Other representatives of the "New Class" ("Neue Klasse") quickly followed after production of the BMW 1500 had started up successfully in 1962. Together with the BMW 1800 TI - the sportiest version of the New Class up to that point - the BMW 1800 celebrated its debut at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963. The well-balanced harmony of the car meant that the BMW 1800 generating 90 hp quickly developed into the best-selling model of this series and it remained in the product range until 1971.