4000 RPM, nevertheless, the car handled superbly at 120 MILES PER HOUR!!!, what a GREAT EXPERINCE!!! The car exeeded my expectations!

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Colin - January 4 - 2:00 am

  5 series is one of the best Cars I ever had Ive driven an Audi S4 and the cars happen to be very similar, Both are excelent Cars and I have no Idea why an AUDI didnt make the top 5.

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  5 series superstar - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jpse - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Incredible....Lets leave it at That!

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JaniceSmIth - January 4 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING! I LOVE IT! Its drives so nice!

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  Still...the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By roant71 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Hard to explain..but the best handling in a car that you will ever find.

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By mjgion - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride! No compliants about performance and sheer joy of driving this vehicle. Did have some minor problems with computer system(resolved by dealer)Interior could have made better use of space with regard to cell phone space more center console space....Otherwise a great treat to drive

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  Awesome 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff2003 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This 530i has great looks inside and out, drives like a dream, and has great features.

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  good looking and powerful - 2004 BMW Z4
  By den57yon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  after driving a z3 for three years, this new z4 is like a new car altogether. i feel much more confident and comfortable driving this car.