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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  BMW ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By SAM - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Recently my wife and I were in the market for a new vehicle, we wanted a sedan known for its performance ,quali and workmanship. BMW 325I was our 2nd choice,however after the test drive we enthusiastically chose BMW Over the Infiniti g35 . Plain and simple, there isnt anything negative that i can say about this car. Its a superb vehicle, it handles like a charm, acceleration is smooth and powerful. The handling is tight , the ride- smooth and comfortable. Interior is comfortable , not over cluttered . And above all its FUN to drive. Any fence straddlers should go to your local BMW dealer and take a test drive and experience the ultimate driving machine.

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  excellent - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By deedeem - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive, nice to look at and very reliable.

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  I Love this car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ats - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This ride is far superior to the entry level Mercedes, Audi, Volvo or Saab, I tried them all. This car hugs the road and accelerated on demand. Making a turn at 50MPH feels like your moving straight. For quality, technology and and overall handling this is my favorite.

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  330xi beats all!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ajm - January 27 - 10:00 am

  absolutely a dream to drive in all kinds of weather. sticks to the road like its on rails! corners flawlessly very quick acceleration.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Vertick - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive fell in love with the excellence BMW provides. Ive had a Z3 and a 325xi and I am please with both cars. Ive been spoiled.

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  my review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bryan Gutierrez - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Its great. Its fun. Its a chick magnet

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  great car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By crazylegs - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Has power and good looks. A little tight in the back seat and not too much trunk space but everything else makes it worth the cost. Get alot of compliments. Aolt of fun to drive.

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  ill car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dougyfresh - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is priceless, rips it up, mad horsepower, worth the $$. definetly a 10.

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  Great Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jmcewen - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been by far one of the best cars I have ever purchased. Only one thing I have to point out is watch out when parking the air damn is very low and easily gets hung up. Another note park far away from people or park next to others BMWs...

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  BY ENGINEER - 2005 BMW X3
  By R. G. Hegi - January 26 - 11:13 pm

  I traded in my 04 X-3 for this 05 - and yes, I like them that much! Once you get hooked on the outstanding build quality nothing else compares. And the performance of this turbine smooth 3.0 engine coupled with so many built in occupant safety features puts this SUV way ahead of any other choices I reviewed. Sit in one - dont even drive it - look around then turn the key on and watch it come to life just waiting for you to guide it and show what you want. Its there for you and years from now it still will be and with one of the highest resale values on the market. Guess you can tell I like this ride. Take one out - get close to it and youll want to write something too.