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List of BMW vehicles

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The following is a list of BMW automobiles and motorcycles, ordered by year of introduction.

Current production models

Model Calendar year
introduced
Current model Vehicle description
Introduction Update/facelift
1 Series 2004 2024 C-segment/Subcompact executive hatchback.
2 Series 2014 2021 2024 C-segment/Subcompact executive coupé
2 Series Gran Coupé 2020 2024 C-segment/Subcompact executive fastback sedan.
2 Series Active Tourer 2014 2021 Two-row compact MPV.
3 Series 1975 2018 2022 D-segment/compact executive sedan and wagon.
4 Series 2014 2020 2024 D-segment/compact executive coupé, convertible and liftback.
5 Series 1972 2023 E-segment/executive sedan and wagon.
7 Series 1977 2022 Est. 2026 F-segment/full-size luxury sedan.
8 Series 1990 2018 2022 Grand tourer coupé and convertible & E-segment/executive fastback sedan
X1 2009 2022 Est. 2024 C-segment/subcompact luxury crossover SUV.
X2 2018 2023 C-segment/subcompact luxury crossover coupé SUV.
X3 2003 2024 - D-segment/compact luxury crossover SUV
X4 2014 2018 2021 D-segment/compact luxury crossover coupé SUV
X5 1999 2019 2023 E-segment/mid-size luxury crossover SUV.
X6 2008 2020 2023 E-segment/mid-size luxury crossover coupé SUV.
X7 2018 2018 2022 F-segment/full-size luxury SUV.
XM 2022 2022 Plug-in Hybrid F-segment/full-size luxury crossover SUV.
Z4 2003 2018 2022 Two-seat roadster part of the Z line of sports cars
i3 (G28) 2022 2022 China only D-segment/compact executive electric sedan.
i4 2021 2021 D-segment/compact executive electric liftback.
2023 BMW i5 40 eDrive M Sport Pro Sedan i5 2023 2023 E-segment/executive electric sedan and wagon.
i7 2022 2022 F-segment/full-size electric luxury sedan.
iX1 2022 2022 C-segment/subcompact electric luxury crossover SUV
iX2 2023 2023 C-segment/subcompact electric luxury crossover coupé SUV
iX3 2020 2020 2021 D-segment/compact electric luxury crossover SUV
iX 2021 2021 Est. 2025 E-segment/mid-size electric luxury crossover SUV.

