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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  Quite a Surprise - 2004 BMW X3
  By HarryX3 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  As soon as I test drove this vehicle I was hooked. The vehicle has plenty of pick-up, is very comfortable and visibility from the drivers seat is very good. Ive read alot of reviews on this car and many of them complain about the ride but my experience, so far, is that the ride is just right. After all its a BMW - my 01 3 touring rides just like it.

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  Alternator - 2004 BMW X3
  By oneballgnuu - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Well, we have had the x3 for 3 weeks now and we have already had the alternator replaced. I am not sure what is to come but outside of that minor problem BMW totally took care us. This was purchased moreso for my wife and I look forward to weekends when I get my turn behind the wheel. It handles very well and if you cant seem to get the finances together for an x5 this is the way to go! I am a die hard Subaru fan and I cannot wait to see what this car does in the dead of winter up in our mountain area. The all wheel drive was a huge selling factor along with the overall inside safety features.

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  Great Experience - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Convert - September 4 - 2:00 am

  As a long time GM employee had been a loyal buyer, but no product compares to my 545i. It is truly a driving machine. A firm but comfortable ride exceeds expectations.

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  Hits and some misses - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By smoothwhite - September 3 - 1:10 pm

  I live intown in a big city with 2 little kids. Was looking for a small sedan after I dumped the 2008 X5, since the wife just got a Subaru Outback. Was leaning towards getting a 3 Series when I came across the GT. Little known fact: The GT was a best seller chassis for the upscale china market for people who wanted to be chauffeured around. This need gives the GT 3-4 inches longer wheelbase than the standard sedan. Hence, the backseat is the size of a 5 series. Absolutely huge. Great for a family. Only issues I have had: 1-Sunroof broke after 3 weeks. Software fix. 2-Backup sensor broke-Replaced 3-Steering wheel off center Other than those (I leased so I dont care!)

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  FIRST TIME BEEMER OWNER - 2004 BMW X3
  By beemergirl - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in a toyota corolla for my first BMW. I previously owned a Ford Explorer Sport. The ride is amazing. MPG isnt so bad - appx 20mpg. Definitely worth owning. Dealership was very helpful.

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  Love the X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By rogueb0y - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Had the X3 for a few months now. Zero problems/squeaks/rattles. Trans, cup holders, hatch, moonroof, AC, everything all work perfectly a few of you guys must have gotten bad ones. Bought it to go up to the mountains in the winter enjoy the incredible handling, brakes, visiblity, smoothness, stereo the rest of the year. Fits in the garage easily. Very comfofrtable to drive for long periods.

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  AWESOME - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tony Chu - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Fashion Interior/Exterior Design + the "BMW" Performance. You not gonna pass this one ~

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  AWESOME - 2004 BMW X3
  By TIPKING - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Fashion Interior/Exterior Design + the "BMW" Performance. You not gonna pass this one ~

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  expensive to maintain - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bagua - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a decent car but once its over warranty its not worth having due to extremely high repair costs. Could use more power at times. One major complaint is the drivers seat has no support, becomes very uncomfortable quickly and I only have 50000 miles on the car so the seats should have held out longer than that I would have thought. The brakes are very high maitenance and dont have a very long life. If I ever buy another BMW I would only buy or lease new.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Driver530 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 530 in July of 2004. This car has been great. Handles like a dream and rides very smoothly. I am really impressed with the space. I am 6"0 and I have had four passengers that were my size or taller with no problems. Using the "I" drive is simple. After reading the reviews I thought it was going to be hard but it was no problem. When it comes to technological items I can be challenged (my wife always programs the VCR)so I thought this would be a challenge. But after spending a little time studying the manual and watching the DVD BMW provides, it is a snap.