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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  X - 2004 BMW Z4
  By fireman - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The car is all it is advertised to be. It handles better than I am willing to drive it. Speed and acceleration is great. Like the Z4 style more than the Z3.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Alison Woods - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a dealer demo with about 3,000 miles on it. Ive had it for 11 years and it is still a great car. The only major repair Ive had to do on this car was to replace the onboard computer, but I replace my desktop computers about every 3 years! I also had to replace the fuel pump which seems to have been a problem with this particular model. The last major service cost $400.00. I may keep it another 5 years!

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  1st Bimmer, Great so far... - 2004 BMW X5
  By X-tra nice ride - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought our X5 9 days ago and couldnt be happier. We test drove the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Land Rover Discovery, but nothing compared to the comfort and luxury of the BMW. The others are extremely fine autos, and the Land Rover is just an off road monster (we had quite a bit of fun at the dealers obstacle course), but the BMW was just a better fit for us. Tons of rear seat room, although we could use a touch more room in the cargo area once in a while. The engine and trans are awesome. I cant imagine why anyone would want to silence the I- 6 any more than it already is. You just cant beat the sound of a BMW. If youre worried about mpg, get a Honda.

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  No Regrets - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Syllaw11 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have less than 2,000 miles on my new 330i but already I see the wisdom of car experts on their verdict that it is the best sports sedan the world over, except for the price. But for the few dollars more that I spent (about 40k before tax, with steptronic, premium and sport packages), I absolutely believe its worth it. My car talks to me as Ava Gardner talked to Bogart in the Barefoot Contessa. The car performs and is a sight to see without being too exotic. It fits my lifestyle.

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  Great Car - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By DPoon - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I had no intention of buying a BMW when I bought this car. It had been traded in 2 days before and was in perfect condition. It only had 48k on it. I did the test drive and there was no question about buying it. Surprisingly, the price was excellent. Much lower than I though a BMW should be.

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  2004 Z4. It is Zelightful! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Moneil9 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  3.0 Great car for the money. Head turner wherever I go. The Olivin Green color is stunning. I have a light leather interior and Beige top. Ironically, that combination is not an option on the BMW web sight. Pleasure to drive, great handling. Love the heated seats,power top,6 speed & 10 speaker stereo. Cup holders are weak-lousy design. Soda cans/cups- condensation drips into elect. window siwtch-not good. Could use a few more ponies 250-275 bhp would be better. Overall very satisified, and would highly recommend.

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  Havin fun, now. - 2004 BMW Z4
  By ZSag - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. The bright red paint and sculpted lines get lots of looks! Handles great, build quality is impressive, rock solid. Ride is a bit on the firm side but not punishing. Fully automated top is a breeze to use. Tenacious grip is a blast.

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  Built to Drive - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Benway - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Very hot car, supple performance, stylish, eye-catching.

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  its a machine - 2004 BMW X5
  By mcguire - July 19 - 2:00 am

  been driving the bmw x5 4.4 for three months and it is wonderful. its more of a sports car then an suv. great vehicle!

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  THE SUV OF DREAMS - 2001 BMW X5
  By MUKA97 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL THIS IS THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER DRIVEN COMPARED TO ALL THE HIGHLINE SUV.