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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  this car rocks - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By chassypoof - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I am so in love with this car. had Lexus, Had Acura. Neither comes close to the quality. Forget the high price, buy one now or be a loser!!!!

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  Great Driving Machine!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandy77 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving the 325xi for the last 12 months and am still loving it! I factory ordered my selected options and requested quotes through the internet. I finally went with Weatherford BMW in Berkeley because they gave me the best price. I commute about 40 miles a day and love the optional, stereo upgrade. Also love the way the BMW sounds, drives and performs. Volume controls on the steering wheel are a great idea and I feel very safe driving up to Tahoe in the snow with the all wheel drive and other traction safety features.

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  Love It !!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By surfer54 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 23,500 miles on it. I was looking at a Z3, which was nice & fast but kinda loud inside. This car was sitting next to it and took it for a spin. Really nice and quiet for a soft top. Not as fast, but much quieter and has four seats. Gets alot of looks. Handles great, really good dealership ! I even was able to bring home some wood from my local Home Depot.

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  Great SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By jjs57 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Everything on the X5 has been beyond my expectations. Only issues have been a couple of minor problems that were quickly taken care of by the dealer. I would highly recommend this to any prospective buyer. I can see why BMW is kicking Benzs rear end.

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 BMW X5
  By Sam Gamgee - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this thing. My X5 3.0 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Handles like a German sports sedan, no SUV (this is not a car) tilt warning on the visor. If I drove my other SUV like I drive the X5 Id be wearing it as a hat. Sport package wheels give it a great look. Good amount of power, but if youre a speed demon consider the 4.4. It makes me feel great, like a taylored jogging suit.

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  great fun - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve S. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  absolutely the best vehicle ive ever owned. Fun to drive, comfortable, sporty, catches everyone eye.

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  my third - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By karl032359 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  my third 325. my first all wheel drive. the car ROCKS. so much fun. LOVE it. only thing, if youre on a budget, gas is a bigtime lover of this car. the all wheel drive sucks it up FAST. hitest fuel only please...

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  Baby Boomer Beemer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By R Lewis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great two-seater that can hold four. Really fun to drive, especially with the top-down at night in Southern California. Superb stopping and acceleration. An M-3 in disguise.

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  the ULTIMATE driving machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By bmw baby - July 30 - 10:00 am

  good looks, A to B in no time, nice styling, excellent ride, good value for your money. Interior, though, could be a little bigger.

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  Bare bones is better than no bones - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By AEH - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling, breaking, solid feel is just remarkable. The others just did not measure up. I drove the automatic with a bunch of features but opted for the manual with NO options. I guess I am a bit old school but I love the control and feel that manual gives. I would have taken a manual with the premium package but none where on the lot. In the end, I loved the car more for its feel than for its options. It shifts smoothly and accelerates very well. Can go from 60 to 80 mph with a slight touch. It is solid. The best car I have driven.