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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  2nd time owner - 2004 BMW X5
  By tampa - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Test drove all luxury suvs. Came back to this one again & glad I did. Only criticisms--cannot have hands-free phone along with navigation & BMw Assist. Cannot have Sirius with navigation system. Also, should have video back-up system instead of just audio PDC. Only problem is the PDC needs adjustment. Great, reliable, comfortable suv (sav).

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  Durable SUV - 2004 BMW X5
  By jowana - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had many SUVs in the past and this one is the best creation yet. The drive on this SUV is very smooth and the interior is just as attrative as the exterior. This is a well-made piece of art.

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  Excellent - 2004 BMW X5
  By rjem - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We never really had a major problem, only minor things that the warranty covered.

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  excellent car - 2004 BMW X5
  By ricoman - January 21 - 2:00 am

  this is probably hands down the best car i ever owned it superb in everyway i have no complaints about this car the only thing i wish was different was the on board computer it is manual not voice command that is the only drawback but i think i can live with that take care enjoy your x5

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  I sold a Porsche 996 to buy a z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By felicia - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven most sports cars including a ferrari, a lamborgini, two porches, vettes, etc....and this car blows the doors off of all of them. Its amazing.

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  Great Car ! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By StarmanV - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and has unique styling. There is great attention to detail and the quality is outstanding. The trunk is larger than most in this class.

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  Z4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By CRozas - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent roadster. At the cutting edge of technology and style. Many accolades received from other roadster owners.

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  New 5 needs refinement - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PCM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.

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  BMW Newbie - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By KenBoz - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned other small cars such as a Mercedes and Cads. This car initially did not impress me as fast. However, as the motor loosens up a bit it is getting really fast. Cornering is great. The construction and finish are better than we found with the others.

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  One Beautiful Bavarian - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By JtodaJizzle - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was one of the best investments I have ever made. BMWs keep their value so well. My car still performs and looks like it is brand new. This car is in mint condition and it has 45,000 miles on it. The engine still performs when you push it and the suspension and ride quality is second to none.