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For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation).
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Company typeAktiengesellschaft
(ISIN: DE0005190003, FWB: BMW)
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1913 by Karl Friedrich Rapp
Headquarters
Germany Munich
,
Germany
Key people
Germany Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chief Executive Officer
ProductsAutomobiles
Motorcycles
RevenueIncrease €49billion (2006)
13,999,000,000 Euro (2022) Edit this on Wikidata
18,582,000,000 Euro (2022) Edit this on Wikidata
Total assets228,034,000,000 Euro (2019) Edit this on Wikidata
Number of employees
106,179 (First quarter 2006)
105,798 (2005)
SubsidiariesMINI
Rolls-Royce
Websitewww.bmw.com

BMW, or Bavarian Motor Works, is an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands. It is also one of the leading German car manufacturers.


History

BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany.
R32: the first BMW motorcycle
1938 328
1954 BMW 502 V8 Super
The characteristic paired oval intakes were first seen on the BMW 303 in the early 1930s. Shown here is a BMW 2002.

Pre-WWII

BMW was founded by Karl Rapp originally as an engine manufacturer, Rapp Motor. adam Motoren Werke GmbH was founded as a successor company to Rapp Motor on July 21, 1917. [1] The Milbertshofen district of Munich was chosen, apparently because it was close to the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik site. The blue-and-white roundel BMW logo, which is still used (illustrated above right) alludes to the white and blue checkered flag of Bavaria. It is often said to symbolize a spinning white propeller on a blue-sky background, although this interpretation developed after the logo was already in use. [1]

In 1916 the company secured a contract to build V12 engines for Austro-Daimler. Needing extra financing, Rapp gained the support of Camillo Castiglioni, Cornelius Jagdmann and Max Friz, the company was reconstituted as the Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. Over-expansion caused difficulties; Rapp left and the company was taken over by the Austrian industrialist Franz Josef Popp in 1917, and named BMW AG in 1918. [2]

After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) prohibited the production of aircraft in Germany. Otto closed his factory and BMW switched to manufacturing railway brakes.[2]

In 1919 BMW designed its first motorcycle engine, used in a model called the Victoria, which was built by a company in Nuremberg. [3]

In 1924 BMW built its first model motorcycle, the R32. This had a 500 cc air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, a feature that would resonate among their various models for decades to come, albeit with displacement increases and newer technology. The major innovation was the use of a driveshaft instead of a chain to drive the rear wheel. For decades to follow, the shaft-drive boxer engine was the mark of the BMW motorcycle. [3]

In 1927 the tiny Dixi, an Austin Seven produced under licence, began production in Eisenach. BMW bought the Dixi Company the following year, and this became the company's first car, the BMW 3/15. By 1933 BMW was producing cars that could be called truly theirs, offering steadily more advanced I6 sports and saloons (sedans). The pre-war cars culminated in the 327 coupé and convertible, the 328 roadster, fast 2.0 L cars, both very advanced for their time, as well as the upscale 335 luxury sedan.

World War II

BMW motorcycles, specifically the BMW R12 and the BMW R75 combination were used extensively by the Aufklärungsabteilung of German panzer and motorised divisions of the German Army, Waffen SS and Luftwaffe.

BMW was also a major supplier of engines; supplying the Luftwaffe with engines and vehicles, and the Wehrmacht with motorcycles. Planes using the aero-engines included the BMW 801, one of the most powerful available. Over 30,000 were manufactured up to 1945. BMW also researched jet engines, producing the BMW 003, and rocket-based weapons. BMW has admitted to using between 25,000 and 30,000 slave labourers during this period, consisting of both prisoners of war and inmates of infamous concentration camps such as Dachau [4].

The BMW works were heavily bombed towards the end of the war. Of its sites, those in eastern Germany (Eisenach-Dürrerhof, Wandlitz-Basdorf and Zühlsdorf) were seized by the Soviets. The factory in Munich was largely destroyed.[5]

Post-war history

After the war the Munich factory took some time to restart production in any volume. BMW was banned from manufacturing for three years by the Allies and did not produce a motorcycle, the R24, until 1948, and a car model until 1952.[6]

In the east, the company's factory at Eisenach was taken over by the Soviet Awtowelo group which formed finally the Eisenacher Motor-Werke. That company offered "BMWs" for sale until 1951, when the Bavarian company prevented use of the trademarks: the name, the logo and the "double-kidney" radiator grille.

