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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  A Real Driver - 2003 BMW X5
  By rjr57 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Get behind the wheel of this beauty and youll never want to park. The steering is so tight and the handling so precise that youll feel like youre ready for the track. The X5 is a thing of beauty from all angles, and the quality and rigidity are top notch. Its got all the handling qualities of a 5 series, but with better traction and a commanding view of the road.

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  Off-road capable - 2003 BMW X5
  By Scolly - September 19 - 2:00 am

  As a previous Range Rover driver I find the X5 remarkably capable for most off- road adventures. The adjustable height option affords critical clearance for going through deep snow, sand and over rough terrain, but the four wheel drive has never not been up to task. This is a remarkable vehicle as comfortable with traversing sand dunes, as getting through 10 inches of snow or nimbly navigating Boston traffic. Its only limitation is cargo capacity, so be prepared to get a roof rack or trailer for the Utility part of SUV. The 3.0 provides more than ample performance while providing reasonable gas mileage.

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  BMW has a winner - 2003 BMW X5
  By GCreations - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with the performance for the size engine. Spacious & comfortable including back seat passengers. All the amenities of a luxury class vehicle.

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  Sheri - 2003 BMW X5
  By Sheri Wright - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my X5. I have absolutely no problems with it at all. It is extremely comfortable. It drives more like a car than an SUV.

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  A Car You Can Trust - 2003 BMW X5
  By Cristi1223 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The BMW X5 is a great SUV that you can depend on. Its not only comfortable and secure, but also incredibly fun to drive.

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  great sport sedan - 2003 BMW X5
  By anucheat - September 19 - 2:00 am

  every suv should drive like this

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  i love my x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By nicolenort - September 19 - 2:00 am

  its an amazing ride. its safe, comfortable and its glued to the ground u never feel like when ur making a sharp turn its going to flip over on you. I defiently reccomend the x5 especially if your in it for safety, along with looks and comfort.

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  BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mr. amd Mrs. Cox - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellecent total driving experience. All the room of an SUV with the handling of a car (a BMW car!).

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  BMW - 2003 BMW X5
  By mariel - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Its te best SUV

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  Fun & Great - 2003 BMW X5
  By Catire16 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Great Performance , Fun Car, Nice Lines and Style