Started in 1913 in Germany by Karl Rapp, BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) is one of the leading global car manufacturers. Its cars are synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship, superior performance, and excellent tactile response. Originally an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW retains some of its connections to this root, including the white propeller against a blue sky embedded in its logo.
In 1919, BMW produced its first motorcycle engine, followed in 1923 by the production of the first full motorcycle. In 1927, BMW bought Dixi, a small car manufacturer and started producing its own cars in 1933.
BMW has stuck with its "Series" naming convention for decades, an impressive continuous standard. It has added in letters to its numbered series to account for the Z roadsters and X SUV's.
The 1 Series was introduced in Europe only, and the associated cars are produced with standard rear-wheel drive. First offered in 2004, the 1 Series came to the U.S. market for the first time in 2008.
For a long time, the 3 series was the smallest of the BMW Series. It's still known throughout the world as the entry-level car for BMW, and jokes abound about young executives purchasing their first 3 Series as a rite of passage. The smaller, powerful cars have been successful both in racing and on the road.
The 5 Series represents the midsize BMW and has been a frequent occurrence on the Car and Driver Ten Best list. The M5 can be found among the 5 series, a very powerful machine.
The 6 Series is an exclusively all-coupe line. Temporarily dropped by BMW in 1989 to make way for the 8 Series, the 6 came roaring back in 2003 with such sharp-looking machines as the 4.4-liter, 325-horsepower V8 645ci and the 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V8 650i.
The 7 Series carries BMW's full-size sedans and is the flagship for the automaker. BMW truly prides itself on its 7 Series model, and rightly so. Recent commercials in the United States show the newest of the line parking itself between stacks of crystal glasses; quite impressive.
The 8 Series seemed to be one of BMW's few missteps. Originally produced in 1989, the 8 Series lasted only 10 years, with only 30,621 sold. These cars came with a six-figure price tag, which many did not feel was worth paying for the heavy automobile.
The Z series was first introduced in the late 80's but reached ultimate popularity after James Bond drove one in "Golden Eye." The two-seater roadsters remained popular for years after the film.
BMW's entry into the SUV market is represented by the X5 (introduced in 2000) and the X3 (introduced in 2004). These cars are meant to have the commanding view of an SUV while giving the agile ride of a BMW sedan.
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