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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  Z4 SMG - 2004 BMW Z4
  By panomark - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great Drive, especially with the SMG trans. Once you get use to the SMG, you wouldnt want a an auto.,less a 6spd. Needs a better beverage holder and interior storage, especially if you have 6CD in compartment. Had a Audi TT,which was great. This gave me best of both worlds-Speed, fun and a convertable.

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  Happiness is driving a X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Lusitan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive SUV. Excellent handling under any weather conditions.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By EFM - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just came off an S430 lease. Had previously owned the old style 740 iL. This car blows away the S series Mercedes. Excellent power..more HP than S500. Concerns relating to I drive appear to be overstated...easy to use and rather intuitive. Best sedan Ive owned!

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  The X5 - well worht the money - 2004 BMW X5
  By CAHMER - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The X5 is a great SAV. It is fun to drive and handles great. The road is no longer a challange due to my bad back. The lumbar support option is well worth the money. Forget all the other SUVs! This is the ultimate!

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  Great Car! - 2004 BMW X5
  By srobey - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car to drive. It really moves when you need it to, and also when you just "want" it to. I love the way it handles with the sport package. I love the way it looks. My car is never going off road. It is a fun car!

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  I luv my Z - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jay munce - September 5 - 2:00 am

  this car is the most fun car I have ever owned. I get stopped on the road all of thw time just to look at it

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  BMW, Youve done it this time!! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By 760Li and 745i - September 5 - 2:00 am

  When the wife and I went shopping for our new cars, she thought she was coming home with the 760Li, well ha, that was for me, she got the entry level 745i. I had a 1999 S320 and she had a 2001 Audi A8. The BMW 7-series is the top of the line, I kind of like it better than the Rolls Royce I test drove, yes I like it better... My daughter and son took both cars to prom and they said their friends just fell in love with it. So did the whole family. There is really no words for it. I was going to purchase the 2004 Mercedes Benz S500 AMG but this caught my eye, my 760Li is a deep deep red and the wifes is just plain old black.

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  Quite a Surprise - 2004 BMW X3
  By HarryX3 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I test drove this vehicle I was hooked. The vehicle has plenty of pick-up, is very comfortable and visibility from the drivers seat is very good. Ive read alot of reviews on this car and many of them complain about the ride but my experience, so far, is that the ride is just right. After all its a BMW - my 01 3 touring rides just like it.

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  Alternator - 2004 BMW X3
  By oneballgnuu - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Well, we have had the x3 for 3 weeks now and we have already had the alternator replaced. I am not sure what is to come but outside of that minor problem BMW totally took care us. This was purchased moreso for my wife and I look forward to weekends when I get my turn behind the wheel. It handles very well and if you cant seem to get the finances together for an x5 this is the way to go! I am a die hard Subaru fan and I cannot wait to see what this car does in the dead of winter up in our mountain area. The all wheel drive was a huge selling factor along with the overall inside safety features.

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  Great Experience - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Convert - September 4 - 2:00 am

  As a long time GM employee had been a loyal buyer, but no product compares to my 545i. It is truly a driving machine. A firm but comfortable ride exceeds expectations.