BMW
A German manufacturer known for motorcycles, sporting saloons, grand tourers and luxury cars.
Historical overview
BMW’s roots lie in the aircraft-engine industry of First World War-era Munich. The Bayerische Motoren Werke name appeared in 1917, and the company moved into motorcycles with the R 32 in 1923. Its automobile story began in 1928 when it acquired Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, where the small Dixi 3/15 was built under licence from the Austin Seven.
The marque developed a sporting identity during the 1930s through cars such as the six-cylinder 328. After the Second World War, BMW rebuilt its car business in Munich with a varied range that included the large 501 and 502 saloons, the V8-powered 507 roadster and the tiny Isetta. The company faced a severe financial crisis by the end of the 1950s, but the compact 700 and the Neue Klasse saloons helped establish a sustainable new direction.
BMW introduced the 5 Series name in 1972, followed by the 3 Series in 1975 and the 7 Series in 1977. These ranges formed the core of a catalogue that later expanded through M performance cars, X-badged sport-utility vehicles and electrified i models.
Models
3 Series
The compact sporting car introduced in 1975 as the successor to BMW’s 02 Series and developed through successive saloon, coupe, estate and convertible generations.
Notable model lines
- 328: The lightweight 1930s roadster that established BMW’s early sporting reputation.
- 507: A rare V8 roadster built from 1956 to 1959 and now one of the marque’s best-known post-war designs.
- 5 Series: The mid-size range that inaugurated BMW’s modern series naming system in 1972.
- 7 Series: The flagship saloon line introduced in 1977.
- M cars: High-performance road cars developed from BMW’s motorsport activities.