History of the BMW brand. History of the BMW brand Model range of BMW coupes
BMW AG is a manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, engines and bicycles headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. It is one of the three German premium car manufacturers that are leaders in sales volumes around the world.
In 1913, two small aircraft engine companies were founded in Munich by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. After the outbreak of World War I, the demand for their products increased sharply, and the owners of the two companies decided to merge. So in 1917 a company called Bayerische MotorenWerke (“Bavarian Motor Works”) appeared.
After the end of the war, the production of aircraft engines in Germany was prohibited under the Treaty of Versailles. Then the owners of the company refocused on the production of motorcycle engines, and later motorcycles. However, despite the high quality of the products, the company was not doing well.
In the early 20s, BMW was bought by businessmen Gothaer and Shapiro. In 1928, they acquired the car plant in Eisenach, and with it the right to produce Dixi cars, which were converted British Austin 7s.
The subcompact Dixi was quite progressive for its time: it was equipped with a four-cylinder engine, an electric starter and brakes on all four wheels. The car immediately became popular in Europe: 15,000 Dixi were produced in 1928 alone. In 1929, the model was renamed BMW 3/15 DA-2.
BMW Dixi (1928-1931)
During the Great Depression, the Bavarian automaker survived by producing licensed small cars. However, it soon became clear that the world-famous aircraft engine manufacturer could not be content with producing British cars. Then BMW engineers began working on their own car.
The first BMW model own development was 303. It immediately got a strong start on the market thanks to its 1.2-liter six-cylinder engine with 30 hp. Weighing only 820 kg, the car had excellent performance for its time. dynamic characteristics. At the same time, the first outlines of the design of the characteristic radiator grille stamps in the form of elongated ovals.
The platform of this car was later used to produce models 309, 315, 319 and 329.
BMW 303 (1933-1934)
In 1936, an impressive sports car appeared BMW car 328. Innovative engineering features in this model included an aluminum chassis, a tubular frame, and a hemispherical engine combustion chamber that ensured longer-lasting, more productive pistons and valves.
This car is considered the first in the popular CSL line today. In 1999, it was one of the top 25 finalists in the international Car of the Century competition. 132 automotive journalists from around the world voted.
The BMW 328 won numerous sports competitions, including the Mille Miglia (1928), RAC Rally (1939), Le Mans 24 (1939).
BMW 328 (1936-1940)
In 1937, the BMW 327 appeared, notable for the fact that it was produced intermittently until 1955, including in the zone of Soviet occupation. It was presented in coupe and convertible bodies. Initially, a 55-horsepower engine was installed on the cars; later, an 80-hp power unit was optionally offered.
The model received a shortened frame from the BMW 326. The brakes were equipped hydraulic drive on all wheels. The metal surfaces of the body were attached to a wooden frame. The convertible doors opened forward, the coupe doors opened backwards. To achieve the required angle of inclination, the front and rear window made from two parts.
Behind the front axle was installed a six-cylinder in-line engine from the 328 model with two Solex carburetors and a double chain drive from the BMW 326. The car accelerated to 125 km/h. Its price ranged from 7,450 to 8,100 marks.
BMW 327 (1937-1955)
During World War II, the company did not produce cars, but focused on producing aircraft engines. In the post-war years, most of the enterprises were destroyed, some fell into the zone of occupation of the USSR, where cars continued to be produced from existing components.
The remaining factories, according to the American plan, were subject to demolition. However, the company began producing bicycles, household goods and light motorcycles, which helped maintain production capacity.
The first post-war car begins production in the fall of 1952. Work on its construction began even before the war. It was a 501 model with a 2-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 65 hp. The maximum speed of the car was 135 km/h. According to this indicator, the car was inferior to its rivals from Mercedes-Benz.
Nevertheless, he gave the automotive world some innovations, including curved glass, as well as lightweight parts made of light alloys. The model did not bring good profits to the company at home and sold poorly abroad. The company was slowly approaching financial ruin.
