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BMW E9
January 1, 1968 - January 1, 1975
The BMW New Six CS (internal name BMW E9) is the two-door sport coupé in BMW's New Six line, produced from 1968 to 1975 alongside the four-door BMW E3 sedan.
It featured BMW M30 straight-6 engines of 2.5, 2.8 and 3.0 litres in road cars, with larger units used in racing.
It was very successful in racing and helped establish BMW's status as a sporty driver's car, with success in European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft.
The CSL model is very collectible today.
BMW E3
January 1, 1968 - January 1, 1977
The BMW New Six is a line of six-cylinder luxury cars produced by the German automaker BMW from 1968 to 1977. The series was introduced as a response to the Mercedes-Benz-dominated large luxury car class and was very important in establishing BMW's reputation as a maker of sporting, luxury sedans. A two-door coupé version was produced alongside. Racing versions of the coupé enhanced BMW's reputation in auto racing. The sedans have the internal name E3, while the coupés are E9.
BMW E12
January 1, 1972 - January 1, 1981
The BMW E12 is an automobile platform that was the basis for the 1972 through 1981 BMW 5 Series mid-size car, produced by the German automaker BMW. The E12 was the first platform to bear the 5 Series name: the '5' denoting BMW's fifth 'New Class' platform. Designed as a replacement for the popular BMW New Class mid-size sedan, the E12 5-Series models were smaller than the large BMW E3 sedan but larger than the two-door 2002 models. The E12 was replaced by the BMW E28 5 Series in 1981, although production continued until 1984 in South Africa.
BMW E21
January 1, 1975 - January 1, 1983
BMW E21 is the platform designation for the first BMW 3 Series compact executive car, produced by the German automaker BMW from 1975 to 1983. This series was the immediate successor to the BMW 2002 and was superseded by the BMW E30 platform.
BMW E24
January 1, 1976 - January 1, 1989
The BMW E24 automobile platform was the basis for the first production of BMW 6 Series coupé, produced by the German automaker BMW between the 1976 and 1989 model years. Replaced by the E31 chassis 8 Series coupés, the 6 Series name reappeared with the BMW E63 chassis beginning in the 2004 model year. The E24 borrowed heavily from contemporary 5-series cars (E12, later E28).
BMW E23
January 1, 1977 - January 1, 1986
The BMW E23 is an automobile platform that was the basis for the first BMW 7 Series luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the BMW E3 large sedan, the E23 was produced for ten years from 1977 to 1987 and was replaced by the BMW E32 7 Series in 1986.
BMW E26
January 1, 1978 - January 1, 1981
The BMW M1 is a sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981.
In the late 1970s, Italian manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation. The result was sold to the public, from 1978 to 1981, as the BMW M1. It was the first and only mid-engined BMW. It employed a twin-cam M88/1 3.5 L 6-cylinder gasoline engine with Kugelfischer injection. A version of this motor was later used in the South African version of the BMW 745i, of which 209 examples were built between 1984 and 1986, as well as the E24 BMW M6/M635CSi and E28 BMW M5. The engine had six separate throttle butterflies, four valves per cylinder and produced 277 PS (273 hp/204 kW) in the street version, giving a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph). Turbocharged racing versions were capable of producing around 850 hp (634 kW).
Nelson Piquet with BMW M1 in 1980 at the Nürburgring
The M1 coupe was hand-built between 1978 and 1981 under the Motorsport division of BMW as a homologation special for sports car racing. The body was designed by Giugiaro, taking inspiration from the 1972 BMW Turbo show car. Originally, BMW commissioned Lamborghini to work out the details of the car's chassis, assemble prototypes and manufacture the vehicles, but Lamborghini's financial position meant that BMW reassumed control over the project in April 1978, after seven prototypes were built. Only 456 production M1s were built, making it one of BMW's rarest models. The spirit of the M1 lived on in the first-generation M5, as both models shared the same (though slightly modified) engines.
Though the car never saw a great deal of racing success, the M1 is remembered as a refined and civilized supercar in the true BMW tradition, with great handling and stellar build quality. In 2004, Sports Car International named the car number ten on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.
BMW E28
July 1, 1981 - December 1, 1987
The BMW E28 automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1988 BMW 5-Series automobiles. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989. The E28 was the first 5-Series which BMW offered in an M version.
E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December of 1987. The E28 was still sold in North America as a 1988 Model Year car while Europe received the E34 towards the end of 1987.
BMW E30
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1994
The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor of the BMW E21 in 1982 and was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1992. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet (convertible) E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it. The M3 cabriolet was never officially offered for sale in North America; it was offered only for the European market.
BMW E32
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1994
In 1986, BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, heated door locks and windscreen washer nozzles, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mp/h). According to the official American brochure in 1986, the ungoverned 750iL could reach 300 km/h (186.4 mph)[citation needed] with a side note that the terminal speed was electronically restricted.
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number), in which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point.
The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather, dual radio controls, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in the center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, legrests, and sun shade all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventillation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than €10.000, and was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a 'basic' 730i ('basic' to be taken in context).
BMW E34
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1996
The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from mid-1987 to 1996, with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996.
