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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  X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By 54 maxwell - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Honda Pilot for the BMW X3 and so far I have no regrets. The size is perfect and I like the way it handles. The X3 looks sharp and feels solid.

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  If you are working for BMW, Please Read! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By speedoflight - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Enjoying the car very much. Very happy with the straptonic transmision. The ultimate driving machine. 100% worth it. Cant wait to afford to drive the 5 & the 7 and ....series. Performance is very hard to believe.

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  Everything I expected - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hboomer7 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This 530 is everthing I expected it to be. The drive is a thrill and the ride is excellent (at any speed).

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  Not for performance at all - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Xyrium - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2500 miles now and can only say that it has the worst suspension, and drive by wire system imaginable. There is a 0.5 second delay after you hit the accelerator, and the car bounces, floats, and leans terribly regarding the suspension. The interior is nice and clean. However the performance suffers so greatly, I am going to have to upgrade both the suspension and software to make it livable. I thought it was the break in period, but alas, its made this way. Not recommended for anyone that owned a previous (E36 model years) BMW. The XI version drives more like an SUV than a sedan. For the money, its not worth it.

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  Extremely poor reliability - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By cbergeman - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I truly do not feel safe in this car. It ramdomly stalls out, in dangerous situations. This has happened four times. Dealership found no problems. The latest, every once in a while doesnt start, dont know why. I couldnt be more disappointed.

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  i love my 325 i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By PJK - February 10 - 10:00 am

  i love my 325 i. it starts with the styling. the hood and grill smack of elegance and BMW quality. the sides are indented with a ridge that adds style to the overall car. the built in spoiler on the trunk adds a sporty, but sophistacated look. you wont believe the room that the "small" 325i offers in the cockpit. you dont feel like youre in a small car and the styling is just right. leg, head --all the room you need.

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  Disppointed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By DissapointedBMW - February 4 - 10:00 am

  If you can get a 2003 530i (old style) then buy that one. The "new" 5 does not even come close to this car. I have both 2003 & 2004. If I could get rid of the 04 I would in a second. The car vibrates at 80 mph. When the wind hits it is like a sailboat. Lots of wind noise inside. The headlights are pointed too low and you can only see about 10-15 feet ahead of you at night. It doesnt even have a coin holder!!! Definitely, does NOT feel like a BMW.

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  I think everyone should drive this car. - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By LBaquiran - January 4 - 2:40 am

  The ultimate driving machine? Pretty darn close. Excellent ride and handling. Quality and craftmanship is one of the best in class. May not be the quickest in its class, but who cares you wanna be seen in this car anyway.

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  Better than I thought - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By gasman - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have about 5000 miles on the car over few months. Quite a bit of it in the snow. Very good snow handling with the standard all weather tires. Although the traction control system is fairly intrusive it has kept me on the road. Ive owned several Audis in the past and the 330xi snow handling is about 80% as good. In the dry it drives like a RWD with excellent handling. Slightly harsh ride but turn superbly. Probably not a long distance commuter car. Good ski car though. One can still elicit some oversteer within the 1 second or so it takes for the stability control to initiate.

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  My 180,000 325I - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ashley - December 31 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car around 170000 miles and it hasnt given me any problems. I am currently at 189,000 miles. My car is lowered on h and r, this is only where I find my problems. The engine bay is clean and it runs like a dime! Starts in the cold first turn, and is silent. Also regular ttl is performed on this car, even before I had it. This is why it is able to run problem free with quite high milage. My red leather seats are still in good condition, with no rips or scratches. And I havent exprireneed any window problems. Only thing I dislike about the car is the handling, and its performance in harsh weather conditions. This is expected because of its rear wheel drive system but its definetly disappointing. I just needed to share, thanks for reading!