BMW 501 (1952-1958)
The Bavarian automaker decided to concentrate on producing mass-produced cars. The first of these was the Isetta model with an interesting appearance. It was a particularly small class car with a door that opened in the front of the body. It was very cheap car, ideal for quickly moving short distances. In some countries it could be driven with only a motorcycle license.
The car was equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a volume of 0.3 liters and a power of 13 hp. Power point allowed her to accelerate to 80 km/h. For those who like to travel, a small trailer with one and a half sleeping places was offered. In addition, there was a cargo version of the model with a small trunk, which was used by the police. Until the early 1960s, about 160,000 units of the car were produced. It was he who helped the company survive during the period of financial difficulties.
BMW Isetta (1955-1962)
In 1955, the BMW 503 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The abandonment of the central pillar made the car's body especially stylish, under the hood there was a 140-horsepower V8, and a top speed of 190 km/h finally made you fall in love with it. However, the price of DM 29,500 made the model inaccessible to the mass buyer: only 412 BMW 503 units were produced.
A year later, the stunning 507 Roadster appeared, designed by Count Albrecht Goertz. The car was equipped with a 3.2-liter V8 engine, which developed 150 hp. The model accelerated to 220 km/h. It is also known for the fact that out of 252 copies produced, one was purchased by Elvis Presley, who served in Germany.
BMW 507 (1956-1959)
By 1959 year BMW was again on the verge of bankruptcy. Luxury sedans didn't bring in enough cash, and neither did motorcycles. Buyers who had recovered from the war no longer wanted to hear about Isetta, and the financial situation was so dire that on December 9, at a meeting of shareholders, the question of selling the company to a competitor, Daimler-Benz, arose. The last hope was the release of a BMW 700 with a body from the Italian company Michelotti. It was equipped with a small two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 700 cc. cm and power 30 hp. This engine accelerated a small car to 125 km/h. The BMW 700 was received with a bang by the public. Over the entire production period, 188,221 copies of the model were sold.
Already in 1961, the company was able to use proceeds from the sale of the 700 to develop a new model, the BMW New Class 1500. However, the most important thing was that the car made it possible to avoid a hostile merger with a competitor and helped BMW stay afloat.
BMW 700 (1959-1965)
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, a new product was shown, which finally secured the future of the brand. high status in the world of cars. This was the 1500 model. In design it was characterized by the recognizable “Hofmeister bend” on rear pillar roof, aggressive front end and characteristic “nostrils” of the radiator grille.
The BMW 1500 was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with power ranging from 75 to 80 hp. From the start to 100 km/h the car accelerated in 16.8 seconds, and its top speed was 150 km/h. The demand for the model was so overwhelming that the Bavarian automaker opened new factories to satisfy it.
BMW 1500 (1962-1964)
In the same 1962, the BMW 3200 CS was released, the body of which was developed by Bertone. Since then, almost all BMW two-doors have had the letter C in their name.
Three years later, a coupe with an automatic transmission appears for the first time. This was the BMW 2000 CS, and in 1968 the 2800 CS crosses the 200 km/h mark. Equipped with a 170-horsepower in-line six, the car managed to accelerate to 206 km/h.
In the 70s, 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series cars appeared. With the release of the 5-Series, the brand stopped focusing only on the sports car niche and began to develop the direction of comfortable sedans.
In 1972, the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL appeared, which can be considered the first project of the M division. Initially, the car was produced with a six-cylinder in-line engine with two carburetors producing 180 hp. and volume 3 liters. With a car weight of 1,165 kg, it accelerated to “hundreds” in 7.4 seconds. The weight of the model was reduced by using aluminum in the manufacture of doors, hood, hood and trunk.
In August 1972, a version of the model appeared with the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic injection system. Power increased to 200 hp, acceleration time to 100 km/h was reduced to 6.9 seconds, and top speed was 220 km/h.