Discontinued vehicles

1934 BMW 303
1950 BMW 340
1955 BMW Isetta
1981 BMW M1
1993 BMW 8 Series
1998 BMW 3 Series
2006 BMW Z4
2007 BMW X5
2013 BMW i3
2018 BMW 6 Series
2019 BMW X7
2021 BMW iX3
Production cars
Model series Years Vehicle class
3/15 1927–1932 Economy car
3/20 PS 1932–1934 Compact car
303 1933–1937 Compact car
328 1936–1940 Roadster
326 1936–1941 Mid-size luxury car
327 1937–1941 Grand tourer
320 1937–1938 Mid-size luxury car
321 1938–1941 Mid-size luxury car
335 1939–1941 Full-size luxury car
321 1945–1950 Mid-size luxury car
326 1945–1946 Mid-size luxury car
327 1946–1955 Grand tourer
340 1949–1955 Full-size luxury car
501 1952–1962 Mid-size luxury car
Isetta 1953–1962 Microcar
503 1956–1959 Grand tourer
507 1956–1959 Roadster
700 1959–1965 Compact car
3200 CS 1962–1965 Grand tourer
New Class (sedans) 1962–1972 Mid-size luxury car
New Class (coupés) 1965–1969 Grand tourer
02 Series 1966–1977 Compact executive car
New Six coupés (E9) 1968–1975 Grand tourer
New Six sedans (E3) 1968–1977 Full-size luxury car
5 Series (E12) 1972–1981 Mid-size luxury car
3 Series (E21) 1975–1983 Compact executive car
6 Series (E24) 1976–1989 Grand tourer
7 Series (E23) 1977–1987 Full-size luxury car
M1 1978–1981 Sports car
5 Series (E28) 1981–1988 Mid-size luxury car
3 Series (E30) 1982–1994 Compact executive car
7 Series (E32) 1986–1994 Full-size luxury car
5 Series (E34) 1987–1996 Mid-size luxury car
Z1 1989–1991 Roadster
8 Series (E31) 1989–1999 Grand tourer
3 Series (E36) 1990–2000 Compact executive car
7 Series (E38) 1994–2001 Full-size luxury car
Z3 1995–2002 Roadster and coupé
5 Series (E39) 1995–2003 Mid-size luxury car
3 Series (E46) 1998–2006 Compact executive car
X5 (E53) 1999–2006 Mid-size luxury SUV
Z8 2000–2003 Roadster
7 Series (E65/E66) 2001–2008 Full-size luxury car
Z4 (E85/E86) 2002–2008 Roadster, coupé
5 Series (E60/E61) 2003–2010 Mid-size luxury car
6 Series (E63/E64) 2003–2010 Grand tourer
X3 (E83) 2003–2010 Compact luxury SUV
1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) 2004–2013 Hatchback, coupé, convertible
3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) 2005–2013 Compact executive car
X5 (E70) 2006–2013 Mid-size luxury SUV
X6 (E71) 2008–2014 Mid-size luxury SUV
7 Series (F01/F02) 2008–2015 Full-size luxury car
Z4 (E89) 2009–2016 Roadster
X1 (E84) 2009–2015 Sub-compact luxury SUV
5 Series (F07/F10/F11) 2010–2017 Mid-size luxury car
6 Series (F06/F12/F13) 2011–2018 Grand tourer
X3 (F25) 2011–2017 Compact luxury SUV
1 Series (F20/F21) 2011–2019 Subcompact car
3 Series (F30/F31/F34) 2011–2020 Compact executive car
i3 2013–2022 Subcompact car (electric)
4 Series (F32/F33/F36) 2013–2020 Compact executive car
2 Series (F22/F23) 2013–2021 Subcompact car
X5 (F15) 2013–2018 Mid-size luxury SUV
2 Series (F45/F46) 2014–2021 Subcompact MPV
i8 2014–2020 Sports car (hybrid)
X4 (F26) 2014–2018 Compact luxury SUV
X6 (F16) 2014–2019 Mid-size luxury SUV
X1 (F48) 2015–2022 Compact luxury SUV
7 Series (G11/G12) 2015–2022 Full-size luxury car
5 Series (G30/G31) 2016–2023 Mid-size luxury car
1 Series (F52) 2017–2024 Subcompact executive car
6 Series (G32) 2017–2023 Grand tourer
X3 (G01) 2017–2024 Compact luxury SUV
X2 (F39) 2018–2023 Compact luxury SUV
1 Series (F40) 2019–2024 Subcompact car
2 Series (F44) 2020–2024 Subcompact car

Motorcycles

BMW Motorrad has produced motorcycles bearing the BMW name since the introduction of the BMW R32 in 1923. Prior to that date it produced engines for other manufacturers' motorcycles.

2010 BMW R1200GS

Present day

Nomenclature

Three digit model names

Beginning with the 1972 E12 5 Series, most BMW automobiles (except for the i Series, X Series and Z Series) have used a model name consisting of three numbers, usually followed by one or two letters.

In this naming system:

  • The first number represents the model series
  • The last two digits represent the engine displacement in deciliters (liters multiplied by 10).
  • The letters provide additional information on the model variant.

Using the examples of the 318is, 120d and 760Li model names:

  • 318is means a 3 Series with a 1.8 litre engine, with the "i" meaning a fuel-injected petrol engine and the "s" meaning that sport options are fitted.
  • 120d means a 1 Series with a Turbocharged 2.0 Litre engine, with the "d" meaning a diesel engine.
  • 760Li means a 7 Series with a 6.0 litre, with the "L" meaning a long-wheelbase model and the "i" meaning a fuel-injected petrol engine.