The cars and motorcycles were then branded EMW (Eisenacher Motoren-Werke), production continuing until 1955.

In the west, the BAC, Bristol Aeroplane Company, inspected the factory, and returned to Britain with plans for the 326, 327 and 328 models. These plans, which became official war reparations, along with BMW engineer Fritz Fiedler allowed the newly formed Bristol Cars to produce a new, high-quality sports saloon (sedan), the 400 by 1947, a car so similar to the BMW 327 that it even kept the famous BMW grille.

In 1948 BMW produced its first postwar motorcycle and in 1952 it produced its first passenger car since the war. However, its car models were not commercially successful; models such as the acclaimed BMW 507 and 503 were too expensive to build profitably and were low volume.

By the late 1950s, it was also making bubble-cars such as the Isetta.

In 1959 BMW's management suggested selling the whole concern to Daimler-Benz. Major shareholder, Herbert Quandt was close to agreeing such a deal, but changed his mind at the last minute because of opposition from the workforce and trade unions and advice from the board chairman, Kurt Golda. Instead Quandt increased his share in BMW to 50% against the advice of his bankers, and he was instrumental in turning the company around.

That same year, BMW launched the 700, a small car with an air-cooled, rear-mounted 697 cc boxer engine from the R67 motorcycle. Its bodywork was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and the 2+2 model had a sporty look. There was also a more powerful RS model for racing. Competition successes in the 700 began to secure BMW's reputation for sports sedans.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, BMW launched the 1500, a powerful compact sedan, with front disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension. This modern specification further cemented BMW's reputation for sporting cars. It was the first BMW to officially feature the "Hofmeister kink", the rear window line that has been the hallmark of all BMWs since then.

The "New Class" 1500 was developed into 1600 and 1800 models. In 1966, the two-door version of the 1600 was launched, along with a convertible in 1967. These models were called the '02' series—the 2002 being the most famous—and began the bloodline that later developed into the BMW 3 Series.

By 1963, with the company back on its feet, BMW offered dividends to its shareholders for the first time since before World War II.

By 1966, the Munich plant had reached the limits of its production capacity. Although BMW had initially planned to build an entirely new factory, the company bought the crisis-ridden Hans Glas GmbH with its factories in Dingolfing and Landshut. Both plants were restructured, and in the following decades BMW's largest plant took shape in Dingolfing.

In 1968, BMW launched its large "New Six" sedans, the 2500, 2800, and American Bavaria, and coupés, the 2.5 CS and 2800 CS.

Of major importance to BMW was the arrival of Eberhard von Kuenheim from Daimler-Benz AG. Just 40 years old, he presided over the company's transformation from a national firm with a European-focused reputation into a global brand with international prestige.

Already commercially successful by the mid 60s, in December 1971, BMW moved to the new HQ present in Munich, architecturally modeled after four cylinders.

In 1972, the 5 Series was launched to replace the New Class sedans, with a body styled by Bertone. The new class coupes were replaced by the 3 Series in 1975, and the New Six became the 7 Series in 1977. Thus the three-tier sports sedan range was formed, and BMW essentially followed this formula into the 1990s. Other cars, like the 6 Series coupes that replaced the CS and the M1, were also added to the mix as the market demanded.

From 1970 to 1993, under von Kuenheim, turnover increased 18-fold, car production quadrupled and motorcycle production tripled.

"The English Patient" – Rover

Between 1994 and 2000, under the leadership of Bernd Pischetsrieder, BMW owned the Rover Group in an attempt to get into mass market production, buying it from British Aerospace. This brought the active Rover, Mini and Land Rover brands as well as rights to many dormant marques such as Austin, Morris, Riley, Triumph and Wolseley under BMW ownership.

The venture was not successful. For years, Rover tried to rival BMW, if not in product, then in market positioning and "snob appeal". BMW found it difficult to reposition the English automaker alongside its own products and the Rover division was faced with endless changes in its marketing strategy. In the six years under BMW, Rover was positioned as a premium automaker, a mass-market automaker, a division of BMW and an independent unit. A five part BBC documentary, When Rover Met BMW (1996), gave some insight into the difficulties faced by the two firms.[7]

BMW was more successful with the Mini, MG and Land Rover brands, which did not have parallels in its own range at the time.

