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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  New Cl;assic - 2004 BMW Z4
  By statman - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Great feel for the road yet, it can be used as an everday commuter. Plenty of power. Great looksbut, that is subjective. Bottom line is that its a fun car to drive.

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  WOW!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Hansolo - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Whod ever thought a car can renew the excitement you get from driving. Everyday, it seems like I try to come up with an excuse to drive my Z4. It handles like a dream and accelerates like a rocket. I looked at a S2000, but the Z4 has so much more room, especially in the trunk.

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  So So - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe from the North - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 5 Series BMW. Compared to the previous version, the 2004 is roomier and more comfortable. The trunk is larger and the new electronics are enjoyable. However the feel and drive are not as tight and driveable as previous versions. The interior dash doesnt have the look or styling of a luxury car. The i-drive, although not as complicated as the 7 series still is difficult to use.

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  my car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By nine-a - January 11 - 2:00 am

  i love driving it

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  Couldnt think of another car to buy - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By crewbill01 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my BMW 325xi for 9 months now and could not be more happy. This is the first car that I have had, that the first thought after getting it wasnt .. What car do I want next? Still dont know if I could have any other car.

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  My BMW X3 2.5i - 2004 BMW X3
  By Spikeyhairboy12 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  If you like the X5, but cant afford it, look at this. The X3 has the looks of the X5, and the pricetag of the 325i. Right now, Im 13 years old. My dad bought one and he loves it! He has to drive about 60 miles a day and its gas mileage is good for a car that size (Im a car fanatic). If you havent driven one yet, do PLEASE!

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  Slightly pricey but drives great - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By igotit - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Drives really well especially with the top down. Surprisingly 184 HP is plenty for regular driving. Dont know why BMW does not include an alarm system on a car that easily costs $40K plus out of the door.

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  Fabulous! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By robfan - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love every bit of this vehicle. I can see why all the magazines praise the BMW 3 Series. The acceleration and handling is top notch. Every stop light Im like darting in front of everyone. I got the Electric Red and the exterior will catch every neighbors attention. The interior quality is elegant with comfortable leather seats. The Harmon/Kardon w/ 12 speakers give great surround sound. Have yet to test it in the rain and snow with AWD but every review has been good about that. I highly recommend it even with its high price tag, its worth the money.

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  X1 a poor mans Macan S - 2015 BMW X1
  By Terry Johnson - January 5 - 5:46 pm

  We needed to replace our car in the mountains for our vacation home and decided on the BMW X1 SAV. This is our 1st BMW (currently I drive a Porsche 997 C2 Cab and my wife drives a Porsche Cayenne S at our main home) and initially after test driving liked it (but I was leaning toward a Volvo V60 Cross Country...but was unable to work out the deal that I wanted) but after driving it for 2 weeks I more than like it! Amazing performance (for a turbo 4) and great gas mileage. Handling is superb....not my 911 type of handling...as it is not a sports car, but for what it is and for its price tag superb. The best I have driven up to the Macan (which is in a totally different category all together!). There are a few downsides which are lack of storage inside the vehicle (ours is a 2015 and I have been told that it has been somewhat rectified with the 2016 year model) and...maybe just 1 downside then! Very happy so far.

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  bmw - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By timber35 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  fun and sexy. At 38000 miles, faultless. Easy to use manual top much more reliable than auto top.