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:

• 

  Now to be critical - 2002 BMW X5
  By Jeffram - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Now for the rest of the story... Sports pkg...Dont ask for a rotation because tires smaller than front. Darn expensive tires with less wear than normal. As a result you get "cupping" which creates road noise after 1/2 life of tire. Electrical...Bulbs go out like crazy. Lost Pixels in the lcd displays had to have element replaced window silinoid (sic)...I have had 2 replaced. You sort of get used to the "gunshot" sound when the windows drop for no reason at all. Wont roll up until silinoid is replaced. Dont plan on getting good service if you live in DFW. There isnt a dealer in Dallas that seems to care about your business. Are you listening Huzanga? or John Roberts?

• 

  BMW 325xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Outdoor girl - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It handles great and is wonderful in snow.

• 

  HOLY CAR - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Larry Kolbicka II - October 6 - 10:00 am

  best car i ever drove in my life!!!!!!!!!

• 

  I love my BMW, but... - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By spectacular - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 525IA, and feel like I got a great deal. In hindsight, the 525 at 184 HP might be a hair underpowered, so my only regret is that I didnt go for the 530. In the end, Im extremely happy to own this incredible machine, and love to drive it!!!!! (P.S. Chicks dig it too!!!!!)

• 

  The Fantastic 530i A - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By langar - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a beemer and finally got my new 530i w/A, SP, PP, Kalahari Beige, in October and have never looked back. I have never driven a better car. Handling is fantastic and comfort on long drive is amazing. It is great to drive on the back country roads where you can experience the great handling and performance. I have 11,000 trouble free miles and even get great gas mileage on extended road trips. 1000 miles to Branson resulted in 29 mpg. which is great when you consider its performance.

• 

  Lotta Bang 4TheBuck! - 2004 BMW M3
  By easy money - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my M3, I wasnt even in the market for a car. Driving the M3 made driving in the Colorado Rockies a new and exciting experience. BMW, when they designed the M3 had one thing in mind, "make driving a performance car a eye opening experience. I bought the car, after test driving it! Thank you for the thrill!

• 

  x3- good deal - 2004 BMW X3
  By fross - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value for anyone wanting higher ride than a sedan, a Euro import and fun car. Have had mine for a month and with the exception of a belt that needs to be tightened all is well (knock wood. Spend time with your salesman though... there are may variatons of the X3 and it wasnt until after delivery that I realized there were options I would have liked. On the other hand, do you need radio controls on the wheel, fog lights etc. I saved some $$$. Buy this car if you want this size suv... hands down its best deal out there

• 

  best bmw - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By susie - October 5 - 4:41 pm

• 

  best bmw - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By susie - October 5 - 4:41 pm

• 

  Fun is the word - 2003 BMW Z4
  By jpicone98 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Z-4 for over a year and still cant believe that it feels like my first time driving it each day. People stare at this car wherever you take it. I recommend the black car with red leather interior!!!