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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  Love it! - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By RogerK - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend this car, I have owned since day one. No problems, did the regular maintenance, still drives like a dream. Smooth but yet the performance is still there.

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  X3 Fun Machine - 2004 BMW X3
  By bob foonman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  great, fun to drive car. Handles great

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  Z4 vs Z3 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Lynn Richard - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 is much superior to the previously owned Z3 in handling room and power.

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  JAB - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Jack Bryant III - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Z3 never interested me, but the looks and styling of the Z4 really caught my interest. The handling and performance is terrific and you have the reputation and retention value that only BMW can provide. Throw in the free service and maintenance during the warranty period and I am a happy, first- time owner of a BMW, albeit with classic mid-life crisis symptoms.

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  Fun and beautiful car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Lady M3 Owner - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a G35, Vette, 330CIC, and this by far is the most fun and good looking car I have owned. I love the SMG trans.

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  OH YEAH - 2004 BMW X5
  By suvlover - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 8th SUV and this is by far the best of them all!! I have owned some premium brands and domestic, and I have finally found the perfect combination of style,luxury,reliability, and flat out fun driving experience. Drive the rest and then go drive the best!!

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  my new X5 - 2004 BMW X5
  By n king - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We have had three 530s but hated the new design, so we went woth an X5. Why we ever drove anything else is a mystery to me. Weve had a number of snowstorms already, and the car has been amazing, plowing through six inches of messy snow and holding its own no matter what. It feels just like a car, has a roomy, well-designed and luxurious interior, and we love it. It doesnt have that boxy feeling of many other SUVs weve driven. Weve owned BMWs for 18 years, and theres a reason for our loyalty. The 2004 X5 does not disappoint. Now all we need is a little Z4 to match.

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  MercedesML Vs. BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By Brianthebroker - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The best thing I ever did was trading my 2000 ML430 for an X5 3.0 liter. The ML is the WORST CAR I have ever owned, it spent more time in the shop than I drove it. After owning the X5 for several months I have had not one problem with it. It is the best driving SUV in its class. Also it looks the best too. Its like a tank driving in the rain and a 5 series on dry pavement. The V6 BMW has more power than my V8 4.3 liter Mercedes. Oh yeah, it uses less gas than the ML as well. Ive already decided in 2005 I will be leasing another one. TRULY THE BEST SUV....

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  This car is GRREEAT!! - 2004 BMW X3
  By newBMWowner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my X3, and its wonderful!! I love the way it drives, it doesnt drive like an SUV at all. The car hugs the road, so you feel safe in it. Great price for such an all around beautiful car

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  Fits the bill - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tmc2 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We have two kids and my wife likes to zoom. We got our 325iT built for us, including PP and sport package... and a manual transmission. We wanted something that can haul groceries or just haul. This is that wagon. It drives like a 325i sedan. Damn fun on the highway. Fun as well on twisty roads. Only downside is the rear seat can only seat two with kid car seats. Wish the cargo area were larger, but honestly that might make it lumbering. I wouldnt want to upset the balance of this jewel!