In August 1973, the engine capacity was increased to 3,153 cc. cm, power was 206 hp. Special racing models equipped with engines of 3.2 and 3.5 liters and power, respectively, 340 and 430 hp. In addition, they received special aerodynamic packages.
The Batmobile, as it was called, won six European Touring Championships. It also distinguished itself by being the first among the brand's models to receive a 24-valve engine, which was later installed on the M1 and M5. With its help, ABS was tested, which then went into the 7-series.
BMW 3.0 CSL (1971-1975)
In 1974, the world's first production car with turbocharging, the 2002 Turbo, was released. Its 2-liter engine developed 170 hp. This allowed the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and reach a “maximum speed” of 210 km/h.
In 1978, a unique mid-engined sports road car appeared in history. It was developed for homologation: in order to participate in Group 4 and 5 racing, 400 production cars had to be produced. Of the 455 M1s produced between 1978 and 1981, only 56 were race cars, with the rest being road cars.
The design of the car was developed by Giugiaro from ItalDesign, and the work on the chassis was given to Lamborghini.
3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 277 hp. located behind driver's seat and transmitted torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission. The car accelerated to “hundreds” in 5.6 seconds, and the maximum speed was 261 km/h.
BMW M1 (1978-1981)
In 1986, the BMW 750i was released, which for the first time received a V12 engine. With a volume of 5 liters, it developed 296 hp. This car was the first whose speed was artificially limited to 250 km/h. Later, other major automakers began to introduce this practice.
In the same year, the fantastic Z1 roadster appeared, which was originally developed as an experimental model as part of a brainstorming session. Unlimited in any way, the engineers “drew” a car with excellent aerodynamics, thanks to a special bottom design, a plastic body on a tubular frame and a futuristic appearance. The doors did not open in any of the usual ways, but were drawn into the thresholds.
In its manufacture, the automaker developed technologies for using xenon lamps, as well as an integrated frame, door mechanism and tray. A total of 8,000 cars of the model were assembled, with 5,000 being pre-ordered.
BMW Z1 (1986-1991)
In 1999, the first BMW SUV appeared - the X5 model. Its sporty character caused quite a stir at the Detroit Auto Show. The car was characterized by impressive ground clearance, traction control system And all-wheel drive for off-road use, as well as sufficient power to compete on equal terms with the brand's passenger models on asphalt.
BMW X5 (1999)
In 2000-2003, the BMW Z8 was produced, a two-seater sports car that many collectors of the brand call one of the most beautiful cars throughout history.
When creating the design, the designers sought to show the 507 model, which would have been produced at the beginning of the 21st century. It received an aluminum body on a space frame, a 5-liter engine with 400 hp. and six-speed manual box Getrag transmissions.
The model was used as Bond's car in the film The World Is Not Enough.
BMW Z8 (2000-2003)
In 2011, BMW AG founded a new division, BMW i, which specializes in the creation of hybrid and electric cars.
The first models released by the division were the i3 hatchback and the i8 coupe. They debuted in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
BMW i3 was launched in 2013. It is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 168 hp. and the system rear wheel drive. The maximum speed of the car is 150 km/h. Average consumption fuel in the i3 RangeExtender version is 0.6 l/100 km. The hybrid version of the car received a 650 cc engine internal combustion, which recharges the electric motor.
BMW i3 (2013)
Official sales of the brand's cars in Russia began in 1993, when the first BMW dealer. The company now boasts the most developed network of dealers among luxury automakers in our country. Since 1997, the assembly of brand cars has been established at the Kaliningrad enterprise Avtotor.
BMW AG today is one of the leading manufacturers of premium cars. Its factories are located in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, India, Egypt, the USA and Russia. In China, BMW cooperates with Huacheng Auto Holding and produces cars under the Brilliance brand.