The E34 succeeded the BMW E28 in 1989 with two models. The 525i used the BMW M20 engine while the 535i used the larger M30. The cars were a blend of BMW tradition and modern technology. BMW's traditional FR layout and straight-6 were used, providing the smooth engine and optimal weight distribution BMW customers had come to expect. The E34 also had a much stiffer body and was more streamlined than its predecessor, looking very much like the BMW E32 7-series.
The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class reliability rating from Intellichoice in 1991. It is still considered one of the most reliable BMWs made. It was also one of the safest cars on the road during its production, providing airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a very rigid body structure to protect occupants in the event of an accident. The E34's 60-0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) stopping distance of 130 feet (40 m) was the best of any production sedan in 1990.[citation needed] It was also equipped with dynamic stability control (DSC) or skid control.
BMW E36
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1999
Among BMW enthusiasts, the E36 platform is considered one of the best BMW designs of the past 20 years. Sales figures for 3 Series coupes, sedans, and convertibles were at all time highs in North America and Europe. The E36 repeatedly beat its competitors and won many awards from major car magazines. BMW achieved a strong market identity and presence due to the E36's high quality and "really fun to drive" character. The car is however criticised by some for departing from the previous E30 model, which was lighter, smaller, and considered to be more of a pure-bred sports car by enthusiasts.
BMW E38
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 2001
The BMW E38 automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 BMW 7 Series automobiles. It replaced the BMW E32 in 1995 and itself was replaced by the BMW E65/E66 for the 2002 model year.
The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission; the short-wheelbase 740i only came with a standard 6-speed manual, 740iL and 750i/iL had a 5-speed ZF automatic standard, 730d and 740d a GM-sourced five-speed automatic[1]. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp (240 kW) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).
In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4 L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.
Features of the E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power moonroof, a sound system with 14 speakers and four subwoofers as well as 6-disc CD changer, onboard satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with separate controls for the driver and passenger, a three-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, new steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front-seat side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) were also standard. The car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous-motion Active Comfort Seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.
The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL.
740iL and 750iL Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
BMW E39
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 2003
The BMW E39 automobile platform was the basis for BMW 5 Series between 1995 to 2004. It was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1995, and was phased-out by the E60 platform in 2004. Sales to Germany and the United Kingdom began in 1995, and by 1996 sales to the remaining entities of Europe and the rest of the world had commenced. A mid-life update appeared in 2001, featuring minute detail changes. At launch, the base model was the 520i, which developed 112 kilowatts (150 hp) in the pre-update models, and 126 kilowatts (170 hp) in later models. An M5 variant was introduced in 1998, with a 5.0 litre S62 V8 engine. All models but the M5 were available as either a sedan or a touring wagon.
Introduced in Europe in 1995, the complete vehicle redesign draws heavily from the E38 7 Series in body construction and electronic technology. The mid-level BMW sedan showed evolutionary styling changes rather than a dramatic redesign. Initially offered only as a sedan, the wheelbase grew by 68 millimetres (2.7 in) and overall length by 55 millimetres (2.2 in) over the E34. The new 5 Series came in two forms; the 528i and 540i. The 528i is equipped with the 2.8 litre M52 in-line six carried over from the 1996 E36 328i and the 540i equipped with the 4.4 litre M62 V8. Both engines were upgraded over the prior 5 Series generation. The 2.8 litre dual overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine made 141 kilowatts (190 hp), versus 210 kilowatts (282 hp) for the 4.4 litre dual overhead camshaft, all-aluminum V8. A ZF five-speed manual transmission without overdrive was standard on the 528i, with an optional A4S 310 R four-speed automatic. The 540i, in contrast, could have either a Getrag six-speed manual or a new five-speed A5S 560Z automatic transmission with adaptive transmission control. Standard equipment on both models included dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, power steering, and air conditioning.
BMW E46
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2006
The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW's highly successful 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. The sedan was introduced in 1998 and replaced the E36 sedans the same year. The touring and coupé models appeared in 1999 with BMW's newly designed steptronic transmissions (available in all 3 series models), and the convertible and M3 later in 2000. The E46 compact, a 3-door compact hatchback, was revealed in 2001 to be sold in European and Australian markets.
In 2000, the E46 lineup received an engine boost when the new M54 engines appeared for Model Year 2001 cars; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325. Outside of the engine and exhaust upgrades, there were few cosmetic changes, the most noticeable being the 330 receiving silver accents on the front fascia.
The first major overhaul occurred when the E46 sedan underwent a facelift in 2002, which included re-designed headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis. Also, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines. Then in 2004 the coupe and convertible had a facelift which included new headlights, new fenders and bumpers, new selections in exterior color, and redesigned sidemarker lights and LED tail lights. The M3s got a much milder facelift that same year, with the inclusion of the updated trunk and LED tail lights from the coupe/convertible.
Despite being introduced last, the E46 compact was the first to be replaced when 1 Series was launched in September 2004. In mid-2005 the E46 sedans were phased out with the introduction of the new E90 sedans. The E46 touring was also replaced later that year with E91. The E46 remained in production as coupé, convertible and M3 until the E92 coupé and E93 convertible was revealed in late 2006. The new M3 coupé concept was later unveiled in March 2007 during Geneva Motor Show.
