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BMW Model History
BMW Model History
Note: Although this is a good effort in creating a history of the various BMW models this should not be considered complete or exhaustive as we a simply BMW enthusiasts not historians. BMW has made so many models it's hard to be sure... Our data starts getting personal in 1983 when our family started buying BMW's with the first being a 320i. Later in 1989 when we entered the auto business with our specialty as BMW's our knowledge again increased. With that said you will notice the detail increases with the more modern models.
1500 1962-1964
Compact, stylish and sporty, the 1500 four-door sedan was the foundation for the New Class.
1800 1968-1972
The second series 1800 had blacked-out grilles, improved dual-circuit brakes, rectangular headlights and a revised instrument panel.
1800 1963-1968
Introduced in the Fall of 1963, the 1800 had a bored and stroked 1500 engine producing 90 hp.
2002 1968-1975
The ultimate sports sedan began life as a 1600 with a 2-liter, single carb, four-cylinder engine.
1600 1964-1966
Introduced in the Spring of 1964, the 1600 used the 1500 engine and the 1800's pistons to produce 83 hp.
2002ti 1968-1971
The ti was a 2002 with 120 hp.
1800ti 1964-1966
TI meant "touring international" and it toured with twin Solex carbs and 110 hp.
2000tii 1969-1972
BMW's first fuel-injected car with 130 hp, an optional 5-speed, and a top speed of 115 mph.
1600 Touring 1971-1972
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 1600 and 1602 Touring had the 1.6 liter engine.
1800ti/sa 1964-1965
The SA model was a racer in street garb with Weber carbs, 10.5:1 compression ratio and 130 hp.
2000C 1965-1969
The 2000C and CA (auto. trans) models featured body by Karmann and 100 hp.
1802 1971-1975
Not available in the USA, the 1802 was a downsized 2002. The 1802 has a 1766 cc engine with 90 hp
2000CS 1965-1969
The 2000CS featured body by Karmann and 120 hp
1800 Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 1800 and 1802 Touring had the 1.8 liter engine.
2000 1966-1972
The 2000 produced 100 hp from a 1990 cc engine with a 89x80 bore and stroke.
2002 Cabriolet 1971-1975
The Baur 2002 Cabriolet featured the safety of a built-in roll bar. The rear portion of the top folded down and the midsection was removable.
2000ti 1966-1968
An upgraded 1800ti, the 2000ti had 120 hp and twin Solex carburetors.
2000 Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 2000 and 2002 Touring had the 2.0 liter engine.
1800ti 1964-1966
TI meant "touring international" and it toured with twin Solex carbs and 110 hp
2002tii 1971-1974
An upgrade to the 2002ti, the tii had a 1.4 in larger track, H-rated Michelin XAS tires, wider wheels and bigger brakes.
1600-2/1602 1966-1975
One of the first models imported into the USA. Car and Driver called the 1600-2 "the best small sedan we ever drove.
2002tii Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 2002tii Touring had the 130 hp 2002tii engine.
1600 Cabriolet 1967-1971
Baur made 1,682 cabriolets of which only a handful were exported to the USA.
2002 Turbo 1973-1974
One reviewer called it "the most desirable BMW this side of the 507." Try it above 4000 rpms and you quickly discover why.
1600ti 1967-1968
The 1600ti was produced as a two-door coupe with 105 hp and dual-carbs.
1502 1975-1977
Sold in Europe only, the 1502 was an economy model built in response to the oil crisis
2500 1968-1977
The original new six was an entry level four-door, medium-priced sedan with style and performance.
2800CS 1968-1971
The first of the modern 6-cylinder sport coupes, reviewers called it "irresistible" with "the most efficient and sophisticated in-line six in the world.
2800 1968-1977
The 2800 was a 2500 with an engine stroked to 2.8 liters. It had extra features like anti-roll bar, rear self-leveling struts and an electric rear window defroster.
2.5CS 1968-1971
A car made in response to the fuel crisis of the mid-70s, the 2.5CS was not available in North America.
3.0CS 1971-1975
The ads called it "Bavarian Cream". The press called it one of the best cars in the world. The 3.0 range made its debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
3.0S/i 7 1971-1977
With a bigger bore, the original engine grew to 3 liters. The Euro version had 180 hp, but the US model only 170 hp, due to emissions requirements
3.0CSL 1971-1972
The "L" here meant Lightweight. The car's doors, hood and trunk were made of aluminum. A fabled Group 2 racer.
