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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  Well worth the money - 2004 BMW X5
  By LenAugust - May 25 - 2:00 am

  A very nice SUV.....and a BIG nice at that. Handling excellent. Performance excellent....Quiet elegance inside even at 80 miles per hour.

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  Nice but .... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jc4642 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice car, but lacks the fit and finish expected in a car of this price. There are numerous squeaks and rattles that are quite annoying. It is fun to drive, lacks power in the low revs, but around 3500RPM it picks up nicely. One major complaint is the Auto-Manual shifter. To upshift you push forward, and pull it back for downshifting. This seemed backwards to me. Only trouble I had is a peice of door trim came loose, and the shade for the moonroof came off its track once. Both issues were fixed by the dealer under warranty and without hassle. Overall, its a good car, but a little overpriced for the quality.

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  BMW330CI - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By TASHJIAN - May 24 - 10:00 am

  LOTS OF POWER, GREAT HANDLING AND MANY LUXURY FEATURES, SUCH AS 3 POSITION MEMORY FOR SEAT AND MIRRORS. HEATED SEATS AND CRUISE WORK GREAT. TRANSMISSION IS SEAMLESS IN EITHER STANDARD, SPORT OR MANUAL SETTINGS. TOP OPERATES WITH A PUSH OF THE BUTTON, LOWERING WINDOWS AND THEN PUTTING THEM BACK. 11 SPEAKER SOUND SYSTEM IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By suntigen - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from Desert BMW of Las Vegas. I wouldnt reccomend the experience to other folks. If you live in Vegas, do youself a favor and drive to LA and buy the car. That being said, I love the car! Its solidly built, and stikcs like glue on curves and corners. The AWD with DTC works great and keeps me pointed where I want to go at all times. I wish I had a couple of additional horses, but thats just me I think. Its got a very smooth torque curve, and doesnt pull at all. The car just goes.

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  fast lane to the poorhouse - 2000 BMW Z3
  By rufwun - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I love love love this car but it is killing me with maintenance costs! Owning this car has been like having two car payments with the inevitable trips to the shop every 6 weeks. But she is solid, nimble, attractive, powerful and above all, fun! Shes my dream girl, but sometimes theres a lot to be said for the frumpy, low- maintenance girl next door. If you can afford the upkeep, this car is pure joy.

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  NY Monster - 2004 BMW M3
  By Lorenzo - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Car is in the superlatives - not your regular garden vareity 3 series. Other cars (Mercedes C32 & E55 AMGs, Audi S4, RS6, Subaru WRX, Mitsu Lancer Evos) want to race me unprovoked. Can they just leave me alone?

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  WOW - 2003 BMW Z4
  By PLATINUMDAVE - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE DRIVEN ALOT OF FAST CARS, BUT THIS ONE SCARED ME THE FIRST TIME I DROVE IT. I DIDNT THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE TO DO THE THINGS YOU CAN DO IN THIS CAR, AND THE BEST PART OF ALL....IS THAT EVERYONE STARES AS YOU GO BYE.

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  Love the bimmer - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Territory49 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my first bimmer and Id have to say it is my favourite car to drive for luxury and comfort. I owned an rx-7 and a suped up, customized 65 karmann ghia both of which had power, but the 540ia now is my prized possession. I love all that it has, except for the maintenence costs. Its a bmw what do you expect though. Anyway for a 95 it is almost as nice as the new ones and a fraction of the cost. I get excited everytime i get in the drivers seat. Definitely has power. Just ask the cars next to me at the lights when I blow their doors off. If you can find a 540ia in good shape for a good price I recommend it. I am a true BMW fan.

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  Dream Car - 2003 BMW Z8
  By BMW - May 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for an ultimate dream car, this is it. From its sensational design to its exhilerating driving performance, this is the ultimate in roadsters.

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  Wonderful Ride - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By islander - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive - excellent handling and driving environment. The solid build quality gives you a feeling of safety as well. Perfect mix of fun to drive and comfort.