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 Handling car ever owned - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By LMDMOM - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I had been a Mercedes CLK 320 owner..loved that car UNTIL I purchased the new 645ci Convertable. There is NO comparison. The BMW handles better,is more efficient,does what I ask it to do,responds beautifully.drives smothly. Have not yet driven in snow,but I am sure will be fine. The convertable mechanism is great,,absolutly nothing to do except press one button. top up/or down in seconds.Cannot extol virtues enough. will NEVER go back to Mercedes. BMW also much easier to do business wiht.

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  MY 1st Convertablie --ohhh what FUN!!! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By azpharmd - September 24 - 2:00 am

  man i got a great deal on this baby and i love every moment of it!! people stop me everywhere i go and ask me about it. for the price of this ultimate driving machine...you cant go wrong. you can get a better deal now that they are making rooms for the 2005 models. like some one posted earlier..this is not a race car, but a FUN CAR TO RIDE!

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  Satisfied - 2004 BMW X3
  By wolfy - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I am enjoying my new X3. I like that I can go anywhere with my new X3. It is agile enough to manover in the city and ruged enough to go off road into the mountains. Very Satisfied, Thanks BMW for a great vehicle.

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  An Excellent Ride - 2004 BMW X3
  By Anu - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been outstanding. It is a SAV that drives and feels like a car. It has exceptional performance, manuevering capability and load of safety features. You just cannot go wrong with this vehicle.

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  530I Comments - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Big Dawg - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredible vehicle. Highly recommend it! Only critique is the flimsy cupholders. Best vehicle Ive ever had.

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  Best selling Bimmer! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By orupaperboy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, and love it!! Rides great, wonderful handling, great acceleration. Good looking car. Gas mileage would be better, but I commute 15 minutes in the city.

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  Ultimate Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Cruisin Happy - September 21 - 2:00 am

  It really is the ultimate driving machine. Ive had mine almost 3 years and I dont even want to think about ever getting another car. It is just fabulous in snow and rain. The tires can be an issue. I hit a very large, deep pot hole and had to replace all 4 tires. Other than that, not one thing has gone wrong. Mine is loaded to the max with the integrated phone..worth the extra bucks too. I hope this car never wears out!!! Worth the money!!! (45,000)

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  BMW Airliner - 2004 BMW X5
  By guykazoo - September 21 - 2:00 am

  Had to order one without test driving as my dealership could not keep it in stock. Super solid vehicle. You feel like youre driving an airliner with its controls and warning beeps. Drives like a sports car and the V6 3.0 has enough "guts" for this mid size beauty. Computer a bit challenging to learn but works fine. Cannot believe how fun it is to drive this baby!

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  I wish I could drive it year round but - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Caligula - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I live in Philly so in the garage it stays for the winter. If I cant put the top down Im not drivin it. There is nothing like putting the top down on a cool crisp night and watching the stars roll by as you criuse down the highway.You may not be sold on its looks but spend some quality time behind the wheel of this puppy and you might just change your tune.It handles like a dream and trust me theres more then enough power to get you into trouble.If you are in the market for a car do yourself a favor and at least take a Z4 for a test drive. You wont regret it!

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  If you need or want AWD - 2005 BMW X3
  By Andrew - September 18 - 9:33 pm

  Try to find a vehicle out there with AWD that has the utility of an SUV and the handling of a sports car. Unlike the 3 series, it actually has a back seat. And, it sits up just high enough to give you a commanding view of the road. You get BMW handling and quality in a perfect sized package.