During the first time after appearing on BMW market produced only a few models. In the early 30-40s, the manufacturer produced only 1-2 models with different power units. From these various engines There were different names of models. In our article today you will learn about all BMW models.
Time passed, everything changed, and the auto industry changed too. Due to increasing demand car companies were forced to create new models that could meet customer requirements. It is for this reason that various segments and niches began to emerge. BMW had to adapt to these conditions.
In the 1960s, several new models appeared in the German company’s lineup, which differed from each other not only in power or engine displacement. At this time, BMW specialists invented a method of differentiating their cars.
They decided to do this using a word and a number. The word became “Entwicklung”, that is, “development”. For 50 years nothing has changed, and this word has always been combined with different numbers. All BMW models began to be labeled in this way.
Chances are you've heard the code names for these cars over the years, but most people still don't know what they stand for. We decided to help you figure it out and arranged the names of BMW cars in chronological order.
BMW 7 Series (BMW 7 Series)
The first model from this line to start using the new designation is BMW sedan E3 from 1968. It was also called the BMW New Six. Already from the name of this car you can understand that BMW began new era in the auto world. In fact, it was the first 7 Series car, although at that time this name was not used. It was a full-size luxury sedan that was offered with a wide range of 6-cylinder engines. The car was produced during 1968-1977. A coupe version of the E9 was also produced, which was the “grandfather” of the 8 Series models, which appeared in the lineup much later. Full list all representatives of the BMW 7 Series segment (a total of 6 generations have been released so far):
- BMW E3 7 Series (1968 – 1977);
- BMW E23 7 Series (1977 – 1986);
- BMW E32 7 Series (1986 – 1994);
- BMW E38 7 Series (1994 – 2001);
- BMW E65 7 Series (2001 – 2008);
- BMW F01 7 Series (2008–present).
BMW 5 Series (BMW 5 Series)
Soon there was a need for a much smaller, lighter and cheaper car. This was the optimal moment for the appearance of the BMW 5 Series model. Very soon this particular car became one of the most popular in the entire model range of the company. Today the sixth generation of the “five” is being produced. List of BMW 5 Series code names:
- BMW E12 5 Series (1972 – 1981);
- BMW E28 5 Series (1981 – 1988);
- BMW E34 5 Series (1987 – 1996);
- BMW E39 5 Series (1996 – 2004);
- BMW E60 5 Series, BMW E61 5 Series Touring (2004 – 2011);
- BMW F10 5 Series Sedan F11 5 Series Touring, F07 5 Series Gran Turismo(2011–present).
BMW 6 Series (BMW 6 Series)
In 1976, BMW management needed an alternative to the 5 Series coupe model, which was designated E21. In a similar way, the E9 was a coupe version of the E3 7 Series for almost 10 years, even before the 6 Series was introduced. Then the model was sent into “retirement” for 24 years, until it appeared in the 21st century new generation. BMW 6 Series codenames:
- BMW E24 6 Series (1976 – 1989);
- BMW E63 6 Series Convertible and E64 6 Series Coupe (2003 – 2010);
- BMW F12 6 Series Convertible F13 6 Series Coupe and F06 6 Series Gran Coupe (2010–present).
BMW 3 Series (BMW 3 Series)
After the success of the E12 (or 5 Series) mid-size sedan, the company decided to release even more compact car. Only three years after the appearance of the first 5 Series model, the 3 Series debuted. The new product is called E21. After the release of six generations of the BMW 3 Series, this car is called the company's most successful model. List of all BMW 3 Series model names:
- BMW E21 3 Series (1975 – 1983);
- BMW E30 3 Series (1983 – 1991);
- BMW E36 3 Series (1991 – 1998);
- BMW E46 3 Series (1998 – 2005);
- BMW E90 3 Series Sedan E91 3 Series Touring (2006 – 2012);
- BMW E92 3 Series Coupe, E93 3 Series Convertible (2007 – 2012).
