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BMW 7-Series (1977 - 1986) (Classics Reviews)
The replacement for the 2500/2800/3.0 series saloons arrived on the market in the middle of a downturn in sales for large cars. But despite a hostile commercial environment, the BMW 7-Series sold very well indeed, making huge gains over the older - and already impressive - cars. Some would say that the 7-Series was polished, yet less appealing than its predecessor, and in a classic sense that's undoubtedly true - but again, it was an important car in the development of the company. -
BMW 6-Series (1976 - 1989) (Classics Reviews)
The BMW 6-Series was a logical evolution of the luxury saloon in range this time, the 7-Series. As before - and just like the larger saloon - the 6-Series had sharp steering, keen dynamics and excellent performance. -
BMW 3-Series (1975 - 1983) (Classics Reviews)
Build quality was impeccable, and the interior ergonomics were superb, making this a very satisfying car to own. As with most BMWs of this era, corrosion has been a constant factor, meaning survival rate is low – although many 323is ended up doing some inadvertent off-roading. Rare now, cult following is growing, and prices are on the up. -
BMW 2002 Turbo (1973 - 1974) (Classics Reviews)
Think of the BMW 2002 Turbo as the M3 for the 1970s, and you're not a million miles away. It was a pocket-sized saloon with true sports car performance - and thanks to the addiiton of that KKK-blower, it was capable of acceptable fuel consumption is driven with restraint - just the ticket for 1973's energy crisis. -
BMW 5-Series (1972 - 1981) (Classics Reviews)
When it was launched in 1972, the 5-Series was tasked with building on the success of the legendary ‘Neue-klasse’ saloons that did so much to cement BMW as a top-line motor manufacturer. It’s fair to say that it not only met those expectations, but went on to carve a prosperous future for the Munich company. It was so successful that the current models really are direct descendents. -
BMW CS and CSi (1969 - 1975) (Classics Reviews)
The first BMW Coupe - the 2000CS - was a disarmingly attractive, and won many friends, even if it didn't go quite as well as it looked. The follow-up car, more closely aligned with the 2.5/2.8/3.0-litre cars, played on the visual strengths of the older car, but in a faster, roomier package. -
BMW 02-Series (1966 - 1977) (Classics Reviews)
Initially known as the 1600-2, as the first 02-Series' was a new entry-level BMW, created as a logical down-scaling of the 1500-2000. The 1600-2 (the -2 meaning two-door)was launched at the Geneva auto show in March 1966and was sold through 1975, with its name simplified to 1602 in 1971. -
BMW 503 Coupe (1956 - 1959) (Classics Reviews)
BMW might have been struggling for survival in the 1950s, but the 503 remained one of the most effective upmarket sporting cars money could buy. It topped the BMW range, which could have been more unbalanced – with this range of luxury cars at one end of the spectrum, and the tiny Isetta microcar at the other – and nothing between. -
BMW 501 and 502 (1952 - 1964) (Classics Reviews)
Under the bodywork, there was the old six-cylinder engine and all-new independent suspension. It was a good car, but Mercedes-Benz was producing better cars and selling them for less money. BMW improved the 501 during its life, first with the 501A, then the 501/3, and the model eventually evolved into the V8-powered 502 – a much better machine. These cars weren’t the saving of BMW, but they allowed it to stay in business during a time that saw off plenty of seemingly more stable car companies. -
BMW 3-series E46 (1998 - 2005) (Classics Reviews)
Launched in March 1998, the BMW 3-series E46 was an evolution of the E36 and proved a huge success for the company. Coupe and estate variants followed a year later with the convertible arriving in 2001 – the same year as the M3. The car was considered by many as setting the benchmark in its class when it came to performance and handling, that was thanks to the E46’s near-perfect weight distribution and sophisticated rear suspension set up. -
BMW 5-series E39 (1996 - 2003) (Classics Reviews)
Even today, the inside of an E39 is a great place to be. And then there was the handling. With BMW's near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the car was an absolute joy from start to finish. It didn't matter if you wanted to drop the kids of at school, notch up the miles on the motorway, or attack the apex on-track - the E39 could do it all. -
BMW 7-series E38 (1994 - 2001) (Classics Reviews)
The third generation of BMW’s executive saloon – codenamed the E38 – was launched in 1994. Power came from a selection of straight-six, V8 and V12 engines. Inside it was pure luxury… and packed with kit (as you’d expect from a car in this price bracket). -
BMW 1500, 1800 and 2000 (1962 - 1972) (Classics Reviews)
The BMW 1500 emerged in 1962 to cement BMW's revival from its near death in the late-'50s. The four-door saloon, which became known as the 'neu klasse' was all-new from the ground-up, had a new monocoque design, fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and semi-trailing arms at the rear, front disc brakes, and a front-mounted four-cylinder M10 engine. -
BMW Isetta 250 and 300 (1955 - 1965) (Classics Reviews)
BMW’s luxury of the 1950s were technically brilliant, beautifully built, fast and elegant - but due to their huge cost and austere times in their home market, they were selling extremely slowly. So, in order to secure more volume, BMW made the decision to acquire the licence to build the Isetta bubblecar - and it proved to be an inspired piece of lateral thinking by BMW management. -
BMW 2500, 2800, 3.0 and 3.3 (1969 - 1977) (Classics Reviews)
When BMW turned its attention to the luxury car market and came up with the 2500, it revolutionised the way which buyers perceived the marque - BMW was beginning to look like a credible rival to Mercedes-Benz. -
Glas 2600 V8 and BMW Glas 3000 (1966 - 1968) (Classics Reviews)
The Frua styling was glamorous, and probably influenced the company that ended up taking over Glas – BMW. The final 3.0-litre cars were marketed as BMW Glas 3000s, no doubt to the disgust of the marque's faithful fans. Rare and desirable now, and replaced by the BMW 2800CS.