In 2000, BMW disposed of Rover after years of losses, with Rover cars going to the Phoenix Venture Holdings for a nominal £10 and Land Rover going to the Ford Motor Company. The German press ridiculed the English firm as "The English Patient", after the film. BMW itself, protected by its product range's image, was largely spared the blame. Even the British press was not particularly sympathetic towards Rover.

BMW retained the rights to Mini, Triumph and other marques. MINI has been a highly successful business, though the other names have not been used yet. The Rover name has recently been sold to Ford after BMW gave it a first refusal offer in 2000.

Redesign controversy

In the early 2000s, BMW undertook another of its periodic cycles of redoing the design language of its various series of vehicles, under the auspices of newly promoted design chief Christopher Bangle. These controversial designs often featured unconventional proportions with complex concave and convex curved surfaces combined with (sometimes arbitrary-appearing) sharp panel creases and slashes, a design cue called "flame surfacing" by Bangle. Much of the new language did not rest well with BMW enthusiasts or the automotive press which referred to the new designs as "Bangled" or "Bangle-ised". Bangle is commonly mistakenly accused to have penned all of the designs himself; however, he only chose which design was to be used. As evangelist Bangle has now been promoted within the company to the BMW Group Head of Design, leaving him in charge of not only BMW but also Rolls-Royce and Mini, some question what long term effect the disaffection of BMW traditionalists for these designs will have on sales, and on the company's future. Nevertheless, sales at BMW have increased every year since some of his most debated designs have gone into production.

Though many BMW enthusiasts zealously insist that BMW is the world's top selling luxury brand, new research indicates that their sales performance has not been as a result of their ever-growing skills in creating a luxury car. Instead, BMW's research indicates, that BMW owners generally purchase BMW's for the crisp, sporty characteristics for which BMW is famous. As a result of this worrying research, BMW has redoubled marketing efforts to chase the top selling luxury car, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Many aspects of the "controversial" designs are now beginning to surface in other auto manufacturer's designs, most notably Toyota and Honda. Though the Bangle-butt design debuted and was popularlised by BMW's 7-Series, Hyundai incorporated this design cue in 1999, three years before the 7-Series was released, and Maybach incorporated it since its first showing in 1997.

What is not as well known, however, is that Bangle was also responsible for many 'conservative' BMW designs and has worked at BMW for almost a decade. The first X5 sketches (which closely resembled the production car), were designed by him, and under his tenure the E46 3 Series came to be. Despite much of the scorn heaped on Chris Bangle, his design selections were approved by the entire executive board of BMW AG, including the majority owners, the Quandt family.

Production outside Germany

BMW started producing automobiles at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant in 1994. Today, the plant manufactures the BMW X5, the BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe, and the BMW Z4 M Roadster and Coupe. The oft-rumored crossover vehicle, the X6, and the formerly Euro-produced X3 were recently confirmed by the Chairman of BMW's board as being under development for production at Plant Spartanburg.

Outside Germany, the largest output of the BMW Group comes from British factories. The Hams Hall plant manufactures four cylinder BMW engines for use around the world in 3-Series, 1-Series and Z4 vehicles. This is in addition to MINIs and Rolls-Royces made in Oxford and Goodwood.

The Spartanburg plant is open six days a week, producing automobiles approximately 110 hours a week. It employs about 4,700 people and manufactures over 500 vehicles daily. Recently, the plant has undergone a major renovation switching from 2 production lines down to one. Now both the X5 and the Z4 are produced in the same line, one right after the other.

After a period of local assembly, BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa, plant now manufactures cars, with over 70% of its output destined for export. In the mid-1990s, BMW invested R1bn to make Rosslyn a world-class facility. The plant now exports over 50,000 3 Series cars a year, mostly to the USA, Japan, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

BMW signed agreement in 1999 with Avtotor to produce cars in Kalingrad, Russia. Factory has been assembling 3 and 5 -series cars.[8]

Starting from October 2004, BMWs intended for the Chinese market are produced in Shenyang, China.[9] BMW has established a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Brilliance to build BMW 3 Series and 5 Series that have been modified for the needs of local markets.

