When you’re researching a specific model year, it’s helpful to see the whole lineup at a glance — whether you’re shopping, comparing options, or just curious about how a brand’s range was structured that year. BMW’s 2008 offerings covered everything from entry-level compacts to dedicated performance machines.
There are 14 2008 BMW Models, ranging from 1 Series to Z4 M. The list is organized with Series & code,Body style,Engines (L / hp), which you’ll find below.
Which 2008 BMW models should I look at for the best performance?
Focus on the M-badged cars — notably the M3 and Z4 M — as they were factory-tuned for higher output and sharper handling; check the Engines (L / hp) column to compare power figures and the Series & code to confirm the exact generation when shopping.
How can I use the table below to choose the right 2008 BMW for me?
Use the Series & code to identify chassis and production details, Body style to match your needs (coupe, sedan, convertible), and Engines (L / hp) to compare fuel economy and power; together these columns make it easy to narrow choices before deeper research or test drives.
2008 Bmw Models
Model | Series & code | Body style | Engines (L / hp) |
---|---|---|---|
1 Series | 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) | 3-/5-door hatch, coupe, convertible | 1.6–3.0 L / 115–265 hp |
3 Series (Sedan/Touring) | 3 Series (E90/E91) | Sedan, wagon (Touring) | 2.0–3.0 L / 115–300 hp |
3 Series (Coupe/Convertible) | 3 Series Coupe/Convertible (E92/E93) | Coupe, convertible | 2.0–3.0 L / 170–300 hp |
M3 | M3 (E90/E92/E93) | Sedan, coupe, convertible | 4.0 L / 414 hp |
5 Series | 5 Series (E60/E61) | Sedan, wagon | 2.0–4.8 L / 170–360 hp |
M5 | M5 (E60) | Sedan | 5.0 L / ~500 hp |
6 Series | 6 Series (E63/E64) | Coupe, convertible | 3.0–4.8 L / 255–360 hp |
M6 | M6 (E63/E64) | Coupe, convertible | 5.0 L / ~500 hp |
7 Series | 7 Series (E65/E66) | Luxury sedan (standard & long-wheelbase) | 3.0–6.0 L / 235–438 hp |
Z4 | Z4 (E85/E86) | Roadster, coupe | 2.0–3.0 L / 150–265 hp |
Z4 M | Z4 M (E85/E86) | Roadster, coupe | 3.2 L / ~330 hp |
X3 | X3 (E83) | Compact SUV | 2.0–3.0 L / 150–260 hp |
X5 | X5 (E70) | Mid-size SUV | 3.0–4.8 L / 235–360 hp |
X6 | X6 (E71) | Coupe-like SUV (crossover) | 3.0–4.4 L / 300–350 hp |
Images and Descriptions

1 Series
Compact BMW introduced earlier in the decade and sold worldwide in 2008; hatchbacks, coupé and convertible variants were marketed. Popular in Europe and emerging US coupe import; engines ranged from 1.6L I4 (~115 hp) up to 3.0L I6 (~265 hp).

3 Series (Sedan/Touring)
BMW’s compact executive sedan and wagon family sold globally in 2008. The E90/E91 lineup offered 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, roughly 2.0–3.0L delivering about 115–300 hp; widely praised for balanced handling and broad market availability.

3 Series (Coupe/Convertible)
E92 coupe and E93 convertible editions of the 3 Series were sold in 2008 alongside the sedan. Typical engines spanned 2.0–3.0L (around 170–300 hp); offered in Europe, North America and other markets, emphasizing sportier styling and chassis tuning.

M3
M division high-performance 3 Series in 2008 included E90 sedan, E92 coupe and E93 convertible. Powered by a 4.0L V8 producing about 414 hp, it was sold worldwide and praised for its high‑revving engine and strong track-capable performance.

5 Series
Mid-size executive 5 Series (E60 sedan, E61 wagon) sold globally in 2008 with petrol and diesel engines ranging from about 2.0L four-cylinders to 4.8L V8s, producing roughly 170–360 hp. Notable for advanced electronics and mid-cycle option updates.

M5
M performance version of the 5 Series (E60) sold in 2008; powered by a 5.0L V10 producing around 500 hp depending on market. Available worldwide, notable for a racing-derived V10 and sophisticated chassis technology.

6 Series
Luxury grand tourer 6 Series (E63 coupe, E64 convertible) offered in 2008 with straight-six and V8 engines—typically 3.0–4.8L producing about 255–360 hp. Sold in Europe, North America and other markets, emphasized comfort, luxury options and grand-touring dynamics.

M6
M division 6 Series (E63 coupe, E64 convertible) in 2008 used a 5.0L V10 producing roughly 500 hp, bringing M5-derived performance to a luxury coupe/convertible. Sold in key markets worldwide and noted for combining performance with refined GT appointments.

7 Series
BMW flagship 7 Series (E65/E66) sold globally in 2008 with long-wheelbase (Li) options. Engines ranged 3.0–6.0L V6/V8/V12 and diesels, producing about 235–438 hp. The 2008 period included a facelift and equipment updates in many markets.

Z4
Z4 two-seat roadster and coupe (E85/E86) were on sale in 2008, offered with 2.0–3.0L four- and six-cylinder engines producing roughly 150–265 hp. Popular in Europe, North America and select markets as a sporty open-top BMW option.

Z4 M
Z4 M (E85/E86) performance variant sold in 2008 with a 3.2L S54 inline-six making about 330 hp. Offered in coupe and roadster forms in Europe, North America and other markets, noted for sharp handling and M-specific upgrades.

X3
Compact luxury SUV X3 (E83) sold worldwide in 2008 with petrol and diesel engines roughly 2.0–3.0L delivering about 150–260 hp. Marketed as a nimble BMW SUV alternative; popular in Europe and North America.

X5
Mid-size luxury SUV X5 (E70) was BMW’s global SUV offering in 2008 with petrol and diesel engines from about 3.0–4.8L, producing roughly 235–360 hp. Notable for increased size versus the previous generation and wide worldwide market presence.

X6
X6 (E71) debuted for sale in 2008 as BMW’s coupe-like crossover, blending SUV space with coupe styling. Engines included 3.0–4.4L petrol options producing roughly 300–350 hp; launched in Europe, North America and select global markets as a new niche model.