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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  Z4 - no comparison (even to the Z3) - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DocHoz - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I owned the Z3 for 3 years and upgraded to the Z4 about a year ago. WOW says it all. BMW should pat themselves on the back for this one. The improvements on the interior from the Z3 to the Z4 are incredible and numerous. The exterior is the most obvious change, and that did take a little bit to grow on me - but I love it now. The handling, acceleration, braking, and response of the vehicle are fantastic - the sport button definetly gives it that extra "kick" when you need it. If you never owned a BMW or a roadster, I guarantee you will love it. If you are upgrading from the Z3, you will thank God you did. You will be amazed by all of the compliments you get.

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  good drive, plenty of fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By drajax777 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  the 2.5 model is fast enough to get the driver in trouble but the brakes are excellent; the styling sets this car apart. my problem is with the run flat tires which seem prone to go flat and are expensive; in 12000 miles ive had three flats; no one is sure about a cause

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  If you knew Suzy... - 2004 BMW Z4
  By ladepenb - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first convertible bought almost by accident. My mother Sue had one, thus the name. It is red and it is sweet. Just ask anyone passing by as I drive though. Its the only one in town! It handles quickly and smoothly, responding well on any kind of road in any kind of weather.I feel safe in it, enev though it is a convertible. Its size suits me- I rarely need to carry anyone.I dont worry about cargo space- it carries enough groceries home. With the top down I can put on a hat and drive the turnpike without effort. The sound system increases enough so that the wind is not a problem. Id reccomend this car to any one who wants one and can afford it!

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  The fun zone starts here - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Roger G - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Exellent car for the money, beats Porsche Boxster and Audi TT without question,love the aggresive design, some hate, it I love it, most non BMW owners thinks is an $80,000 car, worth the extra money I paid for the 3.0.

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  Pity Poor External Design - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Anton - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car to drive lots of fun. Good road holding and comfortable. Z3 styling was much much better.

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  interior improvments needed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ronst - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Interior design around the driver is poor. Arm rest and storage comartment need major improvement. Side door pockets not as spacious as older models. Would like to see retractable arm rest back. "I-drive" you find a radio station! It takes five steps to get to the radio! I have to accept a disclaimer that pops up on the nav screen every time I start the engine. I was told satelite radio would be available-not! There is an annoying light on the ceiling that stays on when there is no passenger in the right seat that reads "air bag not activated" Goes off when seat is occupied.

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  Former Infiniti owner - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By lcbdown - February 3 - 10:13 am

  I test drove the new 335i coupe in an effort to give BMW a chance. Ive always owned Infinitis, and was planning on buying the new G37, which looks just awesome. In my eyes the G37 seemed like a better deal on paper, but after driving the BMW, you definitely realise why there is such a price disparity. I can now understand why BMW owners are so loyal; Ive never driven a car that feels like this! The solidity, grip, material quality, attention to detail all far outshine anything Ive owned before. I love every aspect of this car, down to the seat belt stalks that bring your seat belt to you when you close the door & the beautiful ambient light surrounding the cabin at night. Brilliant.

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  BMW 325I Service Record - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bruce Kahl - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I loved the car, but the repair record was horrendous. Everything kept breaking and the car had to go into service starting at 6 weeks.

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  Nearly perfect - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jimmyd - January 28 - 6:06 pm

  I have stayed away from BMWs for the last 5 years due to dissatisfaction with local dealerships and overall BMW attitude to customers. I was lured back by the 335s promise of M3 like performance with more pleasant manners as a daily driver, for a lot less money. I was initially a bit disappointed as the car is heavier and less responsive than my old E46 328. I have since replaced the stock suspension with PSS9 coilovers and ditched the RFTs and put wider tires on front. Its a completely different car, and handles like a BMW should. Its hard to beat as an all round car with room for four. Most drivers will be happy with the stock performance, but it can be substantially improved.

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  The best car Ive ever own - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Charlie IL - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My BMW 540I 6 Speed is my fourth BMW. I have own 2 Mercedes Benz 3 other BMWs but the BMW 540I has to be the best car. I love the way it handles cornering, stopping, power, perfornmance over all. The styling of the exterior as well as the interior of the car has to be one if not the most sexiest one. I also like the fact that I feel very safe while driving it, where on other cars I dont get that feeling. The BMW 540I is the best car to drive.