BMW – the flagship of luxury and European style
By Fei Lim

BMW, for years, has been the trademark name for luxury. The German company was founded by Karl Friedrick Rapp in the early 1900's. Rapp was originally a manufacturer of aircraft engines after several company remodels, one due to financial difficulties and the other a merger, the company we know as BMW emerged. The new BMW continued to make its mark in airplane engines, taking more than 29 world records in aviation. In 1923, the first BMW motorcycle went into production but the R32 lived a short 3 years. In 1928, BMW became the company we know today in terms of automotive manufacturing. The first model, the Dixi, was built under contract with Austin. BMW's first real car, completely in-house built was the 1932 BMW AM 4. 1933 introduced the 303 saloon and inline six cylinder power unit that remains even today as BMW's typical choice. The 303 saloon also introduced another trademark - the twin kidney shaped grills. In 1936, BMW's 328 was introduced and remains BMW's most famous pre-war sports car. It was built mainly for motor sport and won the Mille Miglia in 1938. 1935 saw the return of BMW motorcycles. The success was short lived and after the war, BMW faced difficulties getting back on its feet and back into production. It wasn't until 1955 that BMW put itself back on the market with the Isetta 250, a mini-car. The BMW 507 launched in 1956 quickly became famous and was the model that put BMW back on the automotive manufacturing map. In 1962, the 1500 was launched and provided the basis of the future E12, the first generation of the 5 series, the 3 series and the 7 series. In 1990, BMW returned to the manufacturing of aircraft engines after forming BMW Rolls-Royce GMbh, a joint project with Rolls Royce, and in 1998 bought the name and logo from Volkswagen.

Current Models

BMW models are listed in single digit series. These are families of cars, the BMW 1 series, a small family car and a coupe 135i, and have rear wheel drive.

3 series, the BMW entry level sedan, now hosting its 5th generation the E90, available in the 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d, 323i, 325i, 330d, 330i, the 325xi and 33xi models. Two available options for the 3 series are the sedan and coupes styles.

5 series classified as a mid-sized or executive luxury model, is available with your choice of engines.

6 series only available in the 650i series, the M6 is a high performance version sold in Europe, the US and Australia.

BMWs 7 series is the full-sized model that comes in a variety of styles and engine options with the 760Li featuring bullet proofing.

The X3 is a compact SUV with sedan handling. It lacks off road capabilities with the x5 as a full-sized SUV and, last but not least, the Z4 two seat roadster and coupe for those who want luxury with a truly sporty look.

Future BMW Models

Scheduled to be available in fall of 2008, the 2009 5 Series midsize sedan is said to use a more fluid design, with conventional looking headlights, and a cleaner front end design. Despite new Pedestrian safety standards in Europe, the BMW is keeping its kidney grill design and will feature an extended wheelbase and widened track.

2008 BMW 7 Series Large sedan

Available in 2007, this model is being looked at for introduction of a 6.0 liter, v12 gasoline-hydrogen powered version. This version will be a limited production and available to select customers. However, in tests, it reached 143 mph on both hydrogen and gas with cruising range set at 125 miles on hydrogen and additional 300 on gas. The reworked Series 7 is emissions free and produces only water vapor when hydrogen is fully engaged. Also featuring an active, self-leveling, multi link rear, McPherson strut front and four wheel independent suspension options.

2008 BMW M3 compact Coupe

Not much is known about this model due to be begin sales beginning in the US in 2008, but hopes are high that this M3 will feature some of BMWs more advanced features as well as some added horse power.

No matter what type of luxury you are looking for, you will be sure to find it in a BMW. One of the leaders in producing automobiles with clean emissions and hybrids along with versatility and style, classical statements of luxury or impression making comfort, there is something for everyone in a BMW.