1 Series

The 1 Series was launched in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was launched to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-door version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the coupe is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is somewhat considered the successor to the BMW 2002.

The 1 Series coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) went on sale in 2008 as the 128i and the 135i. Other countries received the 120i and 125i in both platforms. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter, cheaper to manufacture and preserves more boot space than the folding hardtop would allow.

View information on BMW Series 1 models here

3 Series

The E21 line was produced from May 1975 until 1983. It was launched to replace the 2002 coupe, the first 3-Series was a 2-door model only. The larger saloons would be replaced by the 5 Series. A factory authorised cabrio version was built by Baur. The series was superseded by the BMW E30.

The interior design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has now been part of BMW’s interior design for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.

At the E21's release, three models were available: with 316 (1.6 litre), 318 (1.8 litre) and 320 (2.0 litre) versions of the BMW M10 four cylinder engine. To make it easy to differentiate between the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.

For the 1979/80 model year, the four-cylinder models were upgraded: the 1.8 litre power unit was revised and entered the market as a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) carburetor engine in the 316, while addition of Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection to the 1.8 litre engine raised the 318i to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp).

View information on BMW Series 3 models here

5 Series

The 5 Series body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. There have been five generations of the 5 Series. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.

The E60 represented a significant step forward in technology over previous models. With complete electronic control over all aspects of the vehicle from the suspension, to brightness of interior lights, to different temperature zones within the cabin. In September 2005 BMW added two new features BMW Night Vision and High-Beam Assist.

The updated E60/E61 5-Series was unveiled on January 8, 2007. For model year 2008, BMW added a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. Updates include new front and rear bumpers, restyled front headlights and restyled taillights with LED technology. A refreshed interior is also presented featuring the new shifter from the new X5, and the addition of the new BMW electronic throttle system.

The 2008 model, of the 520i, has a new engine: a 2.0 litres 4 cylinders instead of the R6 2.2 litres. High compression and new piezo direct injection technology keeps the performance on 170 bhp (127 kW; 172 PS) / 210 Nm (150 lbft), but betters the fuel economy.

View information on BMW Series 5 models here

8 Series

Design of the 8 Series began in 1984, with construction starting in 1986. The 8 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in early September 1989. The 8 Series was designed to move beyond the market of the original 6 Series. The 8 and 6 Series cars were distinctly different in design; though both were classed as supercars, the 8 Series had substantially improved performance, as well as a far higher purchase price.

Over 1.5 billion Deutschmark was spent on total development (2008 £500 million). BMW used CAD tools, still unusual at the time, to design the car's all-new body. Combined with wind tunnel testing, the resulting car had a drag coefficient of 0.29, a major improvement from the previous BMW M6/635CSi's 0.39.

The 8 Series supercar offered the first V-12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox on a road car. It was also the first vehicle with an electronic "fly-by-wire" throttle. The 8 Series was one of BMW's first cars, together with the Z1, to use a multi-link rear axle.

While CAD modeling allowed the car's unibody to be 8 lb (3 kg) lighter than that of its predecessor, the car was significantly heavier when completed due to the large engine and added luxury items—a source of criticism from those who wanted BMW to concentrate on the driving experience.

Sales of the 8 Series were affected by the global recession of the early 1990s, the Persian Gulf War, and energy price spikes. BMW pulled the 8 Series out of the North American market in 1997, selling only 7,232 cars over seven years. BMW continued production for Europe until 1999. The ultimate worldwide production total was 30,621.

View information on BMW Series 8 models here