56 Years of Design Evolution - BMW

[Nick McKees37]

I thought I'd share this with those of you who are rather fond of BMW's. I may not always care for the styling of every model, especially those from the Chris Bangle era, but you can't deny the fact that every BMW that rolls out of Munich or any other of their advanced manufacturing facilities represents the ultimate driving machine.

BMW just recently introduced the 2012 6-Series Coupe. Loaded with turbocharged engines and a vast array of safety and technology features, the new 6-Series Coupe is sure to be a hit.

I thought it would be cool to compare the styling of the 1956 BMW 503 Coupe to the new-for-2012 6-Series Coupe.

140 Horsepower and 0-60 mph in 13 seconds!

And then there's the 2012 6-Series Coupe...

Am I the only one that think's the new 6-Series looks like a shark that's ready to attack?

How about 407 horsepower and a whopping 443 ft lbs of torque to propel you to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds? Forget the optional Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound Stereo, just enjoy the sound of the twin-turbo 4.4 V8.

Now that's what I call a family reunion! rops:

Happy 4th of July everyone! :cruisin:

 

[LegacyGT]

Nice ... Nick, have you seen the new 1M?

 

[CrownKote]

I can see some of the styling in the 503 and the 6 coupe`... It is kinda like the 507 and the Z8 shown below:

I love Bimmers and I really love how BMW tends to incorporate the classic styling cues into their new models... It is true that they ARE THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!!!

Happy 4th to you, the AG staff, and to all of the forum members!

 

[CrownKote]

Nice ... Nick, have you seen the new 1M?

The 1M is beautiful just a bit under powered IMHO to carry that series designation...

 

[Nick McKees37]

Nice ... Nick, have you seen the new 1M?

Per BMW; "1-Series M"

Yeah I've seen it, and I think it's an incredible car. BMW only plans on offering it in the US for one model year and only plans on bringing over about 1000 of them. They are going to be a rare find, and you can bet that dealers are going to inflate the price considerably.

The 1M is beautiful just a bit under powered IMHO to carry that series designation...

I feel the complete opposite. I think the 1-Series M is an ugly duckling, but it's a pure drivers car - what the M designation is all about. The interior is nothing fancy and is barely upgraded compared to the 135. The brakes, wheels, suspension components, etc, are all pulled directly from its bigger brother, the M3. The 1-Series M weighs about 200 lbs less than an M3, has about 80 less horsepower, but the 1-Series M has considerably more torque because of the twin turbo straight-6 vs the M3's naturally aspirated rev happy V8.

In the newest edition of Motortrend they compared the 1-Series M to the M3. Performance figures were nearly identical, although the M3 was .2 seconds quicker in the quarter mile but both cars posted an identical time on the track. Impressive when you compare the price difference between the two cars.

The 1-Series M Coupe features less electronic driving aids and is more of a drivers car, starting with the traditional 6-speed manual instead of the state of the art 7-speed twin clutch auto in the M3.

I'd gladly take the M3 any day. Hearing it snap off shifts as you approach the 8400 RPM redline must sound amazing. BMW has just about confirmed that the next gen M3 will feature a twin turbo I6 set up because of fuel efficiency.

 

[Nick McKees37]

Great picture! rops:

 

[CrownKote]

Per BMW; "1-Series M"

Yeah I've seen it, and I think it's an incredible car. BMW only plans on offering it in the US for one model year and only plans on bringing over about 1000 of them. They are going to be a rare find, and you can bet that dealers are going to inflate the price considerably.



I feel the complete opposite. I think the 1-Series M is an ugly duckling, but it's a pure drivers car - what the M designation is all about. The interior is nothing fancy and is barely upgraded compared to the 135. The brakes, wheels, suspension components, etc, are all pulled directly from its bigger brother, the M3. The 1-Series M weighs about 200 lbs less than an M3, has about 80 less horsepower, but the 1-Series M has considerably more torque because of the twin turbo straight-6 vs the M3's naturally aspirated rev happy V8.

In the newest edition of Motortrend they compared the 1-Series M to the M3. Performance figures were nearly identical, although the M3 was .2 seconds quicker in the quarter mile but both cars posted an identical time on the track. Impressive when you compare the price difference between the two cars.

The 1-Series M Coupe features less electronic driving aids and is more of a drivers car, starting with the traditional 6-speed manual instead of the state of the art 7-speed twin clutch auto in the M3.

I'd gladly take the M3 any day. Hearing it snap off shifts as you approach the 8400 RPM redline must sound amazing. BMW has just about confirmed that the next gen M3 will feature a twin turbo I6 set up because of fuel efficiency.