Bavaria 1971-1977
Called "one of the world's great buys in luxury sedans", the Bavaria was a 2500 with a 2800 engine created especially for the US market.
3.0CSi 1971-1975
The sport coupe with Bosch fuel-injection had 200 hp, an optional 5-speed, and a top speed of 137 mph.
2.8L 1974-1977
The original "L" model, the 2.8L was the long wheelbase version of the 2800. The engine and suspension were identical to the 2800. Only made in Europe.
3.0CSL 1972-1973
This racer had a 200 hp fuel injected engine in stock trim.
3.0L/i 1974-1977
The 3.0L was the long wheelbase, carbureted version of the 3.3- liter cars. A 3.0Li fuel-injected version was also built.
3.0CSL 1973-1975
The last generation of racer had 206 hp and D-Jetronic fuel injection. Factory racers pushed
3.3L/i 1974-1977
The 3.3L was the long wheelbase, carbureted version of the 3.3- liter cars. A 3.3Li fuel-injected version was also built.
M Series
The M1 was the first car produced by BMW Motorsport. Originally released in 1978, the M1 experienced production and homologation problems that kept it from international competition until the car was no longer competitive. First shown at the Paris Motor Show, the M1 was discontinued in 1981.
In the US the e30 M3 marked the begining of our love affair with M-cars. The e30 was made for US customers from 1988 until 1991. The 3 series M3 was reintroduced in 1995 and was produced until 1999. In 2001 the M3 came again in a new body style. The lates M3 body style was introduced in 2008.
The 5 series M5 was made first for the US in 1988. The sedan was only available in Black/Tan and sold in very limited quanities. The next body style M5 came in as a 2000 model and lasted until 2003. The latest M5 again was reborn in the states as a 2006 model and continues today.
The M6 first debuted in the US in 2006 and continued until 2009.
Z cars
Introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Z1 is the original Z roadster.
The Z22 contained a host of innovations that revolutionized automobile technology. Introduced as a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1997, the Z8 is a sleek roadster powered by the M5's 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8.
First unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September of 1999, the Z9 is a Grand Touring four-seat coupe concept car with the world's first V8 diesel engine.
BMW Z3. The Z3 packs BMW-style driving enjoyment in a genuine sports-car package at a popular price. Available in coupe and roadster, with M sport option
The next generation Z3, the Z4 is BMW's latest roadster which debuted in 2004.
BMW 3 Series
Coupe, Sedan and Cabriolet variants are available. The car that put BMW on the map with Americans was no doubt the 3 series. The vehicle started as a 320i. In 1994 the models changed in the states with a new body and a host of engine variants. A few were the 4cyl 318i, the 325i, and the 325e (eta engine). The body style changed in 2000 with a revolutionary body style lending the 3 series to a sleeker design. In 2000 the 3 Series was introduced in the US as a 323i and later the model had a host of variants in engine and body. In 2007 the lates body style debuted. The Powerful lines, sleek shapes and stylish elements confirm the 3 series year after year as the industry leader.
BMW 5 Series
Introduced in June 1981, the E28 was the successor to the E12 series. The E30 is a modern classic. Over 2.2 million E30s were made during the car's ten year life span. Introduced in 1975, the E21 or "forgotten BMW" was the successor to the 2002. The E34 was the successor to the E28. Introduced in June 1981, the E28 was the successor to the E12 series. The new vehicle was similar to the popular E12 but was lower, had more engine choices, and minor styling updates. The E12 includes the models 518, 520i, 525, 528i, 530i, and M535i. It was with this model in 1979 that BMW formally introduced the "M" car. The new vehicle was similar to the popular E12 but was lower, had more engine choices, and minor styling updates.
The E12 includes the models 518, 520i, 525, 528i, 530i, and M535i. It was with this model in 1979 that BMW formally introduced the "M" car.
The 5 series models that made BMW legendary in the US started with the 1988 528i, then the 1988 535is which culminated that Body style. The 5 series became a real cutting edge sedan in 1999 with the 525i and the 535i sedans. This body style lasted until 2003 in which some of the most sought after 5 series were created; the M-Version 540i and the 2003 M5. In 2004 the Bangle designed 5 Series made an entirely new statement in which a 525i and 545i were available. The bangle body was produced in various formats from 2004 until 2010. The latest body style hit the US in 2010.
