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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  Pure Heaven - 2003 BMW Z8
  By Billy2009 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the BEST BMW i have driven in my life. If you have the money, go with it!

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  Z4 3.0 6spd. - 2003 BMW Z4
  By gregt - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The fun factor is a 10+. Very unique design all around which will get some raves as well as some critisism. I personally love it. Performance is very good. I would like to see a little more power. It handles excellent. The ride is a little bumpy but thats to be expected, especially with the run flat tires. Interior is roomy and comfortable. Im 62" and I dont even have the seat all the way back. Interior design is very simple and the aluminum dash is very stylish. I would like to see an oil presure and altmeter guage though.

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  Love this SUV - 2003 BMW X5
  By LuvmyBMW - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This SUV doesnt ride like a SUV. It has a comfortable ride. We have a few different friends with different SUVs and they all agree ours rides the best and also has great pick-up. It is manuverable. We only had one minor problem in the past 8 months with it. The rear window arm broke and we had it replaced. Other than that, its been great.

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  THIS IS THE BEST CAR EVER! - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By ANYNOMOUSE BMW LOVER - November 17 - 2:00 am

  IT DOESNT GET BETTER THAN THE 7 SERIES!

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  Great Car ! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By T. Hopkins - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. No problems.

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  Worth every penny - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Jake Sessions - November 17 - 2:00 am

  WARNING: DO NOT TEST DRIVE THIS CAR UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO BUY IT!!!! I have had this car for almost six months now and I still look forward to driving it to work everyday! The power is ridiculous and the handling is amazing.

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  Not worth it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sad_330i_Owner - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and braking are superb, but the car it falls short in build quality. It was delivered with splotchy paint, a badly pitted windshield, and various broken pieces. Parts still fall off, it has numerous squeaks and rattles, and every time these are fixed something else gets screwed up. Parts are NEVER available and I have to chase them down to see if the part is in. Escalation is impossible and calls and emails to BMW are not returned. The car is not worth the headaches and BMW doesnt seem to care. My time, money, and sanity demands that my next car will be Japanese.

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  Just the best - 2002 BMW M5
  By indoctrin8ed - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Does everything well blisteringly fast, yet civilized and very comfortable. V8 toque with a poweband wide enough to let you start off in 6th gear if you want to. "Fun to drive" just doesnt get any better. Friendly to the traffic cops too.

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  1St BMW? Skip the power - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By enjoymibimmer - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW. I was intent on the 530 but couldnt find exactly what I was looking for. The dealer gave me a 525 Sport for 3 days. SOLD. Still after 6 months, Im impressed with the giddup-and -go! My next BMW (2006) will be a 530 and Im sure Ill have a renewed excitement but this 2.5 is more than fine. Caution: you will have to learn to drive all over again. Super tight handling can throw you a loop when avoiding road debris, etc. Dont worry about the cupholders. I now only allow bottled water in my car. Theyre low and a bit flimsey but available on eBay cheap. 6 mos. no problems and no messes front or back.

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  5 Series Excellence - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Oscar Laud - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The 5 Series 2003 model is the apex of design and build excellence. The six cylinder (an engine BMW has perfected) is smooth, quick and dependable. The sport package (with rims and M steering wheel) is well worth the price. Buying this vehicle in 2003, before the new controversial style, was the smartest auto purchase Ive ever made. The 2004 has considerable shoes to fill. Keep in mind that this version of the 5 series scored the highest rating ever in Consumer Reports. Ever.