BMW Model Range

2004–2011

The BMW E87 is the first generation of the 1 Series, produced from 2004 to 2011. It replaced the compact 3 Series models and was the first rear-wheel-drive hatchback in its class. The E87 offered sporty handling, high-quality interior materials, and a wide range of engines, including economical diesels and powerful petrol versions. In 2007, the model received a facelift that updated the front design and taillights.

1975–1983

The BMW E21 is the first generation of the 3 Series, produced from 1975 to 1983. It replaced the 02 Series and became the first model of BMW's most successful family. The E21 was initially available only as a two-door sedan, later joined by a convertible version (Baur Topcabriolet). The design featured the distinctive 'shark nose' front and Hofmeister kink. The engine lineup included four- and six-cylinder petrol engines, including the legendary M20. The E21 set the foundation for all subsequent 3 Series.

1982–1994

The BMW E30 is the second generation of the 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It became one of the most beloved and recognizable BMWs. The E30 was available as a sedan, wagon (Touring), coupe, convertible, and the iconic M3 version. The design became more angular but retained classic proportions. Engines ranged from inline-four and six-cylinder petrols to diesel options. The E30 M3 with the S14 engine became a motorsport legend.

1990–2000

The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series, produced from 1990 to 2000. The design became more modern and rounded, moving away from the angular E30. The E36 was offered as a sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon (Touring), and a compact hatchback (Compact). The chassis featured a Z-axle rear suspension, improving handling and comfort. Engines included inline four- and six-cylinder petrols and diesels. The M3 version was powered by the S50/S52 engine.

1998–2006

The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series, produced from 1998 to 2006. It set the benchmark for handling and quality in its class. The E46 was offered as a sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible, and compact. The design was more elegant and restrained. Engines included M43, M52, M54 petrols and M47, M57 diesels. The M3 version featured the legendary S54 engine. The E46 remains highly valued by enthusiasts for its balance of comfort and sportiness.

2005–2012

The BMW E90 is the fifth generation of the 3 Series, produced from 2005 to 2012. It brought a design revolution: the sedan (E90), wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93) received separate codes for the first time. The car became larger and more comfortable than its predecessor. Turbocharged petrol engines (N54/N55) debuted on the 3 Series. The chassis retained superb handling, and the interior gained new technologies, including iDrive.

1995–2004

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1995 to 2004. Many consider it the best generation due to its perfect balance of comfort, handling, and reliability. The E39 was available as a sedan and wagon (Touring). The design became more elegant, and aluminium was widely used in the suspension. Engines included M52, M54 petrols, V8 M62, and M47, M57 diesels. The M5 version featured the S62 engine. The E39 was the first to offer a widescreen infotainment system.

1972–1981

The BMW E12 is the first generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1972 to 1981. It established the benchmark for all subsequent BMW executive sedans. The E12 featured elegant design, a spacious interior, and powerful inline-six M10 and M30 engines. The M535i performance version debuted on the 5 Series. The E12 was also the first BMW assembled in South Africa.

1981–1988

The BMW E28 is the second generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. The design became more modern while retaining classic proportions. The E28 offered a wide range of engines, from economical four-cylinders to powerful six-cylinders. The M5 version with the M88/S38 engine debuted, setting the benchmark for sports sedans. The car received numerous awards for safety and innovation.

1988–1996

The BMW E34 is the third generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1988 to 1996. The design became more streamlined and aerodynamic. The E34 introduced the wagon (Touring) and all-wheel-drive (525iX) variants. Engines included inline-six M20, M50 and V8 M60. The M5 version was powered by the S38 engine. The E34 was renowned for excellent build quality and comfort, and it introduced the VANOS system.

2003–2010

The BMW E60 is the fifth generation of the 5 Series, produced from 2003 to 2010. The design by Chris Bangle was revolutionary and polarising. The E60 was available as a sedan and wagon (E61). It introduced iDrive, active steering, and a wide range of engines, including V8 N62 petrol and M57TU diesels. The M5 version featured the high-revving V10 S85 engine.

1976–1989

The BMW E24 is the first generation of the 6 Series, produced from 1976 to 1989. This elegant coupe with a long hood and sloping roofline became a style icon. It was powered by M30 inline-six engines and later the M88/S38 in the M635CSi version. The car offered a luxurious interior and superb handling.

2003–2010

The BMW E63 is the second generation of the 6 Series, produced from 2003 to 2010. The Bangle-style design featured bold lines and 'flame surfacing'. Coupe (E63) and convertible (E64) with a retractable hardtop were offered. Engines included V8 N62 and V10 S85 in the M6 version. The car featured iDrive and active rear steering.

1994–2001

The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury flagship sedan, widely celebrated for its timeless styling, advanced engineering, and peak mechanical build quality. Produced between 1994 and 2001, the E38 remains a legendary automotive icon, popular among collectors and famously recognized in pop culture.

1986–1994

The BMW E32 is the second generation of the 7 Series, produced from 1986 to 1994. It introduced V8 and V12 engines, along with many electronic systems. The E32 was the first BMW with adaptive suspension (EDC) and traction control. The design became more angular and imposing.

2001–2008

The BMW E65 is the fourth generation of the 7 Series, produced from 2001 to 2008. It introduced a revolutionary design and the iDrive system. The car became significantly larger and received V8 N62 and V12 N73 engines. A hydrogen-powered version (Hydrogen 7) debuted. Despite controversial styling, the E65 set new standards in comfort and technology.

1990–1999

The BMW E31 is the first and only generation of the 8 Series, produced from 1990 to 1999. It was a luxurious coupe with pop-up headlights and advanced technology. The E31 was offered with V8 (840Ci) and V12 (850i/Ci/CSi) engines. The 850CSi with the S70 engine and manual gearbox became a collector's item. The car had excellent aerodynamics and was one of the first with adaptive suspension.

2003–2010

The BMW E83 is the first-generation X3, produced from 2003 to 2010. It was a compact SUV that combined practicality with car-like handling. The E83 was offered with petrol and diesel engines, including the popular 3.0d with the M57 engine. xDrive all-wheel drive provided excellent traction.

1999–2006

The BMW E53 is the first-generation X5, produced from 1999 to 2006. It was the first BMW sports activity vehicle, designed for dynamic on-road driving. The E53 offered V8 petrol and inline-six diesel engines. xDrive all-wheel drive and high ground clearance were combined with superb handling.

2006–2013

The BMW E70 is the second-generation X5, produced from 2006 to 2013. The car grew larger and received a more modern design. The engine lineup included turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, including powerful V8s. The E70 offered a third-row seat and the iDrive system. The X5 M version with the S63 engine became the flagship.

1995–2002

The BMW E36/7 is the internal code for the first-generation Z3 roadster, produced from 1995 to 2002. Despite the E36 index, it was technically based on a mix of E36 and E30 platforms. The Z3 featured classic long-hood, short-deck proportions. Engines ranged from inline-fours to inline-sixes, including M versions.

2002–2008

The BMW E85 is the first-generation Z4 roadster, produced from 2002 to 2008. The design was more modern and aggressive than the Z3. It featured a rigid body structure and rear suspension from the E46. Engines included inline-four and six-cylinder petrols, plus an M version with the S54.

2009–2016

The BMW E89 is the second-generation Z4, produced from 2009 to 2016. For the first time, the Z4 featured a retractable hardtop, transforming it into a coupe. The design became more expressive and high-tech. Engines included turbocharged N20 and N54 petrols, as well as naturally aspirated N52s.