BMW 6 Series
BMW 650i convertible and Coupe. The six series came to the US in 2004 as a 645i in Coupe and Convertable with available automatic, SMG transmission or 6 speed transmission. The vehicle matured in 2006 to a 650i in coupe and convertable variants. In 2006 the M6 also was born in the USA. 2008 model 6 series have a host of subtle changes but make the vehicle just wonderful to look at.
BMW 8 Series
The eight series was supposed to be an example of BMW's cutting edge design but the heavy weight and challanging body never enabled the series to catch on in the states. First introduced as a 1991 model the 8 series dissapeared in 1997 in the US.
BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series is BMW's luxury line of large yet agile sedans. The E32 was introduced in late 1987 with a 730i and 735i using the M30 six cylinder engine. Produced for 10 years, the E23 was the first of the modern, big BMW luxury sedans. First appearing in the states as a 730i, the 733i, on a few rare occasions a gray market 745i in an early body style. In 1988 a new body style 735i and a longer vesion il made a new name for the 7 series. In 1993 the 740i and il came with a new V8 powered sedan. In 1995 the body style changed and the iconic bodied 7 series in this version lasted until 2001. In 2002 a new body style emerged as the 745i and il and in a V12 as a 760li this engine configuration and body lasted until 2005. In 200l the 750i and 750li were available as V8's and a 760i and 760li with the V12. The latest 7 series hit the US market as a 2009 model year vehicle with a host of variants.
No matter what year you consider the 7 Series offers remarkable performance in an extrodinarily roomy and comfortable sedan.
BMW X3
With the introduction of the X3, BMW expands its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The new BMW X3 combines unprecedented levels of agility with the concept of utility. The X3 came to the US in 2006 and continues today.
BMW X5
Introduced in the US as a 2000 model as the X5 3.0 and 4.4 model. As you would imagine from the 3.0 and 4.4 variations the engine offerings were 6 cylinders and 8 cylinders. During the lifecyle so far in the states the X5 has been available as a; 4.4, 4.6, 4.8si, then 4.8 in new body for 2007. In 2010 X5M
Note: Although this is a good effort in creating a history of the various BMW models this should not be considered complete or exhaustive as we a simply BMW enthusiasts not historians. BMW has made so many models it's hard to be sure... Our data starts getting personal in 1983 when our family started buying BMW's with the first being a 320i. Later in 1989 when we entered the auto business with our specialty as BMW's our knowledge again increased. With that said you will notice the detail increases with the more modern models.
1500 1962-1964
Compact, stylish and sporty, the 1500 four-door sedan was the foundation for the New Class.
1800 1968-1972
The second series 1800 had blacked-out grilles, improved dual-circuit brakes, rectangular headlights and a revised instrument panel.
1800 1963-1968
Introduced in the Fall of 1963, the 1800 had a bored and stroked 1500 engine producing 90 hp.
2002 1968-1975
The ultimate sports sedan began life as a 1600 with a 2-liter, single carb, four-cylinder engine.
1600 1964-1966
Introduced in the Spring of 1964, the 1600 used the 1500 engine and the 1800's pistons to produce 83 hp.
2002ti 1968-1971
The ti was a 2002 with 120 hp.
1800ti 1964-1966
TI meant "touring international" and it toured with twin Solex carbs and 110 hp.
2000tii 1969-1972
BMW's first fuel-injected car with 130 hp, an optional 5-speed, and a top speed of 115 mph.
1600 Touring 1971-1972
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 1600 and 1602 Touring had the 1.6 liter engine.
1800ti/sa 1964-1965
The SA model was a racer in street garb with Weber carbs, 10.5:1 compression ratio and 130 hp.
2000C 1965-1969
The 2000C and CA (auto. trans) models featured body by Karmann and 100 hp.
1802 1971-1975
Not available in the USA, the 1802 was a downsized 2002. The 1802 has a 1766 cc engine with 90 hp
2000CS 1965-1969
The 2000CS featured body by Karmann and 120 hp
1800 Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 1800 and 1802 Touring had the 1.8 liter engine.
2000 1966-1972
The 2000 produced 100 hp from a 1990 cc engine with a 89x80 bore and stroke.
2002 Cabriolet 1971-1975
The Baur 2002 Cabriolet featured the safety of a built-in roll bar. The rear portion of the top folded down and the midsection was removable.