In Germany the model series are referred to by their German pronunciation: Einser ("One-er") for the 1 Series, Dreier ("Three-er") for the 3 Series, Fünfer ("Five-er") for the 5 Series, Sechser ("Six-er") for the 6 Series and Siebener ("Seven-er") for the 7 Series. These are not actually slang, but are the normal way that such letters and numbers are pronounced in German.

Exceptions

There are various models where the engine size is not as implied by the last two digits, such as when a turbocharged engine is used. For example:

  • From 1976 to 1986, various models using a 3.2 litre version of the M30 engine were named 533i, 633i, etc.
  • Similarly, from 1987 to 1992, the models using a 3.4 litre version of the M30 engine were named 535i, 635i, etc.
  • The 1982 to 1987 models using a 2.7 litre version of the M20 were called the 325e and 525e (528e in the United States).
  • The 1980 to 1983 European 745i models used a turbocharged 3.2–3.4 litre engine.
  • From 1994 to 1999, models using the 5.4 litre M73 engine were named 750i and 850Ci.
  • Similarly, from 1996 to 1999, models using a 4.4 litre version of the M62 engine were named 540i, 740i and 840Ci. From 2001 to 2007, the situation was reversed, because models using a 4.4 litre version of the N62 engine were named 545i, 645i and 745i. Models using a 4.8 litre version of the N62 engine were named 550i, 650i and 750i.
  • From 1996 to 2001, the 318i model used a 1.9 litre version of the M44 engine. Then from 2001, the 318i model used 2.0 litre engines. Since 2015, the 318i model has used a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine.
  • Since 1995, various models using a 2.5 litre six-cylinder engine have been named 323i and 523i. For the E36, E46 and E39, this was due to the previous 325i/525i models being higher in the model range than the new models, therefore a lower number was used to indicate to customers that it was not a highly equipped model.
  • Similarly, from 2007 to 2013, various models using a detuned 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine have been named 125i, 128i, 325i and 528i.
  • Also, several diesel models using a 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine during this time were named 325d, 525d, etc.
  • The increasing use of turbochargers has resulted in the model name no longer representing the engine displacement. This began in 2006, when the N54 3.0 litre turbo petrol engine was introduced in the E90 335i model. More recent examples are a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine being used in the 116i and 318i models, and a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine being used in the 540d and 750d models.

Even for non-turbo engines, the number of cylinders cannot be determined from the model name. For example, the 1987–1991 530i uses a six-cylinder engine, the 1992–1996 530i uses a V8 engine and the 2000–2016 530i uses a six-cylinder engine (to add to the confusion, just prior to the 1992 V8 530i being introduced, the 535i model used a six-cylinder engine).

BMW 320d, with badge signifying diesel model

Letters

The meaning of letters can change between models. The most commonly used letters are:

  • d = diesel engine
  • i = fuel-injected petrol engine
  • L = long wheelbase – sometimes the L is the first letter (e.g. 750Li), and sometimes it is the last letter (e.g. 750iL).
  • td = turbodiesel
  • x / xDrive = all-wheel drive – sometimes the x is the first letter (e.g. 325xi), and sometimes it is the last letter (e.g. 325ix)

Other letters include:

X Series and Z Series

Until 2009, the model name for X Series and Z Series vehicles was:

  • The engine size in litres
  • Followed by an "i" for petrol engines or a "d" for diesel engines

Examples of this naming convention are "X5 3.0d" and "Z3 1.8i". Sometimes an "s" was added after the engine size for higher performance models (for example, "Z4 3.0si" and "X5 4.8is").

Since 2009, a revised model naming system has been used. The model names are as follows:

  • "sDrive" for rear-wheel drive or "xDrive" for all-wheel drive.
  • Then the nominal engine size in litres multiplied by 10 (e.g. "25" for a 2.5 litre engine), although many of the anomalies described above also apply here.
  • Lastly, "i" for petrol engines or "d" for diesel engines.

