View source for BMW New Class

{{confused|text= BMW's electric New Class - see [[BMW i#Project i 3.0: Neue Klasse|BMW i - Neue Klasse]] }}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = BMW 2000 Automatic 1X7A6555.jpg
| caption = BMW 2000
| name = BMW New Class
| manufacturer = [[BMW]]
| production = 1962–1972
| designer = [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]]
| assembly = {{ubl |West Germany: [[Munich]] |Indonesia: [[Jakarta]] ([[:de:Gaya Motor|Gaya Motor]])<!--1967-1980-->}}
| body_style = 4-door sedan <br /> 2-door [[Grand tourer|GT]] coupe
| related = [[BMW 02 Series]]
| successor = [[BMW 5 Series (E12)|BMW 5 Series]] for [[BMW 5 Series|sedans]] <br /> [[BMW E9]] for coupes
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|FR layout]]
| engine = 1.5-2.0&nbsp;L [[BMW M10|M10]] 4-cyl
}}

The '''BMW New Class''' ({{langx|de|Neue Klasse}}) is a line of sedans and coupes produced by West German automaker [[BMW]] between 1962 and 1972. These models ensured BMW's solvency after the company's financial crisis of the 1950s and again established the identity of BMW automobiles as luxury sports sedans.

The first New Class vehicle was the '''1500''', a 4-door [[compact executive car]] with the new [[BMW M10|M10]] (at the time called M115) [[Overhead camshaft engine|OHC]] 4-cylinder engine. In 1965, the '''2000''' C and 2000 CS luxury coupés were added to the range.

Replacement of the New Class models began with the 6-cylinder [[BMW E9|E9]] 2800 CS in 1969 replacing the 2000 C and 2000 CS coupés. In 1972 the 4-door sedans were replaced by the larger [[BMW E12|E12 5 Series]].

The New Class coupes introduced the [[Hofmeister kink]], which has been used on most BMW cars since. Another legacy of the New Class is the iconic [[BMW 02 Series|02 Series]], which are a shortened version of the New Class sedans.

==Overview==

===Background===
During the 1950s, the BMW line-up consisted of luxury cars with displacements of two litres or greater, economy cars powered by motorcycle engines, and motorcycles. With their luxury cars becoming increasingly outdated and unprofitable and their motorcycles and economy cars becoming less attractive to an increasingly affluent society, BMW needed a car in the 1.5 to 2&nbsp;litre class to become competitive.  Prototypes powered by a 1.6&nbsp;L engine based on one bank of the [[BMW OHV V8 engine]] were built and evaluated without a convincing result.<ref name="Norbye">{{cite book |last=Norbye |first=Jan P. |title=BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines |year=1984 |publisher=Publications International |location=Skokie, IL |isbn=0-517-42464-9 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb }}</ref>{{rp|pages=130–131}}

In 1960, [[Herbert Quandt|Herbert]] and [[Harald Quandt]] invested heavily in BMW, and gained a controlling interest in the company.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=134}} That year, the "Neue Klasse" project was begun. Led overall by [[Fritz Fiedler]], the project had Eberhard Wolff in charge of chassis design, [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]] in charge of styling and body engineering, and Alex von Falkenhausen in charge of engine design.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=136}} The team was to produce a new car with a new engine, which BMW had not done since the [[BMW 303|303]] in 1933.

The prototype was introduced in September 1961 at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1961|Frankfurt Motor Show]] as the BMW 1500 four-door saloon,<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=62}} alongside the [[BMW 3200 CS]], the last BMW with the OHV V8.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=131}}

The term ''New Class'' referred to the 1.5&ndash;2&ndash;liter class of automobiles from which BMW had been absent since World War II.

The car benefitted from meeting demand for the [[Borgward Isabella]]<ref>Christoph Bauer: [https://www.dw.com/en/vintage-bmw-1500/av-38481234 ''Vintage: BMW 1500''], [[DW-TV]] – ''motor mobil'', 19 April 2017 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWRYtncbBII (YouTube)]</ref> as [[Borgward]] had gone bust the year before.

