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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  Beautiful Machine - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Suga - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The 330CI is my third car. Hands down it definately out racks the rest. The handling is AWSOME. Definately worth the bucks.

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  325xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By f-100 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded an A-4 Quattro for the 325xi. The A-4 was a nice, reliable car with all wheel drive, but in comparision the BMW is quicker, more agile, and a kick to drive especially now that BMW has wheel drive. The main difference is the BMW is like a pro athlete and the Audi is like a college athlete.

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  good job - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bbivin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  now suprises... Performs just as promised..

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  Very solid quality car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By avenge69 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Very much worth the dollars. Yes, the image is there, but so is the quality.

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  My 2002 BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Guy - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a 2002 325ci I purchased in late October 2001. I loved my 1998 323is and I couldnt wait to get my hands on a new 2002. I must say that I think the 325ci is the best vauled car out there today. I test drove Benz, Lexus, and even a Boxter and I must say that the new 325ci won hands down in the all around value end. I felt like it handled better and more realistic than many of its competitors, plus the available options made it able to compete with cars twice its price! I must say that the guys at Wagner BMW were great and they gave me the best deal out of the three I went to. Anyway, I recommend the 325ci its a great buy.

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  Nothing Touches It In Its Class - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By kdshapiro - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. The transmission is as smooth as butter, the acceleration is smooth and powerful and the ride has a magical quality to it thats hard to describe. The interior controls took some getting used to, but now are second nature. Every little corner of this car is engineered to perfection. Including the rechargeable flashlight in the glove box. My only (minor) gripe with the car has been the buzzing speakers in the door posts, that after three visits the dealer has been unable to fix.

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  excellent - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By jogkjfiufuif - May 30 - 2:00 am

  the best car Ive ever owned. This makes the 2nd 540 Ive owed and I can not wait for the next version in 2003.

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  Great Sport Sedan / Acceptable SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By RONBO - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had basically good experience with my X5. I am a sport driving enthusiast and this is my family and commuting vehicle. As an SUV only the price for the functionality is kind of high. But, I like to drive. This one has the sport package. Basically, I gave up nothing in the fun to drive and handling areas to have the utility of an SUV like vehicle. It is fine to drive, unlike the wallowing beasts that other makers put out as SUVs. I hope I can drive this until the wheels fall off.

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  2001 530i with Premium/Xenon - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kashvyas - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2001 530i after a few months of research but dealer left a bad taste. The car is fun to drive and looks awesome but seems to require regular visits to the shop for various issues like radio, cup holders, wipers, bulbs, etc. The dealer experience is terrible - I have tried 4 different dealers over 3+ years and it is the only major regret I have (enough to make be go to another brand for my next car). Poor handling in snow. Front bumper is low enough to require frequent visits to the shop. Side and rear visibility is poor due to small mirrors and huge headrests.

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  Great Car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Three Time BMW Owner - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Best of the three BMWs Ive owned. Tremendous road feel, braking and cornering. Great fun to drive. Have had no major problems.