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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  I love this car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mfeder - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My friend has the 911 Carrera- but we both prefer the Z4. It is a truly superb auto, and you can corner with abandon- unlike the Porsche...

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  BMW has thw worst service - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By pinstripes9 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  You obtain better service from Hyundi. Next car will not be a BMW.

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  Great Drive, Few build issues - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Leopando - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 330 coupe for 10 months. The drive is superb. I have owned the 2.5 and 2.8 3-series and the 3.0 is light years ahead. My only problem is small build problems. At six months both front turn signals fell out on the highway due to a broken clip. A eight months the door seal came loose and the driver door must be slammed to close. The dealer was pretty good about fixing the problems, but I can see that BMW is starting to cheapen some components. Mechanically there has never been a problem.

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  GREAT - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By ROBY - August 12 - 10:00 am

  DEALER HAS GREAT SERVICE, FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE WORST, EXECUTIVE OFFICE LOUSY, I WOULD GO BACK TO THE DEALER UNFORTUNATELY THE BMW FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE WORST.

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  Love this car! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Scarlet - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My husband got me this car for Mothers Day this year. I had been looking at this car for months, and I have not been disappointed in the least! I love it! It is a really cool ride. It is fun, fast, and makes me feel 20 years younger just being in it. Strangers, young and old alike, comment to me about it all the time. It is smooth and sleek. It is very convenient the way the top folds down on its own. I couldnt ask for a better car!

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  First 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Seth Cooley - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We ordered our 5 series from the factory in Munich and had it deliverd to the US in June. This is our first sport luxury sedan and are very pleased with the ride, handling, and appearance. The comfort of the interior is outstanding and allows for 6-8 hour drives with no discomfort. Sound system is great. We use the owners manual to figure out the iDrive and have most of our settings finally completed. Will return to this web site in a year to update our experience.

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  Great Start - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RobMcP - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic automobile. Ordered with every option except sport package. Titanium Grey with grey leather. Some initial build quality issues but a solid start to the new 5. I-pod ease of use issue very overblown have found it easy and intuitive. Best combination of ride, handling, speed, exterior design, interior design, and features on the market.

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  Why Did I Wait So Long - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By csabo - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a car for my wife to drive on business. Shes an artist and fell in love with the styling and interior. Im an engineer and fell in love with the performance and handling. It didnt hurt that we got a great deal on the car. The owners groups on the 7 Series are second to none! Weve had a couple of small problems and the forums have allowed me to fix the problems myself. Saved many dollars. We wouldnt trade the car for anything else on the road!

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  BMW 645 - Dream! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Orbit - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have it this vehicle for about 45 days and have been extremely please with every feature. I was hesitant at first due to my experience with BMW service departments in the past, but the car out weighs those concerns. The car is fantastic - a car you can drive everyday!!! The lines and looks are fanstastic - top down is the only way to drive this. Many trips have already been done to Park City and Deer Valley.

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  I never thought I would own the 745i - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By EK 1030 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 740i Sport that I actually know is a great car to drive. But I experienced about 80 days in the shop for warranty work over the 3 years I owned this car with problems never seen before. It didnt stop me from buying a new one. Now I purchased a new 745i because the truth is, once you drive a BMW, it is second to none. I need to get familiar with the iDrive, but bottom line, once you get used to it it should be no problem. I opted for the comfort seats....WOW. You could take a nap if the car had auto pilot. Even though I had prolems in the past, I just love BMWs (my wife has the 2003 530i Sport w/ 5 speed! :-)