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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  nice - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Spenser - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its a nice car

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  bimmer conv - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By timber35 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  the best legal fun on wheels.may not be a rocket, but a winding warm moonlit road is ectasy

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  BMW 330 cic - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By LSMobile - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic sports convertable. I love it. From now on Ill only buy similar autos. Its well worth the cost of ownership!!

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  330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Love Munich - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Never paying much attention to the brand market position this is my 5th new BMW and 3rd consecutive annual purchase after 01 330cic and last years 325i wagon. Never have I encountered better ergonomics, more than edequate performance and elegant rather than fashion-driven design. Resale value is excellent, dealer support can be a guideline to other makers. European delivery is a logistical breeze and how and why would you pick up a car in Tokyo? I buy a new one every year.

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  a practical suv... - 2003 BMW X5
  By Andrew Parker - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty well known fact that probably 99% of people who own suvs dont go off road, and even if they wanted to, they would soon realize that there "SUV" was not really capable. On the other hand, the X5 is a pratical suv, or a sporty van. Vans are the ideal vehicle of america. It carries kids, luggage, trash, new tvs, and whatever else. It also offers the driver a higher seat. Only problem though is the lack of beauty, styling and power. The X gives you the practicality of van, in a sports cars body.

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  BMW X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By rod sturger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great overall vehicle Performance with the 3.0 is great. Quick responsive and not the gas guzzler of the 4.0s. Great interiors great option packages. Fast Safe Reliable. Be sure to Get the Extended Maintainance package

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  First Class - 2003 BMW X5
  By kks - January 24 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable, capable and attractive vehicle. It does everything well. If I could change it in any way, perhaps more room behind the rear seats would be a plus. I would buy one again...and I rarely buy the same vehicle twice!

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  my new X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By phelen24 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 7 SUVs, This is the best!!!

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  X5 4.4 - 2003 BMW X5
  By eusmani - January 24 - 10:00 am

  having owned a 97 montero, an ML430, a toyota landcruiser, and now my X5, i can safely say it is the performance suv to have

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  I love my suv!!!! - 2003 BMW X5
  By caryl - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The BMW X5 is great! It is fun, dependable, comfortable and works for our family of five. The cargo space is fine for our uses. We have a pac-a- sport to afix to the roof for baggage, etc. for trips, etc. We needed the pac- a-sport when we owned our van as well, and in fact it was more difficult to pack up with a family of five with the van. I feel my children can be no safer in any other vehicle on the market. We have the nav. system in place and do wish we could use our c.d. system on the dash rather than placed in the trunk. Not much negative input in my opinion.