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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  Waited a long time to buy another sports - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Z4maniac - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I havent looked for an excuse to drive my car since I sold my 1981 TR-8. The Z4 is like my TR-8 on steroids. This car is awesome. Fast Sleek and sticks to the tarmack like it is on a train track. Most all todays cars look pretty much the same. The first time I saw the 2003 Z4, I was hooked!

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  BMW 2003 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Reda ishak - September 24 - 2:00 am

  too many plastic parts in the trunk area that creats noises specailly in the cold weather. should be littel lower than it is now. tail gate should be lower and more accessable.

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  The Ultimate X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Vishal Ramkison - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Being a first time BMW owner, I now know why they call them the Ultimate Driving Machines. This is the SUV that has everything I ever wished for power, style, performance and value. Its dual exhaust system is music to the ears when you are cruising in the best interior in the industry. Its truly worth the extra dollars!!!!!

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  Why I picked the X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By BlackMamba - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The reason I choose the X5 is the safty and looks. I love the interior of the car and the cruise the car gives me. It rides so smooth even with the sport package. It has so many options that my wife and I only went thru the first 20 min on the DVD before we had overload on all the things it can do

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 BMW M5
  By ProRacer - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate in both luxury and performance.

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  10 years old and still a cool car! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By filoux31 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I dreamed about this car for years. One day, I decide to buy a used one (in fact, my purse decide)! And... I still love this car. Mine has 10 years old and 190,000 km but drive better than a lot of new ones, believe me ) Just the A/C disappointed me (Its very fragile and cost a lot to repair) and the body near the wings... watch the rust! In general, the gas mileage is very good: Around 10L/100km.

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  Driving is Fun Again - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Barnet - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I tried the Z-3, and found it bland in styling, a tight fit physically, and short on some of the features I wanted in a sports car. The Z-4 responds to all of these issues: it is eye- catching, easy and comfortable on all kinds of roads and for long distance touring, and has an up-to-date set of power accessories, GPS, sound system, etc. It is a car for those who enjoy interacting with their machine.

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  why buy anything but an M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Aby the man - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Ok people, I have driven many many high proformance car and nothing comes close to the sheer joy and excitment for the money. some people might find it hard to assoicate value with this car, but i do.

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  One thing that you should know - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Christian - September 22 - 5:23 pm

  By far this is a great car. I live in Orange County, CA, its my 2nd lease of a 3-series. One thing that bothers me is the tires that BMW decided to put on these cars. They Bridgstone Turanza EL 42 Model RFT (Run Flat Tires), it comes standard on all BMW. I have about 600 miles on the car and just had a nail on of the tires. BMW dealer would not patch this and tires are not part of warranty. Costs about $300/tire to get a new one each time you have a bad luck running over a nail. In addition, they last only about 10,000 - 15,000 without mileage warranty from Bridgestone.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Venus - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The coolest and classiest car ever!