Current and near future products

The current BMW model lineup is split into what they call "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.

In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered models sedans and estates or wagons (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered models will be two-door coupes and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.

Coupe versions of the 3 Series sedans have always been named 3 Series vehicles, as well. The company had considered renaming future 2-door derivatives of the 3 Series as 4 Series cars, but this plan has reportedly been shelved.

The M letter was used prior to the shift to Series-named cars to designate special "Motorsport" models, beginning with the M1 supercar. Later the M letter was used as a prefix to top-of-the-range models which had received special treatment by the BMW Motorsport division. The first such car was the M535i of 1979. As these models started gaining popularity the Motorsport division was split into a separate company. BMW M GmbH now makes sporty models based on the production cars with very extensive chassis and engine upgrades. The M3 and M5 are based respectively on the 3 and 5 Series and are recognised by enthusiasts all over the world as truly excellent sports cars while retaining the practicality of the models they extend.

With the advent of the SUV, BMW also added the X5 - and in 2004 the X3 - to their model range to capitalize on this growing market. BMW calls its SUV models Sports Activity Vehicles. A possible future V Series will offer MPV practicality for large families, similar to the Renault Scenic.

* 1 Series: a small car launched in autumn 2004 in Europe; autumn 2006 in the USA. It is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class. A coupe has been announced for 2006, and there are concepts of a hatchback and a minivan. Plans to label these variants as 2 Series have reportedly been scrubbed.
* 3 Series: the successor to the 2002; a compact entry-level luxury sedan, now in its fifth generation (E90). The E90 line (starting with the 2006 model year) is available now in the United States. The E90 is currently available in the 325i (with a detuned 3.0 L I6 engine producing 215 bhp) and the 330i (with a 3.0 L I6 engine producing 255 bhp) as well as the AWD-versions of these 2 models, named 325xi and 330xi. Currently the 3 series coupe and convertible is only available in the fourth generation E46 body style (with a 2.5 L I6 producing 184 bhp for the 325ci/cic and a 3.0 L I6 producing 225 bhp for the 330ci/cic) until the middle of 2006 when the E90 coupes will be available. Also available is the all wheel drive Touring (wagon) model, the 325xiT. Other models, including diesel models, are available outside of the United States.
o M3: The motorsport division's race-inspired version of the 3 Series. Currently available only in the fourth generation E46 body style and with a 3.2 L engine producing 333 bhp. A new revision is expected in 2007 with a 400 horsepower V8.

* 5 Series: a midsize sports/luxury sedan. This series has is available with three different engines: the 525i with the same engine as the 325i, the 530i with the same engine as the 330i, and the 545i with a 4.4 L V8 producing 325 bhp. For the 2006 model year, the 545i will be phased out in favour of the 550i, with a 4.8 L V8 producing 360 bhp. Other models, including diesel models, are available outside of the United States.
o M5: The motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (E60) is powered by an F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 bhp and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission.
* 6 Series: The coupe verson of the 5 series, the 6 series is currently available only in the 645i version with a 4.4 L V8 producing 325 bhp. For the 2007 model year, the 630i (with the same engine as the 530i) and the 650i (with the same engine as the 550i) will be available.
o M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it powered by the same 5.0 L V10 507 bhp engine seen in the BMW M5.
* 7 Series: a full-size, executive-class, luxury car competing with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. The 7 series comes in the 750i and 750Li with the same engine as the 550i, and in the 760i and 760Li, with a 6.0 L V12 producing 438 bhp. The 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version for clients who need extra protection.
* X3: a small SUV with emphasis on practicality and affordability
* X5: BMW's first SUV (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) competing against the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes M-Class.
* Z4: a two-seater roadster and coupe that succeeded the Z3. Available in 2.5 L and 3.0 L models.
o M Z4 The BMW M Z4 coupe is planned for production as a 2006 model.
* Z10: A 2+2 coupe to succeed the Z8, to be produced in 2008

Out of production

* M1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.
* Z3: a compact two-seater roadster.
o M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular with enthusiasts
* 8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupe of the 1990s meant to replace the older 6 Series.
* Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for the feature of the vertically sliding doors.
* Z8: flagship sports car; design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting roadster was built on a aluminium space frame design.