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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  2003 BMW X5, 4.4i - 2003 BMW X5
  By tfagerskog - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just an awesome driving and ownership experience (first 4 years of maintenance are included!). The ride is amazing as is the zippy acceleration. The interior is what you would expect from a first class manufacturer. Excellent styling and craftsmanship. Just a joy to drive.

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  Doesnt need to get any better. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Spike & Alan - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The first thing I noticed about driving this vehicle is how safe and secure you feel. One needs to set the cruise control during hiway driving to keep it under 90 miles per hour without realizing it! I like everything about it.

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  BMW X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By FRANK SICILIANO - October 16 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED MANY LUXURY VEHICLES FROM JAGUAR TO CADILLAC TO BMW AND ILL TAKE THE BMER OVER ALL OF EM! NOW THIS SUV IS EVERYTHING MY 5 SERIES WAS + ALL THE FEATURES OF A MID-SIZE SUV. CANT BEAT IT!

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  My truck - 2003 BMW X5
  By B.J. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Ive owned Bravadas, Tahoes, Blazers, Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is the best. Many comments from others--they want one!

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  Outstanding (Period) - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MEBranger - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The 330XI is the finest product Sport Sedan in the market.

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  a winner - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By troy c - October 16 - 10:00 am

  no problems...opt for 330 for greater performance. Xi drives like it is on rails...wet weather is a joke for this car

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  Love My NEW 328i Coupe - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Gocsteve - October 16 - 7:23 am

  This is my 3rd BMW, and it is my favorite! The new 230 HP 3.0L has plenty of power. I thought I wanted the 335i for the added power, but once I drove the new 6cyl, I was sold. This was plenty of power for me, and most others Im sure. My other BMWs were both coupes, so I am quite used to the styling, the back seat is a bit harder to get in and out of compared to my other cars, but not a deal breaker. I do agree, the hokey seat belt stick will be a problem long term.

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  Like it a lot! - 2005 BMW X5
  By JAXman - October 14 - 7:00 pm

  Got a heck of a deal compared to blue book pricing - This car has been great. Love the sleek design, big sunroof and great handling. Unfortunately Ive already learned that it performs well in side impact. The fuel economy is not great but a little better than advertised. I think that on the highway I average about 25mpg. In the city about 18. If you drive it nice its not terrible. Lots of room for all passengers and luggage. This car really is about as close to perfect as I could hope for - I think when I trade I will do so for a 2010 X5 Diesel in 2-3 years. Woo hoo for more fuel economy.

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  Highly recommend! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Paul in San Diego - October 14 - 1:14 pm

  We purchased this car new in 05 and it has been outstanding. Not a single thing has gone wrong in 40k miles, it gets 32+ mpg on the freeway and combined mileage is 25-26 -- all much higher than estimated! The free services have been great too.

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  Great car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By blue-bull - October 14 - 11:54 am

  Just one awesome car to drive. My wife is begging me to drive it, but I refuse for I am having way too much fun. Well balanced performance, driving experience and comfort this is build for the drive car.