Examples of this naming convention are "X3 xDrive28d" and "Z4 sDrive30i". Sometimes an "s" was added at the end for higher performance models (for example, "Z4 sDrive 35is").

BMW M models of X Series and Z Series models typically just have the model name "M" (e.g. X6 M, Z4 M). "M Performance" models have the letter "M" inserted after the series, followed by the rest of the naming convention for the non-M models (e.g. X6 M50d).

BMW M logo, used as a badge on M models

M Models

An "M' – for Motorsport – identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model of a particular series (e.g. M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, etc.). For example, the M8 is the highest performing vehicle in the 8 Series lineup.

Motorcycles

Main article: History of BMW motorcycles § Model designation

Concept vehicles

Main article: List of BMW concept vehicles

See also

References

  1. "BMW nomenclature and naming system explained". www.crankit.in. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  2. "BMW Canada website". www.bmw.ca. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  3. Schmitt, Peter A (2004). Langenscheidt Fachwörterbuch Technik und Angewandte Wissenschaften: Englisch – Deutsch / Deutsch – Englisch (2nd ed.). Langenscheidt Fachverlag. ISBN 978-3-86117-233-8.
  4. "A Case For BMW's New Naming Scheme". www.kinja.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  5. "BMW models naming convention". www.bmwblog.com. 13 April 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  6. "X3 E83 LCI model selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  7. "X3 F25 model selection". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  8. "FAQ from the recent BMW Press Conference". www.bmwblog.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  9. "Understanding BMW naming conventions". www.cartelligent.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
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BMW cars: 1920s to 1940s — next »
Type 1920s 1930s 1940s
8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
straight-4 Dixi 3/15/Dixi 3/15 DA/Dixi 3/15 DA1/ 3/15 DA2/ 3/15 DA4 3/20 309
straight-6 303
315, 319 329 320 321 321
326 326
327 327
335
sports car DA-3 Wartburg 315/1, 319/1 328
Legend      made in the Soviet occupation zone of Germany and East Germany by the Soviet Military Administration in Germany and Avtovelo
« previous — BMW cars: 1940s to 1960s — next »
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Microcar Isetta 250, 300
600
Supermini LS, 700
Compact executive car (pre-3/4-series) Sedan 02 Series
Coupé 1600GT
Executive car (pre-5/6-series) Sedan 321 321 New Class sedans
Coupé 2000 C, 2000 CS E9
Luxury car (pre-7/8-series) Sedan 326 326 340*
501 - 2.6 - 2600 E3
335 502 - 2.6Luxus, 3.2(S) - 2600L, 3200L/S
Coupé 327 327* 503 3200 CS 3000 V8
Roadster (pre-Z-series) 328 507
Legend
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Type 1960s 1970s 1980s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Microcar Isetta 250, 300
Supermini LS, 700
Compact executive car (pre-3/4-series) Sedan 02 Series E21 E30
Coupé 1600GT
Executive car (pre-5/6-series) Sedan New Class sedans E12 E28 E34
Coupé 2000 C, 2000 CS E9 E24
Luxury car (pre-7/8-series) Sedan 501, 502 E3 E23 E32
Coupé 3200 CS 3000 V8
Roadster Z1
Sports car E26
Legend
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Series 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 Series E87>>
3 Series E21 E30 E36 E46 E90>>
5 Series E12 E28 E34 E39 E60
6 Series E24 E63>>
7 Series E23 E32 E38 E65 F01>>
8 Series E31
Z Series Z1 Z3 Z4 (E85) Z4 (E89)>>
Z8
« previous — BMW cars: 2000s to 2020s
Series 2000s 2010s 2020s
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Z Series Z3 E85 E89 G29
Z8
i3 I01 (G28)
i4 G26
i5 G60
i7 G70
i8 I12
BMW X Series vehicles
1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
X1 E84 F48 U11
X2 F39 U10
X3 E83 F25 G01 G45
X4 F26 G02
X5 E53 E70 F15 G05
X6 E71 / E72 F16 G06
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XM G09
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