True but honestly for it to carry the 1 series and M packaging it should have a bit more bite as per previous models... The M1 was a "I6 supercar in it's day and I think BMW kinda dropped the ball in badging it that way... They generally stick to their series pretty well but not on this one...

Great picture! rops:

I have a few more I think I will try to dig them up... I love the Zeds so much...

 

[Nick McKees37]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKadmxavqU&feature=player_detailpage]YouTube - ‪2009 BMW M3 Coupe‬‏[/video]

 

[RTexasF]

And all it would take is a lottery hit.........

I'd love the chance to prove that money can't make me happy.

 

[CrownKote]

Here are some of the 507/Z8 combo pics I have aquired over the years...

And as for the 503 and 6 coupe` similarity take a look at these:

 

[Meghan]

Very hot car!!

 

[CrownKote]

Very hot car!!

Aren't ALL Bimmers HOT? lol...

 

[fancyfootwork]

I love BMW. 6 series is ok IMO. I'd much rather take an M3. The 1 series M is awesome too, especially considering it has the M3 engine in a smaller body. However, the latest 1-series I don't like nearly as much..

2010:

2012:

 

[kronos]

Nick, here's something you might like.

News Headlines

 

[Nick McKees37]

I love BMW. 6 series is ok IMO. I'd much rather take an M3. The 1 series M is awesome too, especially considering it has the M3 engine in a smaller body. However, the latest 1-series I don't like nearly as much..

The 1-Series M has the twin turbo Inline-6, the M3 has the naturally aspirated V8.

Nick, here's something you might like.

News Headlines

You sir, just made my day! :buffing:

 

[ChrisJ]

I love me some 6 series...

 

[CrownKote]

I love me some 6 series...

6's are beautiful but I would rather an E39 M with the 6spd manual! lol...

 

[ChrisJ]

6's are beautiful but I would rather an E39 M with the 6spd manual! lol...

Im a BMW window shopper sadly...LOL

I know I like the 6 series but with people start with the EXX stuff I get lost...Closest I have came to owning a BMW is when my wife was test driving them and such...And then she ended up buying a Mercedes instead...

 

[CrownKote]

Im a BMW window shopper sadly...LOL

I know I like the 6 series but with people start with the EXX stuff I get lost...Closest I have came to owning a BMW is when my wife was test driving them and such...And then she ended up buying a Mercedes instead...

lol... You can pick one up for a good price...
I got my Z3 for $5k it is a 2001 w/150k on it all very well documented and very well cared for miles... The Service intervals have all been done between 8-9k miles instead of the 15k recommended...

Here is a little list of the Designations:

E87 1 series (2004 - present) includes 116i, 118i, 120i, 130i, 118d, 120d.
• Current US models are 128i and 135i in coupe and convertible form.

The BMW 3 series
E21 3 series (1975 - 1984)
E30 3 series (1982 - 1994)
E36 3 series (1990 - 2001)
E46 3 series (1998 - 2007)
E90 3 series (2005 - present)
• Current US models are 328 and 335 in coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon versions. All wheel drive is available on most US variants.

The BMW 5 series
E12 5 series (1972 - 1981)
E28 5 series (1981 - 1987)
E34 5 series (1987 - 1996)
E39 5 series (1995 - 2004)
E60 5 series (2003 - present)
• Current US models are 528, 535, 550 in sedan and wagon versions. The 528 and 535 models are offered in all wheel drive versions as well.

The BMW 6 series
E24 6 series (1976 - 1989)
E63 6 series (2003 - present)
• Current US model is the 650i in coupe or convertible form.

The BMW 7 series
E23 7 series (1977 - 1986)
E32 7 series (1986 - 1994)
E38 7 series (1994 - 2001)
• US models were 7401, 740iL, and 750iL. The 740 cars are the most common and most reliable. The 12 cylinder 750 models have been problematic, more so as they age.
E65 7 series (2001 - present)
• US models were 745 and 760. These were the first 7-series BMWs to feature idrive.
F01 7 series (2009-up)
• Current US versions are the 750 and 760 in long and short wheelbase. An all wheel drive version is available.