===Chassis and body===
The [[Three-box styling|three-box]] four-door saloon was in many ways conventional, using a [[unibody|unitary]] structure and [[MacPherson strut]] front suspension which were becoming mainstream by the time of the 1500's introduction.<ref name=Autocar197411>{{cite magazine| editor-first = Peter | editor-last =Garnier | title =Buying Secondhand: BMW 1800 and 2000|magazine=[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] | volume = 141 (nbr 4074)| pages =54–56 |date = 23 November 1974|ref=Autocar1974}}</ref> Less conventional was the independent rear suspension, which featured coil springs and semi-trailing wishbones pivoted from a stout cross beam that also supported the differential housing.<ref name=Autocar197411/> While BMW was using [[MacPherson strut]]s for their first time on the New Class, they had used unit body construction on the 700 and semi-trailing arm rear suspension on the [[BMW 600|600]] and the 700.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=137}}<ref name=Noakes>{{cite book|last= Noakes |first= Andrew |title= The Ultimate History of BMW |year= 2005 |publisher= Parragon Publishing |location= Bath, UK |isbn=1-4054-5316-8}}</ref>{{refpage|page=62}} All New Class cars had front disc brakes.

===Engines===
{{Main|BMW M10}}
The [[BMW M10|M10]] [[overhead camshaft]] engine used in the New Class was required to displace 1.5&nbsp;L initially, with the possibility to be expanded to 1.8&nbsp;L.  Von Falkenhausen had earlier designed an engine prototype for possible use in the [[BMW 700]] and used this as a starting point for the M10.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=136}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=62}} The engine was canted over at 30 degrees to the right of vertical in order to allow for the low [[Hood (vehicle)|bonnet]] line, which also contributed to the styling of the car.<ref name=Autocar197411/>

=== Financial results ===
[[File:BMW-Umsatz-Gewinn-Verlust-1957-1965.png|thumb|right|BMW financial results 1957-1965]]
In the years preceding the New Class's 1962 release, BMW had recorded many operating losses. In 1962, the company broke even, with a turnover of DM&nbsp;294 million. In 1963, sales increased by 47% to DM&nbsp;433 million, and BMW was able to pay [[dividend]]s to its shareholders for the first time in 20 years.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=63}}

===Production figures===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Model !! Units
|-
| '''1500''' (1962−64) || 23,807<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1500">{{cite web |title=BMW 1500 |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824227 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624032321/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824227 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''1600''' (1964−66) || 10,278<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1600">{{cite web |title=BMW 1600 |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824682 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624030819/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824682 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''1800''' (1963−71) || 141,471<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1800">{{cite web |title=BMW 1800 |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825135 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616082848/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825135 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''1800 TI''' (1964−68) || 21,116<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1800ti">{{cite web |title=BMW 1800 TI |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824982 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| '''1800 TI/SA''' (1965) || 200<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1800tisa">{{cite web |title=BMW 1800 TI/SA |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824834 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000''' (1966−72) || 119,767<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826347 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620081141/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826347 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000 TI''' (1966−68) || 6,482<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000ti">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 TI |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826043 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619201147/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826043 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000 tilux''' (1966−71) || 17,440<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000tilux">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 tilux |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3884367 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620062523/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3884367 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000 tii''' (1970−71) || 1,952<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000tii">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 tii |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826195 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624030818/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3826195 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000 CS''' (1965−70) || 9,999<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000cs">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 CS |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825891 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621050320/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825891 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| '''2000 C''' (1966−70) || 3,692<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000c">{{cite web |title=BMW 2000 C Automatic/BMW 2000 C |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825739 |website=BMW Group Archive |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621044807/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3825739 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|}
{{clear}}

==New Class Sedans==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW New Class sedan
| image = 12-01-03-autostadtl-by-RalfR-21 (bearb Sp 6).jpg
| caption = BMW 1500
| aka = 1500,<br /> 1800, 1800 TI, 1800 TI/SA, <br /> 1600,<br /> 2000, 2000 TI, 2000 tilux, 2000 tii
| production = '''1500:''' 1962–1964<br />'''1800:''' 1963–1971<br />'''1600:''' 1964–1966<br />'''2000:''' 1966–1972
| successor = [[BMW E12]] ([[BMW 5 Series]])
| class = [[Luxury vehicle#Executive|Mid-size luxury]] / [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment|E]])
| body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]
| engine = [[BMW M10|M10]] 4-cyl<br />'''1500:''' 1,499&nbsp;cc<br />'''1800:''' 1,773&nbsp;cc (1963–1968),<br />1,766&nbsp;cc (1968–1971)<br />'''1600:''' 1573&nbsp;cc<br />'''2000:''' 1,990&nbsp;cc
| transmission = 4-speed manual<br />5-speed manual on 1800&nbsp;TI/SA<br />3-speed automatic optional on 1800/2000
| wheelbase = {{convert|2550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=137}}
| length = {{convert|4500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1710|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} <ref name=2000Folio>[https://www.carfolio.com/bmw-2000-56628 1966 BMW 2000 specifications – Carfolio.com]</ref><ref name=2000Perfs>[https://zeperfs.com/en/fiche4857-bmw-2000-ti.htm BMW 2000 TI (121) 120 PS (1966-›1970) Technical Specifications – ZePerfs.com]</ref>
| height = {{convert|1445|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} – {{convert|1450|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} <ref name=2000Folio/><ref name=2000Perfs/>
| designer = [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]]<br />[[Giovanni Michelotti]], consultant<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=61}}
}}