The BMWX3 was manufactured in Graz, Austria between 2004 and 2007 by Magna Steyr with mainly German components. The X3 production has been moved to the Spartanburg plant due in part to high production and transportation costs of what was meant to be the "more affordable" SUV. North American pricing, after said costs, were nearly on par with the larger, American-built X5. [10]

In 2005, BMW Group built a new manufacturing facility in Egypt. This plant builds 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and X3 vehicles for the African and Middle East markets.

BMW opened its first assembly plant in Chennai, India in March 2007 to assemble 3-series and 5-series vehicles. The 20 Million Euro plant aims to produce 1,700 cars per year in the medium term, though this could rise to up to 10,000 cars if demand grows.[11][12] The new factory may also be used to help boost the production of BMW’s super-successful MINI.[13] BMW India headquarters is located in Gurgaon outside Delhi.

The BMW Group is considering the establishment of a new plant which will be located either in Volos, Greece or Limasol, Cyprus. These plants will be manufacturing motorcycles as well as the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series and will be serving the markets of Eastern Europe and Middle East. Construction is rumored to begin in 2009.

Rolls-Royce

In the early 1990s, BMW and Rolls-Royce Motors began a joint venture that would see the new Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage adopt BMW engines.

In 1998, both BMW and Volkswagen tried to purchase Rolls-Royce Motors. Volkswagen outbid BMW and bought the company for £430 million, but BMW outflanked its German rival. Although Volkswagen had bought rights to the "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot and the shape of the radiator grille, it lacked rights to the Rolls-Royce name. Rolls-Royce plc (the aero-engine business) retained the rights over the Rolls-Royce trademark and wished to strengthen its existing business partnership with BMW which extended to the BMW Rolls-Royce joint venture. Consequently, BMW was allowed to acquire the rights to the grille and mascot, and licensed the name and "RR" logo after 2003 for £40 million. Volkswagen was permitted to build Rolls-Royces at its Crewe factory only until 2003, but quickly shifted its emphasis to the Bentley brand.

In the meantime, BMW was faced with the need to build a new factory and develop a new model. The new factory at Goodwood produced the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, unveiled on January 2, 2003, and officially launched at the Detroit Auto Show on January 5, 2003. The model, priced around US$330,000, has experienced record sales worldwide of 796 Phantoms sold in 2005.

Models

Current

The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series 2", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.

In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés 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.


2007 1 Series 5 door with the 1 Series facelift (note the changed tail lamps)

1 Series

Main article: BMW 1 Series

The 1 Series is a small family car which was launched in Autum 2004 and a coupe that was launched in July 2007 on the BMW International website. It is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class. A coupé has been announced for late 2007, and there are concepts for a hatchback and a minivan. It shares the same engines with the 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d and 330i. U.S. introduction for the 1 series is expected in MY2008 as a coupe and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E90 3-series. The 3 series had grown up so much that BMW needed a brand entry-level vehicle.

3 Series

Main article: BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is now in its fifth generation (E90). Accounting for approximately 50% of BMW's US sales, the 3 Series is perhaps one of the more important series produced.


5 Series

Main article: BMW 5 Series

A mid-size luxury car / executive car. For MY2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as diesel and V8 options. For its size, it is considered a rather agile mid-size vehicle.

  • The M5 is the motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (built on the E60 5 series chassis) is powered by a F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 hp and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a delimited top speed of about 330 km/h (production variants are restricted to 250 km/h, or 155 mph). BMW has also recently added a 6-speed manual transmission for newer 2007 models. The colore palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.
  • 2005 5 Series
    2005 5 Series
  • 2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package
    2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package
  • 2007 M5
    2007 M5
  • E39 BMW M5 (previous generation)
    E39 BMW M5 (previous generation)

6 Series

Main article: BMW 6 Series

The 6 Series BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe. Currently available as the 650i in coupe and coupe convertible, the 6 series returned in 2004, after a 15 year absence from BMW's model lineup.

Although many spy photos were seen with the 6-Series having a half-life update, like the 5-Series, BMW released the updated 6-Series in July 2007. It is unknown when the M6 coupe & cabriolet update versions will be released, however are expected soon.

