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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  Its Okay - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By RobinS - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Cool car to drive because its BMW. Like the radio with the RDS and steering controls. The Seats suck. they are so uncomfortable.. no cushion just hard leather. Dont like it at all. Rain sensor does not always work that great. steptronic pointless. Too much money for a car with hardly no options. I have replaced all 4 tires within 6 mos. the slighest hard bump will make the tire blow and the rim bend

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  great car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By pipo - November 29 - 10:00 am

  this is by far the best car i have ever had and it will be with me for years to come.i think bmw is much better than mercedes benz,and almost any other car.

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  Worth the Money - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By caa26 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Car is extremly fun to drive, can only imagine how the 330xi handles. Interior is luxurious with the premium package, and is well designed not to interfere with driving experience. But, there is almost no storage space inside. With the 325xi, you feel like you can handle any turn or obstacle in the road. Looked at the G35 which has nice power, but for the overall package the BMW 3-series is the way to go.

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  BMW 330i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tiredofmynewbmw - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The drivers set is cramped. The ride is poor. The reliability is poor. I have had it in the shop twice in the last two months with problems. German engineering is no longer the best. I plan to trade it as soon as possible and look for a Japanese engineered and designed car.

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  BMW 325XI Review - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jud - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. The entire buying experience was wonderful with helpful and friendly staff. The car was delived within the quoted time frame and in perfect condition. As far as driving "The Ultimate Driving Machine", I think their catch line says it best.

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  Best auto I have ever owned - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By agator - November 29 - 10:00 am

  no problems to discuss style 328ci

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  The ultimate drving machine - 1995 BMW M3
  By svm3 - November 28 - 4:31 pm

  Amazing car. It changed my views on cars. I never realized a car could be so fun. If you take care of it it will take care of you. Buy this car if you want a sporty fun handling car at a reasonable price. The 1995 is different then the 1996 so make your own decision on which you would like to buy

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  Future Classic - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Farhan haque - November 28 - 4:08 pm

  it is a well know fact that E39 (97- 02) is among the best BMWs. For its size, it has matchless handling. few cars of this era has heated steering. All controls inside are intuitive. Exterior is matchless and even now it does not look dated, in fact is still a head turner. You hear the bump but you dont feel it, suspension is so good. Compared to its competitors, E class or Lexus GS, its sportier and should be the choice of a car enthusiast.

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  This car is a Gift - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Dustin - November 28 - 12:54 pm

  I just came back from driving this car from Montreal to California and back with my 12 year old son. I logged 10000 miles without a problem except worn rear wheels and a nail, the red light came on telling me I had a flat, nice feature, but not a problem with runflat, drove 10 miles to a garage that could fix it. It was a dream to drive on route 1 of the California coast and through the Arizona Desert. This was a trip of lifetime, and lots of room in the trunk for 2 people on a month long trip, really, well summer time in the heat, not many pants to take space, packed light, but lots of room, I would drive 12 hours straight, not sore at all no need to stop and stretch. fun great car!!!

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  All Beamers are fun to drive!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwlover - November 27 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased the 330 convertible with sport and premium pkg. Love the heated seats, BMW doesnt scrimp on anything. This is my 6th one. I always buy manuals. Car has power (my last car was a Porsche) so I know what Im talking about. Have had to replace power steering pump and the fan changes speeds at it own desire. Ice cold air conditioning when the fan decides to work. Harman Kardon sound system. Top goes up and down quickly and effortlessly. Not as solid as my previous 5 series but safe, beautiful, and a blast to drive top up or down. 21 mpg city and I drive hills daily. Uses 1 qt. synthetic oil every other tank of gas. BMW says this is normal but expensive and excessive,