===1500===
[[File:BMW 1500 sedan at Volkswagen Autostadt in Wolfsburg.JPG|thumb|left|Rear 3/4 view of BMW 1500]]
Introduced in September 1961 at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1961|Frankfurt Motor Show]], the BMW 1500 entered regular production in October 1962 and was manufactured until December 1964.

The [[BMW M10|M10]] 4-cylinder engine used [[Stroke ratio#Oversquare or short-stroke engine|oversquare]] dimensions of {{convert|82|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} bore and {{convert|71|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} stroke produced {{convert|60|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} in the BMW 1500.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302/>

Contemporary reports praised the all-round visibility and the commanding driving position while recording that it was necessary to lean forward a little to engage first and third gears due to the long travel distance of the gear lever.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302>{{cite magazine| editor-first = Bernd| editor-last = Ostmann| title =Vor 40 Jahren: Bayern Vier|magazine= [[Auto, Motor und Sport]]| volume = 2003 Heft 2|page=162|date = 8 January 2003|ref=AMSJan03}}</ref> The large 40&nbsp;cm tall luggage compartment was also commended.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302/>

The 1500 could accelerate to {{convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} in approximately 15 seconds.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302/> The performance was at the time considered lively in light of the engine size, and although the engine needed to be worked hard in order to achieve rapid progress, it ran smoothly even at speeds above 6,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302/> The firm suspension and correspondingly harsh ride surprised those conditioned by the [[BMW 501]] to anticipate a more comfort-oriented suspension setup.<ref name=AutoMotorundSport200302/>

Notable problems that developed with the 1500 included separation of the semi-trailing arm mounts from the body, rear axle failure, and gearbox problems.  These were resolved in later versions of the New Class sedan.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=64}}

The 1500 was replaced in 1964 by the 1600,<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=139}} but it was still made available in markets where capacities greater than 1500&nbsp;cc incurred higher tax rates.

===1800===
[[File:BMW 1800 TI-SA 1965 white vr TCE.jpg|thumb|left|1965 BMW 1800 TI/SA]]
Introduced in September 1963, the BMW 1800 was the second member of the New Class family. This model had an M10 engine with an {{convert|84|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} bore and {{convert|80|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} stroke, giving a displacement of 1,773&nbsp;cc. It produced {{convert|67|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,250 rpm and {{convert|130|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,000 rpm.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|pages=140–141}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=64–66}}

The 1800&nbsp;TI (Turismo Internazionale) model featured components developed for the 1800 by the tuning company [[Alpina]].<ref name=walker>{{cite magazine|last=Walker|first=Steve|title=1800 TiSA|magazine=[[Roundel (magazine)|Roundel]]|date=April 2014|pages=82–85|publisher=[[BMW Car Club of America]]|issn=0889-3225}}</ref> The upgrades included dual [[Solex Carburetor|Solex]] PHH two-barrel side-draft [[carburetor]]s and higher-compression pistons for {{convert|82|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,800 rpm and {{convert|136|Nm|lbft|abbr=on}} at 4,000 rpm;<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}} an [[Sway bar|anti-roll bar]] was also added to the front suspension.

A [[Homologation (motorsport)|homologation special]], the 1800&nbsp;TI/SA, was introduced in 1964.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=64–66}}<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}} (The SA stood for '''''S'''onder'''a'''usführung'', or "special version".) The TI/SA's engine had dual [[Weber carburetor|Weber]] DCOE-45 two-barrel carburetors<ref name="ConceptCarz">{{cite web| url = http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13588/BMW-1800.aspx| title = 1966 BMW 1800| website = www.conceptcarz.com | access-date  = 2013-02-23}}</ref> and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. This engine produced {{convert|97|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,100 rpm and {{convert|144|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 5,250 rpm. The TI/SA also had a Getrag five-speed gearbox, a stronger front anti-roll bar as well as a new anti-roll bar at the rear, and larger-diameter [[Disc brake|brake discs]] than the TI. 200 examples of the TI/SA were built<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=64–66}} and were only sold to licensed racing and sports drivers.

