The current BMW model lineup is split into what they call "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered models sedans and estates or wagons (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered models will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.Coupé versions of the 3 Series sedans have always been named 3 Series vehicles, as well. The company had considered renaming future 2-door derivatives of the 3 Series as 4 Series cars, but this plan has reportedly been shelved.The M letter was used prior to the shift to Series-named cars to designate special "Motorsport" models, beginning with the M1 supercar. Later the M letter was used as a prefix to top-of-the-range models which had received special treatment by the BMW Motorsport division. The first such car was the M535i of 1979. As these models started gaining popularity the Motorsport division was split into a separate company. BMW M GmbH now makes sporty models based on the production cars with very extensive chassis and engine upgrades. The M3, M5, and M6 are based respectively on the 3, 5, and 6 Series and are recognised by enthusiasts all over the world as truly excellent sports cars while retaining the practicality of the models they extend.With the advent of the SUV, BMW also added the X5 - and in 2004 the X3 - to their model range to capitalize on this growing market. BMW calls its SUV models Sports Activity Vehicles. A possible future V Series multi-purpose vehicle will offer practicality for large families, similar to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.1 SeriesA small family car launched in autumn 2004 in Europe; whether or not it will be launched in the USA has yet to be determined. It is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class. A coupé has been announced for 2006, and there are concepts of a hatchback and a minivan. Plans to label these variants as 2 Series have reportedly been scrubbed. It has the same engines as the 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d and 330i as well as a small 1.6L I4 in the 116i.The 1 Series effectively replaced the 3-Series BMW Compact model line.3 SeriesThe successor to the 2002, the 3 series is a compact entry-level luxury car, now in its fifth generation (E90). The E90 line has been available in the United States and Canada since the 2006 model year. The E90 is currently available in the 318i (detuned 2.0L I4 engine producing 129 hp), 318d (detuned 2.0L I4 diesel producing 122 hp), 320i (with 2.0L I4 producing 150 hp), 320d (with I4 diesel producing 163 hp), 323i (with I6 producing 174 hp), 325i (with a detuned 3.0 L I6 engine producing 215 hp or a 2.5L I6 producing 218 hp), 330d (3.0L I6 producing 231 hp) and the 330i (with a 3.0 L I6 engine producing 255 hp), as well as the AWD-versions of these two models, named 325xi and 330xi. The new BMW 3 series sedan (E90) and coupé (E92), both soon to be released (start of production in September, 2006) will both carry the 328i, 328xi, 335i, and 335xi badging. There will not be a separate "ci" designation for coupés. The 328i will feature a 3.0L I6 with 230 hp and 200 lb-ft while the new 335i will feature BMW's new 3.0L I6 twin turbo motor bolsting 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. As 2006 models, the 3 series coupé and convertible are only available in the fourth generation E46 body style (with a 2.5 L I6 producing 184 hp for the 325ci/cic and a 3.0 L I6 producing 225 hp for the 330ci/cic) until the fall of 2006, when the new 2007 model year coupés will be available. Unlike past generations, the 2006/7 3-series coupés would have its own internal code of E92. Also available is the all wheel drive Touring (wagon) model. A special edition 320si that is the production version of the 2006 World Touring Car.M3: The motorsport division's race-inspired version of the 3 Series. Currently available only in the fourth generation E46 body style and with a 3.2 L engine producing 343 hp. A new revision is expected in 2007 with a 400 hp V8. The 2007 version is expected to come in the coupé, roadster and sedan body styles.5 SeriesA mid-size luxury car / executive car. This series is available with different engines: the 525i with the same engine as the 325i, the 530i with the same engine as the 330i, and the 545i with a 4.4 L V8 producing 325 hp. For the 2006 model year, the 545i has been phased out in favour of the 550i, with a 4.8 L V8 producing 360 hp. The 520d with the same engine as the 320d, the 530d with the same engine as the 330d and a high performance 535d with a twin turbo 272 bhp version of the standard 3.0L I6 diesel.M5: The motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (E60) is powered by an F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 hp and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of an unlimited top speed of over 200 mph.6 SeriesThe coupé version of the 5 series, the 6 series is currently available in the 650i version with a 4.8 L V8 producing 360 hp and the 630i version with a 3.0 R6 Straight Six engine (it was the first model to use this engine).M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it is powered by the same 5.0 L V10 507 hp engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, America and Australia.7 SeriesA full-size luxury car competing with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. The 7 series comes in the 730i/730Li, 730d/730Ld, 740i/740Li, 745d, 750i and 750Li with the same engine as their respective 5-Series equivalent, and in the 760i and 760Li, with a 6.0 L V12 producing 438 hp. The 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version for clients who need extra protection. BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen (hybrid).X3Introduced in late 2003 as a model year 2004, the X3 was BMW's second entry into the luxury SUV segment. The X3 is a compact SUV with sports sedan-like handling characteristics, with emphasis on versatility and affordability, but lacking significant off-road ability.For model year 2004, it was offered with a 184hp 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder, the X3 2.5i, and a 225hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, the X3 3.0i.For model year 2006, colored bumpers were added to the X3 3.0i, a Sport Package with a full body colored aerodynamic kit became available for the X3 3.0i (pictured), and the X3 2.5i was dropped. An entry level 2.0d with a 150 hp was added too.For model year 2007, a face lift and a new version of the inline 6-cylinder will be offered and the model name will change to X3 3.0si. The aluminum/magnesium composite inline 6-cylinder produces 260hp and 225 lb-ft torque. With a manual transmission the manfucturer claims 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. It competes directly against the Acura RDX and Land Rover Freelander/LR2. It also competes against the Lexus RX350 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.X5BMW's first SUV (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) competing against the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 fall in the same category, but at a lower prestige. Althougth marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it lacks the off-road capabilities of Land Rover models.Z4A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the Z3. For 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0L I6 with 255 hp, a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp 2.0L I4. The Z4 Coupe is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0L 255 HP I6.Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2L, 330 hp), sharing same braking and suspension systems. The new M Coupe shares the same features but in a coupé version. At the Geneva Auto Show BMW has introduced the 2006 M coupé.FutureZ10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, to be produced in 2008Prototypes1999 Z9: a concept car designed by Adrian van Hooydonk marked a departure from BMW's traditional conservative style, and has caused some controversy among BMW enthusiasts.BMW 750hL showcased at Expo 2000 at the BMW World exhibit. Powered by solar and water energy See the BMW website.2001 xCoupeOut of productionM1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.Z3: a 2-seater roadster. M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular among enthusiasts8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupé of the 1990s. Only car in its class with a v12 offered to the customer. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that this may be revived as a Mercedes CLS competitor.Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for the feature of the vertically sliding doors.Z8: a roadster with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting halo car was built on an aluminium space frame design.Past generations of the current models.ClassicsBMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.3.0 CSLM1Dixi, 3/20, 303, 309, 315, 319, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 335Isetta, 600, 700501, 502, 503, 5073200 CS, 2000 CSNew Sixes (2500/2800/Bavaria/2.5/2.8/3.0/3.3) - Predecessor to today's 7 SeriesNew Class (1500/1502/1600/1800/1802/2000/2002) - Acknowledged as the first modern sports saloon and the predecessor to BMW's core product, the 3 SeriesSeries GenerationsInternally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. Motor Trend reported in April of 2006 that BMW will switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F10 5 Series replacement.