  • M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it is powered by the same 5.0 L V10 507 hp engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, America and Australia.
  • 2004 6 Series Convertible(45i)
    2004 6 Series Convertible(45i)
  • 6 Series Coupe (50i)
    6 Series Coupe (50i)
  • 6 Series Convertible (45i)
    6 Series Convertible (45i)
  • 6 Series Coupe (45i)
    6 Series Coupe (45i)
BMW 7-Series (current generation, pre-update)

7 Series

Main article: BMW 7 Series

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces much of their innovations first in the vaunted 7 series. It has been deemed a "sports car at the helm and a limousine in the rear". Numerous landmark and breakthrough technologies for the entire automotive industry debut on the 7 series. For example, the groundbreaking and controversial iDrive, or the world's first Hydrogen powered production vehicle, have all debuted in the 7 series.The 7-Series Hydrogen, the world’s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive, it runs on the most plentiful element in the world and emits virtually nothing but water vapor. And because the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not yet complete, the V-12 engine also runs on gasoline, enabled via a push button system. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version.[citation needed]

BMW X3 (current generation, update)

X3

Main article: BMW X3

BMW's second SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series layout within, but without, it is quite unique. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted with the 2006 E90 3 Series. The X3 is a more functionally oriented vehicle that American buyers seem to prefer over a wagon; it is BMW's answer to the growing crossover segment of the market. It has performed quite well in sales, but in 2007 a facelift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthics inside and out.

Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system. This, combined with its available stability control, make the X3 a capable vehicle on and off road.

X5

Main article: BMW X5
2007 E70 BMW X5

The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. It features all-wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.

The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in the new X5 to 7 passengers.

The E53 model was rated the by IIHS to be the safest vehicle that organization had ever tested. The results were from 2002.[citation needed] Since then, BMW has applied their craft to the current generation E70 to incorporate innovative "firsts" for the SUV/SAV industry, such as Run Flat Tires, complimentary BMW Assist, and a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

Z4

Main article: BMW Z4

A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the Z3. For 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with 255 hp, a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp 2.0 L I4. The Z4 Coupé is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L 255 HP I6.

  • Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2 L, 343 hp) and also features the M braking and suspension systems.
  • 2006 Z4 Roadster
    2006 Z4 Roadster
  • 2006 Z4 Coupe
    2006 Z4 Coupe
  • 2007 Z4 M Roadster
    2007 Z4 M Roadster
  • 2006 Z4 M Roadster
    2006 Z4 M Roadster

BMW M

Main article: BMW M

BMW M produces engines, body kits and many other sporty accessories for BMW vehicles.

M3

Main article: BMW M3

Based on the 3 Series Coupe & Convertible, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning powerplants. As a testament to how well received this vehicle is, all retired models have quickly made it to "collector" status.[citation needed] MY2008 marks the first time a formula 1 inspired V-8 will be offered.[citation needed], producing 420 hp (313 kW) that can reach 62 mph in close to 4 seconds. The newest version (E92) will be available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S.

M5

Main article: BMW M5

Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 500hp (373 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes 62 mph in 4.7 seconds,[14]impressive for a 4 door saloon car. The M5 was the first 4-door sedan to be considered a sports car, and is the fastest production sedan on the planet. There is also a modified twin turbo version that can reach 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, giving 810 bhp (604 kW) and 733 lp-ft (994 Nm) of torque, with a top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h). This makes it the fastest and most powerful luxury 4-door sedan ever produced.[15]

M6

Main article: BMW M6

Based on the 6 Series, the M6 features the same engine from the M5 in the body of a coupe and a convertible.

Z4 M

Main article: BMW M Coupe

for the coupe version, and

Main article: BMW M Roadster

for the roadster.

Based on the Z4, the Z4 M Roadster features the engine from the E46 M3, the venerable 343hp 3.2L I6. It is available in the coupe or roadster body style.