The BMW 8 series
E31 8 series (1989 - 1999)

The BMW M series are BMW’s highest performance models. They are built on the standard chassis with upgraded engines and running gear, and various aero body modifications.
E26 M1 (1979 - 1981)
E30 M3 (1985 - 1992)
E36 M3 (1992 - 2000)
E46 M3 (2001 - 2007)
E90 M3 (2007 - present)
E28 M5 (1985 - 1987)
E34 M5 (1988 - 1995)
E39 M5 (1998 - 2003)
E60 M5 (2005 - present)
E24 M6 (1983 - 1989)
E63 M6 (2005 - present)
Z3 M Coupe (1998 - 2000)
Z3 M Roadster (1997 - 2001)
Z4 M Coupe (2006 - present)
Z4 M Roadster (2006 - present)

The BMW X series (SUV)
E83 X3 (2003 - present)
E53 X5 (1999 - 2007)
E70 X5 (2007 - present)
X6 – (2007 – present)

The BMW Z series
E30 Z1 (1987 - 1991)
E36/7-8 Z3 (1997 - 2002)
E85 Z4 (2002 - present) Current US versions are 3.0 and 3.5
E52 Z8 (1999 - 2003) The Z8 was a limited production exotic. It’s very collectible today!

Prior to the "EXX" designations they just used a number like "501" or "507" etc...

More of a tidbit if you look at the model of the car you can see what it's motor and drive train are i.e.: 328xi= 3 Series (3), 2.8l motor (28), AWD (x), Fuel injected (i) or 635CSi= 6 Series (6), 3.5l motor (35), Competition Sport (this was a light weight car designed for racing and sold to the public) (CS), Fuel Injected (i)

Does that help out a bit?

 

[ChrisJ]

lol... You can pick one up for a good price...
I got my Z3 for $5k it is a 2001 w/150k on it all very well documented and very well cared for miles... The Service intervals have all been done between 8-9k miles instead of the 15k recommended...

Here is a little list of the Designations:

E87 1 series (2004 - present) includes 116i, 118i, 120i, 130i, 118d, 120d.
• Current US models are 128i and 135i in coupe and convertible form.

The BMW 3 series
E21 3 series (1975 - 1984)
E30 3 series (1982 - 1994)
E36 3 series (1990 - 2001)
E46 3 series (1998 - 2007)
E90 3 series (2005 - present)
• Current US models are 328 and 335 in coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon versions. All wheel drive is available on most US variants.

The BMW 5 series
E12 5 series (1972 - 1981)
E28 5 series (1981 - 1987)
E34 5 series (1987 - 1996)
E39 5 series (1995 - 2004)
E60 5 series (2003 - present)
• Current US models are 528, 535, 550 in sedan and wagon versions. The 528 and 535 models are offered in all wheel drive versions as well.

The BMW 6 series
E24 6 series (1976 - 1989)
E63 6 series (2003 - present)
• Current US model is the 650i in coupe or convertible form.

The BMW 7 series
E23 7 series (1977 - 1986)
E32 7 series (1986 - 1994)
E38 7 series (1994 - 2001)
• US models were 7401, 740iL, and 750iL. The 740 cars are the most common and most reliable. The 12 cylinder 750 models have been problematic, more so as they age.
E65 7 series (2001 - present)
• US models were 745 and 760. These were the first 7-series BMWs to feature idrive.
F01 7 series (2009-up)
• Current US versions are the 750 and 760 in long and short wheelbase. An all wheel drive version is available.

The BMW 8 series
E31 8 series (1989 - 1999)

The BMW M series are BMW’s highest performance models. They are built on the standard chassis with upgraded engines and running gear, and various aero body modifications.
E26 M1 (1979 - 1981)
E30 M3 (1985 - 1992)
E36 M3 (1992 - 2000)
E46 M3 (2001 - 2007)
E90 M3 (2007 - present)
E28 M5 (1985 - 1987)
E34 M5 (1988 - 1995)
E39 M5 (1998 - 2003)
E60 M5 (2005 - present)
E24 M6 (1983 - 1989)
E63 M6 (2005 - present)
Z3 M Coupe (1998 - 2000)
Z3 M Roadster (1997 - 2001)
Z4 M Coupe (2006 - present)
Z4 M Roadster (2006 - present)

The BMW X series (SUV)
E83 X3 (2003 - present)
E53 X5 (1999 - 2007)
E70 X5 (2007 - present)
X6 – (2007 – present)

The BMW Z series
E30 Z1 (1987 - 1991)
E36/7-8 Z3 (1997 - 2002)
E85 Z4 (2002 - present) Current US versions are 3.0 and 3.5
E52 Z8 (1999 - 2003) The Z8 was a limited production exotic. It’s very collectible today!

Prior to the "EXX" designations they just used a number like "501" or "507" etc...

More of a tidbit if you look at the model of the car you can see what it's motor and drive train are i.e.: 328xi= 3 Series (3), 2.8l motor (28), AWD (x), Fuel injected (i) or 635CSi= 6 Series (6), 3.5l motor (35), Competition Sport (this was a light weight car designed for racing and sold to the public) (CS), Fuel Injected (i)

Does that help out a bit?

Yes that helped greatly...I just like learning about all different kind of cars so this will be some good starter for some research and such...Thank You