2000ti 1966-1968
An upgraded 1800ti, the 2000ti had 120 hp and twin Solex carburetors.
2000 Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 2000 and 2002 Touring had the 2.0 liter engine.
1800ti 1964-1966
TI meant "touring international" and it toured with twin Solex carbs and 110 hp
2002tii 1971-1974
An upgrade to the 2002ti, the tii had a 1.4 in larger track, H-rated Michelin XAS tires, wider wheels and bigger brakes.
1600-2/1602 1966-1975
One of the first models imported into the USA. Car and Driver called the 1600-2 "the best small sedan we ever drove.
2002tii Touring 1971-1974
The touring models were early hatchbacks. The 2002tii Touring had the 130 hp 2002tii engine.
1600 Cabriolet 1967-1971
Baur made 1,682 cabriolets of which only a handful were exported to the USA.
2002 Turbo 1973-1974
One reviewer called it "the most desirable BMW this side of the 507." Try it above 4000 rpms and you quickly discover why.
1600ti 1967-1968
The 1600ti was produced as a two-door coupe with 105 hp and dual-carbs.
1502 1975-1977
Sold in Europe only, the 1502 was an economy model built in response to the oil crisis
2500 1968-1977
The original new six was an entry level four-door, medium-priced sedan with style and performance.
2800CS 1968-1971
The first of the modern 6-cylinder sport coupes, reviewers called it "irresistible" with "the most efficient and sophisticated in-line six in the world.
2800 1968-1977
The 2800 was a 2500 with an engine stroked to 2.8 liters. It had extra features like anti-roll bar, rear self-leveling struts and an electric rear window defroster.
2.5CS 1968-1971
A car made in response to the fuel crisis of the mid-70s, the 2.5CS was not available in North America.
3.0CS 1971-1975
The ads called it "Bavarian Cream". The press called it one of the best cars in the world. The 3.0 range made its debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
3.0S/i 7 1971-1977
With a bigger bore, the original engine grew to 3 liters. The Euro version had 180 hp, but the US model only 170 hp, due to emissions requirements
3.0CSL 1971-1972
The "L" here meant Lightweight. The car's doors, hood and trunk were made of aluminum. A fabled Group 2 racer.
Bavaria 1971-1977
Called "one of the world's great buys in luxury sedans", the Bavaria was a 2500 with a 2800 engine created especially for the US market.
3.0CSi 1971-1975
The sport coupe with Bosch fuel-injection had 200 hp, an optional 5-speed, and a top speed of 137 mph.
2.8L 1974-1977
The original "L" model, the 2.8L was the long wheelbase version of the 2800. The engine and suspension were identical to the 2800. Only made in Europe.
3.0CSL 1972-1973
This racer had a 200 hp fuel injected engine in stock trim.
3.0L/i 1974-1977
The 3.0L was the long wheelbase, carbureted version of the 3.3- liter cars. A 3.0Li fuel-injected version was also built.
3.0CSL 1973-1975
The last generation of racer had 206 hp and D-Jetronic fuel injection. Factory racers pushed
3.3L/i 1974-1977
The 3.3L was the long wheelbase, carbureted version of the 3.3- liter cars. A 3.3Li fuel-injected version was also built.
M Series
The M1 was the first car produced by BMW Motorsport. Originally released in 1978, the M1 experienced production and homologation problems that kept it from international competition until the car was no longer competitive. First shown at the Paris Motor Show, the M1 was discontinued in 1981.
In the US the e30 M3 marked the begining of our love affair with M-cars. The e30 was made for US customers from 1988 until 1991. The 3 series M3 was reintroduced in 1995 and was produced until 1999. In 2001 the M3 came again in a new body style. The lates M3 body style was introduced in 2008.
The 5 series M5 was made first for the US in 1988. The sedan was only available in Black/Tan and sold in very limited quanities. The next body style M5 came in as a 2000 model and lasted until 2003. The latest M5 again was reborn in the states as a 2006 model and continues today.
The M6 first debuted in the US in 2006 and continued until 2009.
Z cars
Introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Z1 is the original Z roadster.
The Z22 contained a host of innovations that revolutionized automobile technology. Introduced as a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1997, the Z8 is a sleek roadster powered by the M5's 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8.
First unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September of 1999, the Z9 is a Grand Touring four-seat coupe concept car with the world's first V8 diesel engine.
BMW Z3. The Z3 packs BMW-style driving enjoyment in a genuine sports-car package at a popular price. Available in coupe and roadster, with M sport option
The next generation Z3, the Z4 is BMW's latest roadster which debuted in 2004.
BMW 3 Series
Coupe, Sedan and Cabriolet variants are available. The car that put BMW on the map with Americans was no doubt the 3 series. The vehicle started as a 320i. In 1994 the models changed in the states with a new body and a host of engine variants. A few were the 4cyl 318i, the 325i, and the 325e (eta engine). The body style changed in 2000 with a revolutionary body style lending the 3 series to a sleeker design. In 2000 the 3 Series was introduced in the US as a 323i and later the model had a host of variants in engine and body. In 2007 the lates body style debuted. The Powerful lines, sleek shapes and stylish elements confirm the 3 series year after year as the industry leader.
BMW 5 Series
Introduced in June 1981, the E28 was the successor to the E12 series. The E30 is a modern classic. Over 2.2 million E30s were made during the car's ten year life span. Introduced in 1975, the E21 or "forgotten BMW" was the successor to the 2002. The E34 was the successor to the E28. Introduced in June 1981, the E28 was the successor to the E12 series. The new vehicle was similar to the popular E12 but was lower, had more engine choices, and minor styling updates. The E12 includes the models 518, 520i, 525, 528i, 530i, and M535i. It was with this model in 1979 that BMW formally introduced the "M" car. The new vehicle was similar to the popular E12 but was lower, had more engine choices, and minor styling updates.
The E12 includes the models 518, 520i, 525, 528i, 530i, and M535i. It was with this model in 1979 that BMW formally introduced the "M" car.
The 5 series models that made BMW legendary in the US started with the 1988 528i, then the 1988 535is which culminated that Body style. The 5 series became a real cutting edge sedan in 1999 with the 525i and the 535i sedans. This body style lasted until 2003 in which some of the most sought after 5 series were created; the M-Version 540i and the 2003 M5. In 2004 the Bangle designed 5 Series made an entirely new statement in which a 525i and 545i were available. The bangle body was produced in various formats from 2004 until 2010. The latest body style hit the US in 2010.
BMW 6 Series
BMW 650i convertible and Coupe. The six series came to the US in 2004 as a 645i in Coupe and Convertable with available automatic, SMG transmission or 6 speed transmission. The vehicle matured in 2006 to a 650i in coupe and convertable variants. In 2006 the M6 also was born in the USA. 2008 model 6 series have a host of subtle changes but make the vehicle just wonderful to look at.
BMW 8 Series
The eight series was supposed to be an example of BMW's cutting edge design but the heavy weight and challanging body never enabled the series to catch on in the states. First introduced as a 1991 model the 8 series dissapeared in 1997 in the US.
BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series is BMW's luxury line of large yet agile sedans. The E32 was introduced in late 1987 with a 730i and 735i using the M30 six cylinder engine. Produced for 10 years, the E23 was the first of the modern, big BMW luxury sedans. First appearing in the states as a 730i, the 733i, on a few rare occasions a gray market 745i in an early body style. In 1988 a new body style 735i and a longer vesion il made a new name for the 7 series. In 1993 the 740i and il came with a new V8 powered sedan. In 1995 the body style changed and the iconic bodied 7 series in this version lasted until 2001. In 2002 a new body style emerged as the 745i and il and in a V12 as a 760li this engine configuration and body lasted until 2005. In 200l the 750i and 750li were available as V8's and a 760i and 760li with the V12. The latest 7 series hit the US market as a 2009 model year vehicle with a host of variants.
No matter what year you consider the 7 Series offers remarkable performance in an extrodinarily roomy and comfortable sedan.
BMW X3
With the introduction of the X3, BMW expands its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The new BMW X3 combines unprecedented levels of agility with the concept of utility. The X3 came to the US in 2006 and continues today.
BMW X5
Introduced in the US as a 2000 model as the X5 3.0 and 4.4 model. As you would imagine from the 3.0 and 4.4 variations the engine offerings were 6 cylinders and 8 cylinders. During the lifecyle so far in the states the X5 has been available as a; 4.4, 4.6, 4.8si, then 4.8 in new body for 2007. In 2010 X5M
