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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  my330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jjiminezmd - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 5 saabs, two infinities and cars of english orign: austin Healy, MGB and this car is the finest auto i have ever owned.

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  love this car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By apw - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive! Nice road feel and very comfortable. Much better gas mileage at autobahn speed than in the city

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  my 330xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MexMike - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive had

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  bmw love - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By russo - January 13 - 10:00 am

  a must have car!!!!! a car to be seen in, a car to enjoy and a car worth the money!!!!

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  trunk space - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ScooBimmer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint my we have about our 2002 BMW 325i, is that the trunk space is not adequate for extended road trips. We travel quite a bit, and a 32 quart cooler will not fit in the trunk due to the verticle space constraints. Otherwise.. it truly is "The Ultimate Driving Machine"

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  BMW 325I Review - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By WLN - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Though I have only had the car one week, the fun-to-drive thing is back for this 52-yr old. Too bad it took so long. I have no reliability history but so far I have not one complaint.

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  mmmmm baby - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bojo 1 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  its a bad boy

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  Biscuit - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Biscuit buyer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2002 325i (biscuit) last weekend for my wife’s birthday and she loves it we have several great vehicles but she always chose to drive my 1985 Ford Mustang SVO for the speed, driving performance and the sleek style of the car. Jennifer states that biscuit is the best performing car she has ever driven.

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  Best SAV - 2003 BMW X5
  By Robert Varela - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Its an SAV(SUV)that handles like a sport sedan

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  Better than better - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Julito - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Nothing else to say