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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  Finally a real SAV - 2001 BMW X5
  By carloroma - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  For the last 9 years I drove US made SUVs....3 differents models and all v8 engines however I exeperiences disappointments from the very first week that I drove any of them. With the BMW X5 I had a paradigm change, finally I can drive a SAV that meet my expectations....and it is a V6 3.0 Liters..price wise?? Altought the montly leasing cost went up of almost $ 150.00 I save at least $ 100.00 in fuel consumption....so for $ 50.00 more per month I got myself I real deal. Thank you BMW...

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  Could be better - 1999 BMW M3
  By MJD181169 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has amazing performance and styling. However, the interior craftsmanship leaves something to be desired. The steering wheel vibrates and makes noises, as does the dashboard. It is frustrating to think how much I paid for this vehicle, only to listen to constant cabin noise. With high performance tires, this car is useless in the snow. Also, the trunk-mounted CD changer skips regulary on less than perfect surfaces. All in all, the performance will leave you grinning after every drive.

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  Proud to own this baby - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Pashem - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the true definition of sprort luxury car. It gives you driving gratification and loves to be pushed. Fully equiped with 18" M-wheels makes this car irresistible.

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  Zoom...zoom...BEEMER - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Eugene Svistun - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Do Europeans have use for cup holders at all? Or they just making a little fun of us? PLEASE-SOMEBODY TELL THEM GERMANS TO DESIGN MORE USEFUL CUPHOLDERS!!!!!!!

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  Fine Car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Ggood68 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine car. I have owned a few different 5 series and have enjoyed them all. This car is special, not a beauty when you first see it, but it does grow on you once you drive it. The i drive have been very reliable and intuitive for me. The quality of the acceleration and ride are amazing for a car of this size.

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  fun but pricey - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By GuyM - May 30 - 2:00 am

  electric top mechanism required $1600 in repairs. SRS light required a $450 "brain". Everything expensive. Never again.

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  Awesome car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MermaidLady2u - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th BMW, money well spent! Ordered the 2003 and more bells and whistles then I ever could use or dream of. Sweet ride, hugs the corners and tears up the road. Definitly keeps improving.

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  BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Boxerhd@aol.com - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. It has made running errands enjoyable. The power and especially the handling is incredible.

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  BMW 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWi - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, lots of fun.

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  Mine has been great! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By 3Man - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have a 99 323i and have loved it enough to want to get another one. It surprises me reading about some of the bad experiences - mainly service-wise. Sharpe has been so good with the little things that I have no doubt they would handle larger problems well. Theyve been the best car dealer that I have ever worked with. This has been my 3rd 3 series, and buying a 4th has been an easy decision. Research your local dealer, and hopefully you will find one comparable to Sharpe. I think that the few bad experiences detailed here are the exception and not the rule.