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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  Super Luxo Liner - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Very Pleased - October 2 - 2:00 am

  After dealing with numerous electrical problems, I traded in my Mercedes E500 for a 745li and have been very pleased with the car. The 745 has effortless power and is as agile as a cat. I love the idrive system. It took me all of five minutes to figure it out. People who cannot figure it out should probably drive a Saturn.

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  What a sweet ride! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By speedfrk - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The 3.0 is fast and has great handling features. The sport package is nice with the 18" wheels and the sport control which makes the car even more responsive than normal. Love the looks and sound of the car as it handles every twist and turn. This is a true sports car and not one of those plastic clones. It is a big plus that BMW is going to pick up the tab for the service over the next 4 yrs or 50k miles.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2003 BMW Z4
  By DeNatale - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The power and handling of the vehicle is excelent. Theres ample room to be more than comfortable on a long trip.

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  A Great Car: For a while - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car for 5 years and over 50,000 miles until it had about 95,000 miles. Never a problem until about 90,000 miles and then there were all too many. Wonderful car to drive. Problems later were a/c and suspension. When I bought at 44,000 miles, it had a new short block, courtesy BMW recall.

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  Great car but not cheap to run. - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Enjoyment - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my 740i. With the Dinan engine upgrades and stage 1 suspension it is like a large sports car. Smooth and powerful with a navigation system/TV. So far, only the cooling system (radiator, water pump and resevoir) has broken. I hope that will be all but that is a lot for a 1997 with 60,000 miles on it. Certified warranty keeps costs down up to 50,000 miles.

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  The Best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By WJB - September 30 - 10:00 am

  It may be the final generation of cars that really looks like a BMW. Drives and handles beautifully. 530 probably a better choice for extra power, but the 525 really doesnt feel anemic on the highway. Gorgeous interior, high grade materials, quiet and comfortable. Im sure the future generations of BMW will be impressive, butIm glad I grabbed one of the last of this breed.

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  Pure Purrr Fun - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW GOZ - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 1998 323ic convertible and just as excited as the first time. The fun factor of driving these cars just never goes away. Just be careful, you may be flipping a coin with your wife for the drivers seat!

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  2003 BMW 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dtim - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The features of this car far exceed the class. Besides the obvious cold weather features and premium package, the car has features such as noise if coming close on parking, tire sensors, etc Luxurious car. It feels larger inside when riding. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Absolutely Perfect - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Abvincent1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 03 330 conv after I had numerous fallouts with my 2002 VW Jetta Turbo (engine coil issues). I must say test driving the BMW pulls you in right away--I was hooked immediately. I initially looked at the 325, which I thought was excellent, but something about the 330s motor made me quickly change my mind. This car is truly a gift from God, and I must add it is great at turning heads also. Dont test drive one unless you can afford it because you will be sucked in immediately!

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  #1 Car Ever - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By poiuerwerw3e - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car car ever created. It is powerful, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, and has and does everything you would want from a car.