For the 1966 model year, a three-speed [[automatic transmission]] option was introduced.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1800"/> In the 1969 model year, the 1800 was generally updated along with the 2000. The 1800's former {{convert|1773|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} engine was replaced by an engine with the {{convert|89|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} bore of the 2000's 2.0&nbsp;L engine and the original {{convert|71|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} stroke of the 1500's and 1600's engines, which resulted in a displacement of {{convert|1766|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} and a [[Stroke ratio#Stroke/bore ratio|stroke/bore ratio]] of 0.798:1 (compared with the previous 1800 engine's ratio of 0.952:1).<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=144}}. Other updates included a dual-circuit brake system for greater braking reliability, an improved cabin heating/ventilation system, a modernized dashboard design, and styling changes to the front grilles. In its last year of production (1971), the 1800 got the same rectangular headlights and wide taillights as the 2000.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw1800"/>

===1600===
[[File:BMW 1600 (3568123910) (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|BMW 1600 (116)]]
The 1600 New Class sedan, introduced as the replacement to the 1500 in 1964, used the {{convert|84|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} bore of the 1800 with the 1500's {{convert|71|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} stroke, resulting in a displacement of 1,573&nbsp;cc,<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=64}}<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}} a power output of  {{convert|62|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,500 rpm and {{convert|113|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,000 rpm. The 1600 New Class sedan was produced until early 1966.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}}

(Around the time BMW discontinued the 1600 New Class sedan, it introduced a shorter two-door model under the same "1600" name; this model, also known as the 1600-2, was the first in what would later be called the [[BMW 02 Series|02 Series]].)
{{-}}

===2000===
[[File:BMW-2000.JPG|thumb|left|2000 Automatic, the automatic transmission version]]
[[File:BMW-2000-Heck.JPG|thumb|The 2000 Automatic's rear, showing the 2000's wide taillights]]
[[File:BMW 2000 TI BMW-Museum.jpg|thumb|A 2000 TI with round headlights in racing trim]]
[[File:BMW 2000 tii vr neonyellow TCE.jpg|thumb|BMW 2000 tii]]
The engines from the 2000 C and 2000 CS coupes were used in the 4-door sedan body for the 2000 and 2000 TI models. The 2000 sedan, released in 1965, used the {{convert|75|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} engine from the 2000 C, and like the 2000 C, it had an option for a three-speed automatic transmission. The 2000 TI sedan, released in 1966, used the {{convert|90|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} engine from the 2000 CS with twin [[Solex Carburetor|Solex]] PHH two-barrel side-draft [[carburetor]]s<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|pages=142–143}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=67}} and a higher compression ratio. In addition to its more powerful engine, the 2000 TI also had front and rear anti-roll bars and somewhat wider wheel rims and tires than the 2000.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000ti"/>

Intended as an upscale version of the 1800, the 2000 featured unique rectangular headlights, distinctive wide taillights, and more exterior trim. (U.S. government regulations of the period put severe restrictions on headlight shape, so 2000 sedans for the U.S. market replaced the rectangular headlights with two pairs of individual round headlights, similar to the arrangement used a few years later in the [[BMW New Six|BMW 2500]] sedan.) The 2000 TI retained the round headlights and vertically-arranged taillights of the 1800 and other earlier New Class sedans, and it was otherwise less well-equipped than its 2000 sibling.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000ti"/> Introduced soon after the 2000 and 2000 TI, the more luxurious 2000 tilux combined the 2000 TI's sportier engine and chassis with the 2000's exterior styling and higher-grade interior and accessories,<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=143}}<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000tilux"/> including a wood dashboard and optional leather seats.