The E46 experienced enormous success in all markets and was widely considered the performance benchmark of its class. The record year for the E46 was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.
As a credit to the E46 platform, it was chosen for Car and Driver Magazine's "10 Best Cars" every year of its production.
BMW E53
January 1, 2000 - September 1, 2006
The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches.
The takeover of Rover proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look at and use Range Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5 - one such example would be hill-descent control. In many respects, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British counterpart; for example, the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39 5 Series parts bin to save costs.
In contrast to the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car: its off-road capabilities are significantly less than those of Land Rover. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).
Even though the X5 was a four-wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose from the start to route 62% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company's rear-wheel drive sedans. Many reviewers commented on its road and track "feeling" chiefly because this is essentially a jacked up 5-series with 4wd. As a result, its offroad prowess is limited to grass and gravel only. Because it's missing essential offroad components that upmarket SUV's like as the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover offer--such as a low-range case, locking differentials, 8inch+ adjustable suspensions, and a waterproof intake just to name a few.
The X5, along with the BMW Z4 roadster, are currently manufactured only in BMW's South Carolina plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Chris Bangle becomes Chief Designer
January 1, 2002
Christopher Edward Bangle is an American automobile designer and the Chief of Design for BMW Group, responsible for BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce brand
Born on 14 October 1956 in Ravenna, Ohio, and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin. Bangle attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California to pursue his automobile designer career.
Bangle's designs are incorporated in the entire BMW lineup, including the 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 series as well as the X5 SUV. The designs have caused widespread controversy and have divided BMW enthusiasts who either love them or hate them. His designs have also influenced other car makers.
Bangle-butt has since been a mildly derogatory term for the current rear-end styling paradigm among automobiles. While all his designs have been the subject of heated debate, the most discussed and imitated is his two-level rear end styling. It features separate rear fenders with a "bustle-back" trunk (boot) lid. However, it may not have been initially designed by Bangle himself. In 1997, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach Concept (which later became the production Maybach 57&62in 2002) featured a rear boot design inspired by classic automobiles' proportions. This design of the exposed boot lid is similar to the aforementioned "bangle butt". However, the Bangle "butt" is more angular and pronounced, while the Mercedes' (Maybach and S-Class) are more classical and resembles a traditional boot. By 1999, various Hyundai automobiles featured the "Bangle-butt", and the Volvo S80 featured a milder form of the design.
Bangle aggressively defended his designs against criticism. He was supported by the BMW board of directors, which wanted to move BMW's image into the future. He said it was necessary for product lines to follow a cycle of a revolutionary generation followed by an evolutionary generation followed by another revolutionary generation and so on. Indeed, he oversaw the conservative evolution of BMW designs with the redesign of the BMW 3-Series BMW E46 and the introduction of the BMW X5. For Bangle this marked the end of the evolution of BMW design and the revolution was witnessed with the 2002 introduction of the BMW E65. Bangle acknowledges that his designs do not look good in photographs, suggesting to critics that they should see the cars in real life before judging them on their looks.
BMW E60
January 1, 2003 - Now
The BMW E60 automobile platform is the basis of the 2003-onwards 5-Series automobile, replacing the BMW E39. Before the recent restyling, the models available were the 520i, 520d, 525i, 525d, 530i, 530d, 535d, 545i, and the M5. The model range received uprated engines as part of the restyling.
The E60 is available in both saloon and touring (E61) platforms. The exterior design by Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk is controversial due to its high ridge line 'slab', billboard-like siding and the "Bangle-butt" rear. The 'eyebrow' of the front headlights was also frowned upon by car magazines for taking away the aggressive look of its predecessors. Its iDrive system has been simplified from the system in the 7 Series. It can be ordered with a full array of options such as active cruise control, head-up display, active steering, and the Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system.
BMW E63/E64
January 1, 2004 - Now
The BMW E63/E64 is the current automobile platform of the BMW 6 Series of luxury coupés, introduced in Autumn 2003 in Frankfurt Motor Show by German car manufacturer BMW. It comes as either a coupé or cabriolet (convertible) and in several engine variants ranging from a 3 liter straight-6 to 5 liter V10 in the M6 model.
Unlike that of the new 5 Series and 7 Series models, the styling of the new 6 Series has generally received a warm welcome from the BMW community—except, largely, owners and enthusiasts of the E24. The new 6 Series was designed to look like a shark, and many have acknowledged the resemblance. The controversial "Bangle-butt" rear styling is considered to work somewhat better on the shapely E63 than on other BMWs.
BMW E90
March 1, 2005 - Now
The BMW E90 automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/compact executive cars. The car is also available as a station wagon/estate (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). It is the successor to the E46 platform, and was launched in March 2005.
First marketed in March 2005, it had quickly become BMW Group's best selling automobile worldwide by the end of the year with 229,900 vehicles delivered.
In April 2006, the E90 was awarded the World Car of the Year title by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists. The car was praised for its balance between performance and practicality, as well as between style and seriousness. The jury also praised the new diesel engines and the all wheel drive variants.