It should be noted that in 2006 the company planned to introduce new model 4 Series, but abandoned the idea at the last minute. For this reason, the E9X models received different code names that differed from their predecessors.
BMW 8 Series (BMW 8 Series)
In 1989, the presentation of the BMW 8 Series took place. Unlike its predecessor in the form of the BMW model E9, the new product debuted as a coupe-like alternative to the 7 Series sedan. The car was produced during 1989-1999 under the name E31. Fans of the model are still waiting for the next generation of the model to appear.
BMW Z Series (BMW Z Series)
In the late 1980s, BMW planned to debut a new roadster segment. This is how representatives of the BMW Z Series appeared. BMW was released first Z1, and over time the Z3, Z8 and Z4 also appeared. The first two models do not have a code name, since the letter Z in the name is an abbreviation of the word “Zukunft”, which translates from German as “Future”. However, in reality, these BMW models were built on the platforms E30 And E36. Two latest models were created by company specialists from scratch. During 2002-2008, the roadster was produced E85 BMW Z4 and coupe E86 BMW Z4. BMW release The E52 Z8 was produced during 1999-2003. The current model, which began production in 2008, is called E89.
BMW X5 (BMW X5)
The Bavarians' first attempt to create an SUV resulted in the appearance of the BMW X5. Subsequently, two more versions were released, which, of course, had different code names:
- BMW E53 X5 (1999 – 2006);
- BMW E70 X5 (2006 – 2013);
- BMW F15 X5 (2013–present).
Because BMW X6 built on the same platform, to indicate its similarity with the X5 model, the company decided to use the code name E71.
BMW X3 (BMW X3)
After success with the first premium SUV, the automaker decided to release another model that would feature smaller overall dimensions and more affordable cost. This led to two generations of the BMW X3:
- BMW E83 X3 (2003 – 2010);
- BMW F25 X3 (2010–present).
BMW 1 Series (BMW 1 Series)
In 2004, the company’s lineup expanded BMW car 1st series. This was the first hatchback from Bavarian specialists and many people doubted the need for its creation. The car was offered in three body styles:
- BMW E82 1 Series – coupe (2007-2013);
- BMW E87 1 Series – 5-door hatchback (2004-2011);
- BMW E81 1 Series – 3-door hatchback (2004-2011);
- BMW E88 1 Series – 2-door convertible (2007-2013).
In 2011, hatchbacks were replaced by new ones F20/F21(with 5 and 3 doors, respectively). And in 2013 the coupe debuted F22 2 Series. In 2009, based on the same platform, they created compact crossover BMW X1. He received the code name E84.
BMW (BMW) is a legendary Bavarian concern whose products are invariably famous for their impeccable quality and high reliability. Cars of the brand are an indicator of the special, privileged status of their owner.
The history of the concern dates back to 1913, when two engineers Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto founded two small aircraft engine companies. With the onset of World War I, the demand for aircraft engines increased sharply, and the number of orders from Rapp and Otto increased significantly. In this regard, it was decided to merge into one aircraft engine plant. So in 1917, the newly formed company was registered as Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Works”) or BMW for short.
After the end of the war, the company experienced its first crisis. Moreover, the manufacturer was on the verge of bankruptcy, because According to the Versailles Peace Agreement, Germany was prohibited from producing aircraft engines, which at that time were the only products of the company. As a result, Rapp and Otto decide to redirect production first to the production of motorcycle engines, and then to the motorcycles themselves. In 1923, the first BMW R32 motorcycle was released, which immediately gained a reputation for reliability. fast car at the Paris Motor Show.
The automotive history of the brand begins in 1928, when BMW became the owner automobile plant in Thuringia, and with it the company also receives a production license small car Dixi, which was a copy British car Austin Seven. Subsequently, it was this model that became the first car to enter the market under its own brand - BMW 3/15, this happened in 1929.