In a 1967 test, ''[[Road & Track]]'' felt that the 2000 sedan was "the best performing 2-liter sedan in today's market and the best handling and best riding as well."{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}

For the 1969 model year, the 2000 got the same general updates mentioned above for the 1800: dual-circuit brakes for reliable braking even in the event of partial failure, better heating and ventilation for the interior, an updated dashboard layout, and a restyled front grille.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000"/>

In 1969, BMW introduced the final model in the New Class sedan series, the 2000 tii ('touring international, injected'). This was BMW's first fuel-injected model, featuring [[Kugelfischer]] mechanical fuel injection.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=144}} The 2000 tii produced {{convert|97|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5,800 rpm and {{convert|178|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4,500 rpm.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=74}} Apart from its improved, fuel-injected engine, the 2000 tii had features similar to the 2000 tilux; a total of 1,952 examples of it were built.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=144}}

===Production volumes===
Note that not all models are included.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Model !! 1600 !! 1800 !! 1800&nbsp;TI !! 1800&nbsp;TI/SA
|-
| 1963 || || || 8,346 ||
|-
| 1964 || 2,131 || 25,063 || 8,191 ||
|-
| 1965 || 6,395 || 38,048 || 12,427 || 200
|-
| 1966 || 1,202 || 13,393 || 4 ||
|-
| 1967 || || 8,893 || 419 ||
|-
| 1968 || || 7,777 || 67 ||
|-
| 1969 || || 11,273 || 1 ||
|-
| 1970 || || 14,367 || ||
|-
| 1971 || || 7,654 || || 
|-
| Total || '''9,728''' || '''134,814''' || '''21,116''' || '''200''' 
|}

==New Class Coupés==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = BMW 2000 C <br> BMW 2000 CS
| image = BMW 2000 CS 1.jpg
| caption = BMW 2000 CS
| manufacturer = [[BMW]]
| production = 1965–1969
| assembly = West Germany: [[Rheine]] (by [[Karmann]])
| predecessor = [[BMW 3200 CS]]
| successor = [[BMW E9|BMW 2800 CS]]
| class = [[Grand tourer]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout|FR layout]]
| platform = BMW New Class
| engine = 2.0&nbsp;L [[overhead camshaft|OHC]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]<br />2000 C: single carburettor, {{Convert|100|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm<br />2000 CS: two carburettors, {{Convert|120|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm
| transmission = 4-speed manual<br />3-speed automatic (available on 2000 C only)
| wheelbase = {{convert|2550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="Carfolio2000C">{{Cite web| url = http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=128260| title= 1965 BMW 2000 C | website= www.carfolio.com}}</ref>
| length = {{convert|4530|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="Carfolio2000C" />
| width = {{convert|1675|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="Carfolio2000C" />
| height = {{convert|1360|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="Carfolio2000C" />
| weight = 
| related = BMW New Class<br />[[BMW E9]]
| designer = [[Wilhelm Hofmeister (automobile designer)|Wilhelm Hofmeister]]
| sp = uk
}}

The '''BMW New Class coupé''' range, which comprised the '''BMW 2000 C''' and '''BMW 2000 CS''', was a [[coupé]] body style built by [[Karmann]] for BMW from the summer of 1965<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=66–67}} to 1969. In 1965, BMW ended production of their [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]]-bodied [[BMW 3200 CS|3200 CS]] [[coupé]], the last of their line of [[BMW OHV V8 engine|V8 powered]] luxury cars from the 1950s. BMW decided to continue with a [[Coachbuilder|coachbuilt]] coupé. Based on the New Class platform, the 2000 C and 2000 CS introduced the 2.0&nbsp;L version of the [[BMW M10|M10]] 4-cylinder engine and replaced the 3200 CS as BMW's [[flagship product|flagship model]] in 1965.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|page=66}}.  The New Class coupes were replaced by the [[BMW E9|E9]] coupés, which were based on a stretched 2000 CS chassis and use a 6-cylinder engine.

===Technical===
The New Class coupé was developed from the New Class sedans to showcase the 2.0&nbsp;L version of the [[BMW M10|M10]] engine used in the sedans.  The new displacement of {{Convert|1990|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} was achieved with the {{Convert|80|mm|in}} stroke of the 1.8&nbsp;L version combined with an {{convert|89|mm|in}} bore. The coupé was built for BMW by [[Karmann]] in [[Rheine]]<ref>{{cite web|title=1961 to 1970|url= http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html |work=Karmann Company History |publisher=Karmann.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090506065133/http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html |archive-date=6 May 2009 |access-date=2 December 2022}}</ref> and available as the 2000 C, with a single-carburettor engine delivering {{convert|100|hp|kW|0}} at 5500 rpm, or as the 2000 CS with a higher-compression engine equipped with dual twin-barrel carburettors and delivering {{convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=66–67}} The 2000 CS had a four-speed [[manual transmission]],<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000cs"/> while the 2000 C (first introduced in 1965 as the 2000 C Automatic) originally came with a three-speed [[automatic transmission]]. Starting in 1967 the 2000 C was also offered with the four-speed manual.<ref name="bmwgrouparchive bmw2000c"/>

