BMW – A Matter Of Quality
BMW, The Bayerische Motoren Werke, or the Bavarian Motor Works, was founded in 1916 through the merger of two aircraft engine manufacturers. After the First World War, BMW dabbled in various types of engines, gaining a reputation for excellence in engineering. It was not until 1928 however, that BMW began manufacturing cars.
For the next 50 years, BMW built the reputation they maintain today. As manufacturers of some of the worlds best luxury and performance motor vehicles.
The BMW 1 Series
Produced by BMW since 2004, the BMW 1 series is a compact series intended to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range that was initially provided as a 5-door hatchback. Models in this range include the BMW 116i, the BMW 118i and the BMW 120i. Later ranges in the series came available as coupe, convertible and cabriolet BMW models.
The BMW 3 Series
First released in 1975, as a compact executive sedan, the BMW 3 Series has been released in 5 generations, and 5 different body types, over the last 35 years, and remains BMW’s best selling series. The first line of the series, the E21, had three available models, the BMW 316, the BMW 318, and the BMW 320. Later series also included the BMW 325. Throughout the series, the variations of these models, including the BMW 318i, the BMW 320i, the BMW 330i and the BMW 325i became, and remained, some of the most popular cars ever released by the manufacturer, as did the racing model of the 3 series, the M3.
The BMW 5 Series
The 5th of the new series after the V8, the BMW 5 Series is currently in its 5th generation of models. Manufactured since 1972 as a mid size executive car, in both BMW sedan and touring styles, the new BMW 5 series includes the BMW 525i, the BMW 528i, the BMW 530i models. Previous lines in the series have included the BMW 540i, and the 5 series is also available in 4-wheel drive, with the X5 offering the same Xdrive system as the X3, and as a sport model, the BMW M5.
The BMW 6 Series
The BMW 6 series refers to a limited range of models, only released in two generations. First released as the E24 6 series, from 1977 to 1989 to replace the 3.0CS and 3.0CSi, it disappeared from the company roster until 2003. In 2003, the E63/64 generation of the 6 series was released, and remains in production until today. This generation includes the BMW 630i, the 650i, and the sport M6, all available as both convertible and coupe models.
The BMW 7 Series
The E65 BWM 7 series was the start of a new design era for BMW. Early production, which started in 2002, was marked by many software difficulties for the 7 series, which have been corrected in subsequent updates. This range included the popular BMW 750i models, and the current generation of the series, the F01, which offered a number of design evolutions.
The BMW 8 Series
Produced by BMW between 1989 and 1999, the BMW 8 series as a V8 and V12 coupe. Although it was based on the 6 series, the E31 model was designed and manufactured as an entirely new class, to act as BMW’s competitor to the Mercedes-Benz SL Class.
The Test Of Time
The history of BMW has been one of research, development, and technological advance. BMW has become synonymous with a stylish and independent lifestyle. From championship racing cars to dependable, reliable and safe motoring, when you drive a BMW you can rest assured with the knowledge that you’re driving the best in German engineering, with every advantage that comes with it. Whatever model BMW you choose, you know that it’ll be worth the price.