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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  Powerful Muscle SAV - 2002 BMW X5
  By David Wong - March 7 - 8:56 pm

  Power, Fun, & Excitment. Thats all in this SAV!

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  Ragtop fun - 2002 BMW M3
  By WongWay - March 7 - 7:53 pm

  Traded in my 99 996 for my new M3 Cab in Topaz Blue, 6-speed manual. Glad I did!, Great open air fun and performance, 3 year maintenance program included! A real head-turner for performance car Aficionados, yet low profile for the untrained eye.

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  My Roadster - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Splitatom59 - March 7 - 5:58 pm

  Only really drive it during nice weather. Excellent acceleration and braking. Some cheap parts in the interior but all cars seem to do that nowadays. Sitting position is comfortable but hard getting in and out for 6-footers +. Fabrication and mechanics on this car are primo as is the BWM customer satisfaction program. Gas milage has been consistently 24 mi+. This a fun car and not really meant for day-to-day tasks. Enjoy!!

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  And its Built in the USA - 2003 BMW X5
  By donaldc911 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  We own 2 X5s . We have a Black 2002 and a Silver 2001, both are the 3.0 with automatic. The gas mileage on the highway is excellent. We drove from Detroit to the Georgia border on a tank of gas. It handles very good in the snow. We have owned 5 Ford Explorers over the years and there is no comparison. The interior is high quality and we get numerous compliments on the vehicles. The stereo system is excellent also.

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  2004 more handsome than 2003 - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By JB Persons - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I waited for the new 2004s, great choice, the new front end is much sharper looking & you get a 6-speed instead of a 5-speed. I could have purchased a dealer close-out 2003 for $3000 less, but happt I waited !!!! Absolutely Fun to drive !! & I believe the nicest looking 3-series to date...easily !!

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  Im Soooo Happy! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JaMigGlY - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Audi A4 1.8 Turbo for my new BMW. I couldnt be happier with my decision. However, Audi has BMW beat on a few issues. Audis instrument panel is more compact and provides much more information (date,time,outside temp.) where as the BMW can only show one item at a time and no date at all! With the new performance package, there is no full size spare, you only get a doghnut which I think is kind of cheap. At least provide a 17" full size, who cares is youre a little off balance. All that stuff, however, is trivial. The bottom line is BMW is a much better car performance wise, and thats what makes all the difference.

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  The E46 BMW is the total package. - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Walt - March 6 - 2:13 am

  The 3 Series is the best buy in sports sedan market segment. I have absolutely enjoyed owning it. The handling and stability going down the road is tremendous. I have driven about everything else that is listed as competition, but nothing comes close. Happily there are numerous aftermarket accessories and parts suppliers that provide an alternative to the high priced dealer.

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  A Class of Excellence - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By GW - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This is simply one of the best vehicles one could hope to own and drive. Powerful luxury with a sense of pride driving it on a daily basis. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants everything they could imagine in an automobile.

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  Z3 Evaluation - 2002 BMW Z3
  By pevers - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I have found the Z3 to be a wonderfully fun car to drive. Dont park it drive it

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  A few thoughts - 1995 BMW 8-Series
  By rabbitman - March 5 - 10:22 pm

  I have driven the car for 4 years and about 50,000. It steers great and the suspension is awesome. I dropped in the Dinan chips which boosted performance and was worth the cost. I had an extended warranty that paid for some large repairs and I would not buy and 840 without one unless ou have a certified BMW mechanics