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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  Wonderful Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Colin - January 4 - 2:00 am

  5 series is one of the best Cars I ever had Ive driven an Audi S4 and the cars happen to be very similar, Both are excelent Cars and I have no Idea why an AUDI didnt make the top 5.

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  5 series superstar - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jpse - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Incredible....Lets leave it at That!

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By JaniceSmIth - January 4 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING! I LOVE IT! Its drives so nice!

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  Still...the Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By roant71 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Hard to explain..but the best handling in a car that you will ever find.

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By mjgion - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride! No compliants about performance and sheer joy of driving this vehicle. Did have some minor problems with computer system(resolved by dealer)Interior could have made better use of space with regard to cell phone space more center console space....Otherwise a great treat to drive

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  Awesome 530i - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff2003 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This 530i has great looks inside and out, drives like a dream, and has great features.

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  Perfect Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Canadian Driver - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Perfect Ride, why you would drive maxima or lexus after you drive this car, if you drive one, youll know what I mean.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DAVID GURLEY - January 4 - 2:00 am

  SINCE THE FIRST TIME I DROVE THIE CAR I HAVE LOVED IT. THE ENGINE IS LIKE NO OTHER THE HANDLING IS OUTSTANDING I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING ELSE

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  Skips delighted - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Skip - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Im reporting on a 2002 BMW 330ci convertible, that now has 20,000 miles on it. This car has made two round trips to Florida, and is about to embark on a 3rd. It is the finest car that I have ever owned, and the most fun to drive. I have experienced very few problems with the car, and Fields BMW in Northbrook, IL corrected all of those promptly. My next car will unquestionably be a BMW.

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  BMW 3 Series - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sal Zagami - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW. I have always dreamed of owning one, finally at age 31 I bought a 2004 325I. I have owned many vehicles in the past but none compare to this automobile. The way this car handles and feels on the road is remarkable. Recommend this vehicle highly tio everyone.