March 07, 2016 12:00 AM
BMW 100 - Greatest hits
On its road to becoming the builder of ultimate driving machines, BMW produced a lot of memorable vehicles, ranging from a funky bubble car to its futuristic i series models.
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Introduced in 1968, the 2002 was developed from the New Class, but the shorter, lighter two-door featured agile driving dynamics that enhanced BMW's sporty image. The 2002 remains a collectors' favorite — and laid the groundwork for its successor, the 3 series.
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The first car sold by BMW, this was a rebadged Austin Seven built under license from the British automaker by a company that BMW purchased in 1928.
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With its smooth, sculpted lines, the 1930s sports car looks strikingly modern. The 1939 convertible remains a BMW icon.
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BMW's first post-World War II car entered production in 1952. Though not a huge sales success, its elegant styling re-established BMW as a luxury marque — and gave the 501 the nickname Baroque Angel.
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The first car designed by BMW, it was built from 1932-34.
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Designed by the Italian company Iso, the “bubble car” with entry through the front was built under license by several automakers, but most successfully by BMW from 1955-62. It was powered by a one-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine.
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Introduced in 1975, the 3 series sets the global standard in the compact performance segment. More than 40 years later, its rivals continue to cite it as their benchmark.
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Introduced in 1968, the 2002 was developed from the New Class, but the shorter, lighter two-door featured agile driving dynamics that enhanced BMW's sporty image. The 2002 remains a collectors' favorite — and laid the groundwork for its successor, the 3 series.
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BMW's first crossover appeared in 1999. The “Sports Activity Vehicle” blended comfort and performance while retaining an SUV profile.
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BMW's flagship sedan arrived in 1977. The second generation 10 years later offered V-8 and V-12 engine options, traction control and stability control. It has continued as a high-powered showcase for luxurious interiors and new technology.
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BMW began selling the electrified-drive i series in 2014 after extensively studying automotive sustainability. Built using carbon fiber from a hydropowered U.S. factory, the first two products couldn't have been more different: the electric i3 compact city car and the hybrid i8 high-end performance car.
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In 2004, BMW stuck its toe in the water with a compact smaller than the 3 series, which had grown in size and price over the years. The 1 series arrived in the U.S. in 2008.












Here's a sampling.