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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  Very solid - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By fineblueday - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The BMW is more stylish and refined than my old sports car but the ride is the largest improvement, its so quiet that I sometimes need to check to see if the engine is running. I was concerned that the 17" tires and sports package would make the car run loud but that hasnt been the case. Acceleration is nice in the low RPMs and the pickup is smooth. For those of you who really want that aluminum trim ask the dealer if they can order that trim even if you get the premium package. Lastly, sports cars arent made for good gas mileage get over it!

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  What a car!!! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Mace - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Having just recently bought a 328I sports coupe with the lux pack, I can honestly say that it is the best car I have driven, for fun, refinement and reliability nothing comes close. I have in the passed been an owner of the folllowing: Porsche 911, Audi A8, Toyota celica, Nissan 300zx and to be fair the Audi comes quite close, but thats all, I would like to assure anyone thinking of getting one, "do" you will not be disappointed.

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  2002 M3 Convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By hemiden - June 25 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months Im still in love with this car. The handling and performance is simply exhilarating. The SMG (Sequential-Manual-Gearbox) option is awesome and it uses the same technology thats used in todays F-1 race cars. I believe that the new 02 E-46 M3 lives up to what its often called ... "the ultimate driving machine."

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  Good car but E46 is much better! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Davie Z - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been extremely durable so far and performance is still similar to how it was when new seven years ago. The engine and transmission and brake performance are still excellent, and comfort is still there. However, the new series is simply miles beyond this car, no comparison. Biggest problem has been the SRS - Airbag system, which has been out of action for four of the last seven years with multiple and expensive failures. Also lost the engine balancer and it took the dealer a week to get it back to me on this one. Dealer service has been generally feeble so have resorted to independents who have proven much better!

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  BMW review - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By bjackson - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has not only great styling but handles extremely well. I have had little problem and have had it in the shop for only minor adjustment during the three years that I have owned.

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  BEST car I have ever had - 2001 BMW X5
  By HankG - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Despite the lack of trunk space this is a great car!

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2002 BMW Z3
  By Ed Long - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Z-3 3.0 (sport package) a couple of months ago and I love it. I am a dyed-in-the-wool BMW owner with this being the 7th that Ive owned. This car is fast, sporty, gets lots of looks and positive comments and blasting around on backroads and even around town is a great deal of fun. Ride is good, handling is solid and the engine and transmission (manual) are an absolute joy. It runs great and handles very well indeed. If I had know it would be this much fun I would have bought one long ago. Just wish it was cooler in Phoenix! I fit fine in it and Im 61" and 230 pounds.

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  What an amazing car!! - 2002 BMW X5
  By Touchdown - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Seriously looked at the M320 before a friend recommended that I check out the X5. Never really noticed it before and thats because so few of them are on the road. Started researching and went to the dealership to check it out. Its was love at first sight. Had to have this car. After the longest two months, drove it the first day nonstop for 6 hours straight! Unbelievable! Looks and finish are like no other on the road with the exception of the new 7 series. Handling and safety features are also like no other. In addition, its an attention getting for sure (even from M drivers!) and truly a blast to drive which is surprising with a car this size and weight!

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  BMW review - 2002 BMW X5
  By Greg2kbug - June 25 - 2:00 am

  My BMw has given me excellent performance on the road, as well comfort and luxury. Driving it makes me feel like im driving on air its so easy to manipulate and it drives smoothly and has alot of power that makes it a feasible option for me to drive. for once I can enjoy driving. Im more than satisfied with its overall design and it gives the optimal performnce i require.

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  Gotta love the 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Bluester - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car only a week, but have waited to buy for several years. I think this car is a blast to drive. It is a perfect balance of luxury and sport. If only I had an extra 4-5K for the 330! The windshield has spots in between the layers of glass that are driving me crazy. However, havent seen it on any others in the showroom/lot. Must be poor windshield quality on this one car.