In 1933, the company's model range was replenished with a new car with the index 303, which became the first model of the brand with a six-cylinder engine. Main feature The BMW 303 now features a characteristic radiator grille with two elongated oval “nostrils”, by which one can now unmistakably identify a BMW car in traffic.
In 1936 German concern produces one of the fastest sports cars - the BMW 328, thanks to which the company has gained a reputation as a manufacturer of cars of the highest quality and reliability.
During World War II, car assembly was stopped, and the company again switched to production aircraft engines. At the end of hostilities, some of the BMW factories were destroyed, and some fell into the Soviet zone of occupation. Thus, finding itself in a Russian-controlled zone, the Eisenach plant continued production of pre-war models, which now became known as EMW.
Recovery after the war was very difficult; Rapp and Otto literally had to start everything from scratch. A unique symbol of the revival of the brand was the single-cylinder R24 motorcycle released in 1948. In 1951, the first post-war car- sedan model 501. However, its mass production turned out to be too expensive and labor-intensive. As a result, by the end of the 50s, the company again found itself in a crisis situation and almost lost its independence, merging with rival Mercedes-Benz.
A compact design helped the company survive difficult times. BMW model 700. The car was well received by the public and laid the foundation for the further success of the German brand. And the compact sports sedan BMW 1500, released in 1962, which was a stunning success, finally brought the company out of the crisis and ensured its prosperity. The maximum speed of the new model was 150 km/h, and acceleration to 100 km/h took 16.8 seconds. To cope with the record number of orders for the 1500th model, new factories are opening, which contributes to increased production development.
In the 70s, the third, fifth, sixth and seventh series were developed and put into production, which form the basis of today's models of the brand. It was during these years that the concern firmly established itself in the niche of sedans with increased comfort. In the late 70s, the company began developing digitally controlled engines, and in the early 80s, it introduced the ABS system.
Another incredibly successful model of the brand was the 1987-88 roadster called the Z1, which became the embodiment of cutting-edge technology. The car had amazing aerodynamics, and the unusual doors of the roadster were retracted into the threshold of the car at the touch of a button. Evaluate the originality of the design and familiarize yourself with technical characteristics You can find the BMW Z1 in the model catalog on the website auto.dmir.ru.
The beginning of 1999 was marked by the debut of the BMW X5, which became the first in the world Sports Car for Active Recreation (Sports Activity Vehicle). Uniquely combining elegance and practicality, this car thus opening up a new dimension of mobility. Currently, the series includes the following models: X1, X3, X5, X6, and very soon they will be joined by the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show debutant BMW X4.
To summarize, we can say that the corporation's cars are a symbol vehicle of the highest quality, and the brand itself has long been a trendsetter in automotive world. All the latest news from the concern, as well as reviews from the official premieres of new products, can be found in the BMW automobile club on the website auto.dmir.ru.
It is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful models in the history of the brand. The sports roadster, presented to the public in 1955, was conceived as Mercedes-Benz competitor 300SL and was aimed at North American buyers. The desire to do best car of its time brought BMW to the brink of bankruptcy.
The two-seater body was made of light aluminum alloy; a V-shaped “eight” was placed under the hood, which allowed the owners to reach a speed of 220 km/h. A little later, the car acquired effective disc brakes, but this did not make the right impression on buyers.
The high cost scared off even wealthy clients. Despite the fact that the owners of premium BMWs were stars of the first magnitude (for example, Elvis had two 507s in his garage), during its short life, this model, like many geniuses, did not receive fame “during its lifetime.” But after a while it was recognized as a classic. Today it is a real rarity, for which auction visitors shell out millions of dollars.
BMW M1
Another tasty catch for collectors. Model sold from 1978 to 1981. BMW decided to release a mid-engine supercar (a model with a mid-engine layout) together with Lamborghini. But the cooperation did not work out, and the idea was implemented only at BMW.
