Diecast BMW

Bavarian Motor Works, or BMW as it's known to most of us has been a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles since 1916.  Based in Germany, BMW makes some of the world's finest automobiles.

The current BMW lineup consists of different series', each differentiated by size and target market, but all with a very distinctive BMW style. 



BMW 1 Series

The smallest and least expensive is the 1 Series, which debuted in 2004.  While it looks similar to a 3 series in styling, it has a smaller wheelbase and engine.  The base engine is a 1.6 litre, 4 cylinder while a 2.0L diesel and a 3.0L 6 cylinder are also available.  The BMW 1 series has been very popular with customers looking for luxury at a budget price.  It could be said that the 1 Series is for those with "champagne taste on a beer budget".  The 1 Series currently is available in a 5 door hatchback, 3 door hatchback, 2 door sedan and a 2 door convertible.

BMW 3 Series

Next in the BMW lineup is the BMW 3 series.  Introduced in 1975, this popular car has been BMW's best selling car since 2005.  Over the years, the 3 Series has been a popular choice for luxury car buyers, that want style, luxury, performance and practicality.  With a redesign in 2005, the BWM 3 series comes in a 2 door coupe, 2 door convertible, 4 door sedan and a 4 door station wagon.  A smooth, 6 speed transmission is available in either automatic or manual.  As for engine size, there are a number of different engines available including 2-4 cylinder engines, a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder, 3.0l I6 turbo, 2litre 4 cylinder diesel, 3 litre, I6 diesel and the Twin turbo diesel 3.0L I6.  For the performance oriented, the BMW M3 is a fast, sporty car that has managed to combine luxury with performance like very few other cars on the road today, without being totally impractical.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 series has been in the BMW lineup since 1972 with several re-designs over the years, with the most recent in 2004.  Slightly larger and more expensive than the 3 series, the 5 series BMW comes in a 4 door sedan or a 4 door station wagon with a whole host of engines sizes and 3 different transmissions.  The powerful BMW M5 is the performance version of the 5 series, which includes a 500hp V10 with a 7 speed manual transmission.

BMW 6 Series

The BMW 6 series considered a grand touring luxury sport coupe.  It's based on the BMW 5 series, but is available in a 2 door coupe or 2 door convertible and a high performance version is available, which follows the other performance models - the M6.  The 6 Series was available in the late 1980's, but disappeared for 15 years before returning in 2004.

BMW 7 Series

This flagship luxury sedan carrying the BMW name, it rivals the worlds most expensive and luxurious automobiles.  This long wheelbase luxury sedan competes in price and features with the Mercedes CLS and S class sedans as well as luxury cars made by Jaguar and Lexus and many other manufacturers.  Some of the most unique features are set aside for the BMW 7 Series including a hydrogen powered model as well as a bulletproof model.  It's available in only a 4 door sedan with a whole host of engines and transmissions, including a V-12 engine.

BMW X3 & X5 Series

As the SUV and crossover craze hit the world, BMW responded by building the X3 and X5 series.  The X3, the smaller of the two comes with an inline 6 cylinder engine and BMW's xDrive all wheel drive system.

The X5 is a larger  version which entered the market in 1999, available in either a 6 cylinder and 8 cylinder model and also a I6 diesel.  The only transmission available is a 6 speed automatic.

BMW X6

One of the most unique BMW's to come along in many years, the X6 is considered a crossover SUV.  It was released in 2008 with dramatic styling, huge wheels and an all wheel drive system.  With either 6 cylinder or 8 cylinder versions available, all models come with a 6 speed transmission.  Both gas and diesel engines are available and because of the efficiencies of the diesel engines, they're expected to sell very well.

BMW Z3 & Z4

BMW's roadster - The Z3 was introduced in 1996 as a 2 seat roadster, availble in either coupe or convertible.  It was replaced in 2006 with the Z4 Roadster.  A high performance variant is available called the Z4 M Roadster.

Vintage BMW

Because of BMW's long history, several notable vintage models exist and are worth collecting, both the actual car and diecast models.  The BMW 2002 which was built from 1966-1972, or the BMW 1500 which helped BMW avoid bankruptcy are just two vintage models that are worth looking at.

For Diecast car collectors, BMW offers a rich history of building exceptional cars and no diecast collection should be without at least one diecast BMW.