===Styling===
[[File:BMW 2000 C.jpg|thumb|left|BMW 2000 C]]
[[File:1968 BMW 2000CA coupé USA.jpg|thumb|left|The front end of the 2000 C/CS as sold in North America]]
[[File:Oldtimer Show 2008 - 023 - BMW 2000CS.jpg|thumb|left|Full frontal shot of the 2000 CS]]
The New Class coupé was introduced just after the [[BMW 3200 CS|3200 CS]] coupé was discontinued.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=66–67}} The styling was based on the New Class sedan, with an all-new front end.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}}<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=66–67}} The headlights were behind a glass fairing, and the grill consisted solely of a chromed BMW "double-kidney" at the centre of the front.  Apart from chrome accents around the headlights and along the top of the front end, the rest of the front was painted metal, with a row of vertical slots behind the bumper on each side to admit air for cooling and engine induction.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=145}}<ref name=8up_E9>{{cite web| url= http://ateupwithmotor.com/sports-cars-and-muscle-cars/130-from-bavaria-with-love-bmw-cs-coupes.html| title       = From Bavaria with Love: The BMW E9 Coupes | website= www.ateupwithmotor.com| date = 17 November 2008 }}</ref> Unlike the sedan, the coupe featured a [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|pillarless]] design, with no [[B pillar]] between the front and rear side windows. Reactions to the front end styling have been mixed; Norbye describes it as "a blunt, unattractive front end",<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=141}} Severson agrees, calling the front clip "odd-looking" and stating that the details of the front end "do no favors for the looks",<ref name="8up_E9" /> while Noakes disagrees, referring to its "imposing front end" being "tidier than the Bertone body's fussy nose" in comparison to the 3200 CS.<ref name=Noakes/>{{refpage|pages=66–67}} 
{{clear}}

===Production===
Of the 13,691 New Class coupés built between 1965 and the end of production in mid-1969,<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=142}} 9,999 were twin carburettor 2000 CS coupés, 3,249 were single carburettor 2000 C coupés with automatic transmission, and 443 were 2000 C coupés with manual transmission.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=251}}

===Replacement===
[[File:BMWE9CSa.jpg|thumb|The New Class coupé evolved into the [[BMW E9]] of the late 1960s and early 1970s]]
{{Main|BMW E9}}
In 1968, the New Class coupés were replaced by the six-cylinder '''New Six CS''' ([[BMW E9|E9]]) models, which have a longer wheelbase and longer front clip to accommodate the [[BMW M30|M30]] engine.  The front end styling was also modified to resemble that of the New Six ([[BMW New Six|E3]]) sedans.<ref name=Norbye />{{refpage|page=168}}

At the [[Paris Motor Show]] in 1968, BMW displayed a concept vehicle called the 2000ti Coupe, a coupe designed by Pietro Frua of the [[Hans Glas GmbH|Glas]] car company (which BMW had taken over two years earlier).<ref>{{cite web|title=Rare BMW concepts from the sixties|url=http://bimmerin.net/articles/rare-BMW-concepts-from-the-sixties.php|website=www.bimmerin.net|access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Creazioni Pietro Frua 1960–1969|url=http://www.pietro-frua.de/fahrzeuge_1960.htm|website=www.pietro-frua.de|access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref> The 2000ti did not reach production.
{{clear}}

== 02 Series ==
{{main|BMW 02 Series}}
The "02 Series" range of two-door sedans, coupes and convertibles began production in 1966, and was based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedan platform.

==Motorsport==
* A BMW 1800 TI/SA won the 1965 [[Spa 24 Hours]] touring car race.
* A BMW 2000 TI won the 1966 [[Spa 24 Hours]] touring car race.
* [[Hubert Hahne]] won the 1966 [[European Touring Car Challenge]] (Division 3) driving a BMW 2000 TI.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine | editor-first=James T. | editor-last=Crow | title=Two BMWs |magazine=Road & Track Road Test Annual | year=1968 | pages = 61–65}}

==External links==
{{commons category|BMW New Class}}

{{BMW cars: 1960s to 1980s}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw New Class}}
[[Category:BMW vehicle series|New Class]]
[[Category:Compact executive cars]]
[[Category:Sports sedans]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:BMW vehicles|New Class]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1972]]
[[Category:Cars of Indonesia]]