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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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stephanie weltzien - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This Car is amazing. NOt only have i had a chance at being in the car while its being driven.. my father works at BMW so i get a first hand look at what great cars are coming out, when they are coming out and what to look foward to in the new line of cars. But Byfar This car IS amazing in so many ways. Its body style catches peoples admiring eyes, it gets great miles and it is comfortable and a easy ride.It also HAs unbelivable crash test ratings. Making it safe for the whole family to ride in. So hands down this is the best car on he road.

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  NICE CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MISIO - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE IT,IT IS FAST AND VERY COMFORTABLE.HAS GREAT ACCELERATION.. IN POLISH WE CAN SAY.."PALI GUME"

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  MY 2004 BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By TOM K - January 15 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH IT. THE RIDE AND HANDLING ARE FANTASTIC, THE CAR IS FLAWLESS REGARDING ASSEMBLY AND FIT. THE CAR IS WORTH THE MONEY. I RECEIVED WITH EUROPEAN DELIVERY, SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD, NO SURPRISES.

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  Wow! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cricketcrazy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my custom 545iA after a wait of 2 months. Ordered it in Jet Black with Grey interior with Cold Weather, Rear Seat Heating, and Premium Sound. The car looks beautiful inside and out and the new shape has prompted several WOW comments already. This car is very fast, very solid, and very silent. The fuel economy of 20-26 mpg for a V8 is phenomenal. I love this car and dont regret trading my 2003 530i after just 3 months.

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  best suv yet - 2004 BMW X3
  By briansheep - January 15 - 2:00 am

  X5 meets 330xi best piece of machinery ever built by bmw

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  My 1st Convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By El Barto - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I really love my car. I keep the top down even in the chicago winter! If its above 20 degs., the windscreen and the seat heaters do a fine job of keeping the front seat passengers warm! No need for a hardtop. If I were to buy this again, Id spend the extra $$$ to get the 330Cic with the 6 spd manual trans. The extra power would make it that much more fun.

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  In A Class By Itself - 2009 BMW X6
  By Mark - January 14 - 7:19 pm

  Of all the xDrive BMWs Ive owned or even driven, this one is a sublime blend of sure footed panther and raging bull. Fit and finish is above even BMW standards. It feels like its hand made on the inside and looks like it was left behind by advanced intelligence from another galaxy. Drove both engine sizes and went with the big one 5.0 V-8. The roar alone justified my decision. The slack-jaw looks it earns from the ignoratii are priceless. Forget about cargo space. This is not for soccer moms. This is for a single individual to get out and have fun quickly. Sport package is a must on this car. So is Technology package. Logic 7 premium sound is a hedge against any conversation. Get 1

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  I made the right choice. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By guiseppe - January 14 - 10:00 am

  After months(3)of comparing cars (G35,AudiA4,Bmw 325i), I chose the BMW. While the G35 offers far more power, and handles great, I did not like its exterior design. I tried to like it because it made the most sense but...I couldnt. The A4 looks great, but, lets be honest, it looks too much like the Passat. It took 2 test drives to convince me that the best choice (for me) was the 325. One last thing, two words: Sports package!

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  BMW 330Ci Review - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ZAB - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car throught the European Delivery program. Great handling, and interior controls. Only single drawback is the Harmon-Kardon stereo; it is just lacking. The low-mid range frequencies creep into the cabin speakers causing system to sound muddy when the overall bass is increased. A better low frequency crossover and/or an onboard sub volume/eq would help out a lot.

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  325 Ci Coupe - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By sdburnett - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car. I fell in love with the front looks of it! It handles very nice. I absolutely love the body style of the new BMWs!