The prototype design was developed by the legendary Paul Braque. As a result, he had a powerful influence on the DNA of the brand. It was then that the instrument panel layout first appeared, facing the driver and becoming the hallmark of BMW.
The M1 was a breakthrough not only in design, but also in engineering. The modest four-cylinder engine was equipped with a turbocharger, rare at that time, which made it possible to squeeze more than 270 hp out of two liters. They even made a separate racing series for the M1, in which Formula stars Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet competed. Unlike the road versions, the M1 for the track was boosted to an incredible 850 hp.
BMW Nazca
The generation of 1976-1982 should remember the Turbo chewing gum insert with the corresponding image, in addition, this model is familiar to us from the game Need For Speed. However, in reality, the concept car from maestro Giurgiaro was destined to remain an exhibition piece. The Nazca, first shown at the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, proved too bold, too complex and too expensive to make it into series.
For the first time, the car used energy-absorbing bumpers, which guaranteed collisions with obstacles without any financial consequences for the owner. In total, several unique cars were produced, one of which was intended for a member of the Arab royal family. By the way, Nazca recently appeared at a car auction, so if you have an extra million dollars, there is still a chance to put this car in your garage.
BMW M5
The first generation of the car was released in 1984. Since then he has been like Batman in every new series It gets steeper and steeper. But we will remember the E34 generation from the 90s - the last M-ku, which absorbed the warmth of hand assembly. Production of subsequent generations became automated. The king of the autobahn in the suit of a civilian sedan, and for the first time in a model one a number of BMWs Motorsport station wagon. Depending on the modification, the power of the M5 engine ranged from 311 to 335 hp, with a rich list additional equipment and opportunity comfortable ride made a model with my family universal machine, on which you can take children to school and go to the track.
BMW 850
Gran Turismo class coupe, produced from 1989 to 1999, costing about 100 thousand dollars. The car competed in Europe and overseas with the Mercedes-Benz SL and Ferrari 348. The most powerful version, the 850 CSI, developed 350 hp. (by the way, it was this V12 that was installed on the unique McLaren F1), equipped with advanced electronic systems assistance and adaptive suspension. Today in the lineup the role of the GT class coupe is played by the 6th BMW series, and the “eight” ended up in the hands of grateful fans.
BMW Z8
Henrik Fisker and Chris Bangle had a hand in creating the car, who later set the direction for a good ten years. The ideological successor to the famous 507 was warmly received by the public at the 1997 motor show. As a result, BMW decided to make a limited series of cars based on the show-stopper, priced at $170 thousand each. The Z8 easily reached the electronically limited speed of 250 km/h, but it was not created for drag racing. The car looked much more organic on the sea coast or in the garage of an eastern sheikh. A logical touch emphasizing the special status of the BMW Z8 was the role of the Bondmobile in the film “The World Is Not Enough.”
BMW X5
If we consider that the prim Range Rover (which belonged to the Bavarians at the time of the creation of the X5) cut a window into the luxury SUV segment, then the X5 has ennobled this window and installed a modern double-glazed window in it. Focusing on the core value German mark- driving pleasure, the X5 first became famous after setting a record at the Nürburgring race track, where testers accelerated the prototype to more than 300 km/h.
But in Russia, the “boomer” is firmly entrenched in the consciousness of the masses, associated with the film of the same name. Fortunately, with updates, X5 is slowly losing its halo as the calling card of an organized crime group leader. Today, the authorities, judging by the scandalous news about the convoy of FSB Academy graduates, are another German brand, a close competitor of BMW. Well, to your health!
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage
Even though this is not production model, we included it among the ten most beautiful BMWs. The successor of a glorious sporting lineage that dates back to the 1968 3.0 CS coupe, which at one time competed with the Porsche 911.
The concept, presented last year at the Concours d'Elegance at Villa d'Este in Italy, pleases the eye with its aggressive design and pleases the ear with the roar of an in-line 6-cylinder engine.