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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  Puts the "U" in SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By oldvanhalenrules - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for an AWD vehicle that had comfortable seats for long drives to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. Aggressive (high residual) factory financing from BMW lease promotion made this the logical choice over the 325xi sedan or wagon, or competitors vehicles (yes, its a minivan more than it is a sports car). Interior materials are better than what should be expected in a "utility" vehicle. Pretty quiet at highway speeds. Looking forward to testing in the snow this winter. My X3 replaced a Jeep Cherokee I dont expect the X3 to go off-road. But with all maintenance covered for 4 years, I dont expect unforseen maintenance expenses, either.

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  love it - 2004 BMW Z4
  By evi man - October 5 - 2:00 am

  My friend let me drive it round he block and i instantly fell in love with it. its handling its looks its comfort its one of those cars that people just go wow about. when i get the money im buying one for sure

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  Awesome M3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By Basket Case - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The M3 is fast, smooth, and a real beauty. She performs like no other. The shifter on the steering wheel make it safe and easy. Moving along at 90 seems like 50 MPH. Its the envy of the freeway.

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  Best car - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Michaelb - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a phantom or maybach.. anyone that can afford one should buy it..

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  Love my new X3 - 3.0 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Alansx3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my X3 from Sonnen BMW. The car is perfect. It’s mystic blue, 3.0 automatic with navigation, xenon, park distance control, premium and sport packages, premium sound. Handles better than any other SUV I’ve tried and very similar to my 2001 330i. Really looking forward to taking it in the Tahoe snow this winter.

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  My Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW M3
  By FLPNOUT - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is TRUELY the "Ultimate Driving Machine"! This is my 3rd BMW and by far the best when it comes to performance and excitement. Everytime I drive my M3, it makes me feel like a kid again with a new toy that never gets old. I went from a BMW 330CI to Nissan 350Z roadster and found my self missing a BMW. Therefore I sold the Nissan Z and went for a 2004 M3 convertible. I just love the performance handling and comfort that comes in a BMW unlike a Nissan 350 Z where you just get performance and NO comfort and amenities. As far as the lady that posted the review on 8/24/04 "An expensive disappointment", she should not be driving an M3 that she obviously cant handle the power and SMG.

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  The Best in its Class - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Monal - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After years of ownership I can only praise BMW 328 IS. The outstanding quality and overal reliability of this car makes me want to keep it forever. Its proven to be a fun car to drive, and remarquably safe in difficult or unexpected driving situations. And the looks? Oh...after 6 years it still turn heads on the road. Classy and contemporary! The acceleration is fantastic and fuel economy unbelievable. The interior is roomy, quite and luxurious. The sport package its a plus in this car.

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  BMW still needs better quality control - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By the5fans - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Own it for 8 day. After shift to reverse and shift back to D, the right mirror sometimes does not tilt up. iDrive sometimes does not start, not even display the main menu. Handling and performance have been improved, a lot better than my 2000 528i.

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  Outrageous Car - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By Beau - October 2 - 4:26 pm

  I ordered this car in April 08 and have been totally impressed ever since I took delivery in July 08. I have always been a Porsche guy, but this thing actually gets more looks and compliments that the GT3 that I have the fortune to borrow from a friend now and then. Not quite as fast as the GT3, but for half the price Id say thats okay. It actually is the closest thing I could find to a GT3 for less than $100K. A true street legal race car.

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  Enjoying 7 Series but... - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Carmen Miranda - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Long time BMW owner. First time a 7 series owner and loving it. Performance, style, power, comfort are wonderous. However, computer keeps shorting out causing it to be in the shop 2 times in last 4 months. Overall, just as long as BMW corrects problem and gives me a free loaner car...am satisfied, for now.