Future

  • Z10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, to be produced in 2008 (Update: The new BMW supercar may in fact be called the Z9, and not the Z10.)
  • BMW V/F3 : An MPV (Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 3-Series/X3 to compete with Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be the rumoured X1, or called the F3.
  • BMW V/F5 : A MPV (Grand Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 5-Series/X5 to compete with Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be called the F5.
  • BMW Z2 : A Roadster and Coupe positioned under the Z4 as an entry level sports car, more than likely powered by a 4 cylinder engine. This model may come out in 2009, however it is still an unconfirmed rumour.
  • BMW F01/F02 7-Series : The F01 and F02 will be the replacement for the 7-Series for either 2008 or 2009. The F02 is the longer wheelbase version. In addition there will be a "Baby Roller" or mini Rolls Royce that will be under 200,000 that will compete with the Bentley Contental line up.
  • BMW X6: A coupe-based SUV. The X6 has been spotted testing.
  • BMW 8-Series: Unrelated to the original; a four-door grand tourer car to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against Mercedes-Benz CLS Class.[16]

Prototypes

  • 1990 BMW M8 Prototype A prototype designed as a "Ferrari killer". It was never put into production because of the lack of a market for such a car.
  • 1999 Z9: a concept car designed by Adrian van Hooydonk marked a departure from BMW's traditional conservative style, and has caused some controversy among BMW enthusiasts.
  • BMW 750hL showcased at Expo 2000 at the BMW World exhibit. As one of the world's first autos to use an engine propelled by liquid hydrogen, the 750hL produces 2 by products: electricity and water. There are as of March 2007, 100 750hL vehicles in the USA for testing purposes.See the BMW website.
  • 2001 xCoupe
  • 2007 BMW CS Concept[3] - BMW has expressed interest in producing the vehicle under the 8 Series name.

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 2-seater roadster.
    • M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular among enthusiasts. The Z3 was first shown on the big screen in the James Bond film GoldenEye, marking the first time Pierce Brosnan played Bond and the first time the MI6 agent's gadget-laden car wasn't British.
  • 8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupé of the 1990s. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that this may be revived , see BMW CS Concept, to compete against the globally acclaimed Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
  • 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: a roadster with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Debuted in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, marking the last time Bond would drive a BMW. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting halo car was built on an aluminium space frame design.

Classics

BMW 319/1 – built in 1935

BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.

  • 3.0 CSL
  • M1
  • M3
  • M5 (first sedan to be considered a sports car) [citation needed]
  • M6 (e24) First production line M car. Supercoupe capable of over 150 mph.
  • Dixi, 3/20, 303, 309, 315, 319, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 335
  • Isetta, 600, 700
  • 501, 502, 503, 507
  • 3200 CS, 2000 CS
  • New Sixes (2500/2800/Bavaria/2.5/2.8/3.0/3.3): Predecessor to today's 7 Series
  • New Class (1500/1502/1600/1800/1802/2000/2002): Acknowledged as the first modern sports saloon[citation needed] and the predecessor to BMW's core product, the 3 Series

Series Generations

Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.

2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans

  • BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
  • BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
  • BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
  • BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
  • BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
  • BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
  • BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
  • BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
  • BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
  • BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
  • BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
  • BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
  • BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
  • BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
  • BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
  • BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
  • BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
  • BMW E46/5 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
  • BMW E46/4 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
  • BMW E46/3 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
  • BMW E46/2 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
  • BMW E46/C — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
  • BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
  • BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
  • BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
  • BMW E61 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
  • BMW E63 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
  • BMW E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
  • BMW E65 — (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
  • BMW E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
  • BMW E67 — (2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
  • BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
  • BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
  • BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
  • BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
  • BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
  • BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
  • BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
  • BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
  • BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
  • BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
  • BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
  • BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
  • BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
  • BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
  • BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
  • BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
  • BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
  • BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
  • BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
  • BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
  • BMW F25 — (2011) X3
  • Automobilwerk Eisenach
  • Isetta
  • Glas
  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
  • Rover: briefly owned by BMW, which retained the Mini after selling off the rest of the company (see MG Rover Group).
  • Land Rover: sold to Ford; the current Range Rover was developed mostly by BMW during their ownership of the company and until recently was powered by their 4.4 L V8 petrol (gasoline) engine and continues to use the BMW 3.0 L I6 diesel engine
  • MINI: a small hatchback; inspired by the original Mini, which was the British competitor to the Volkswagen Beetle.
  • Wiesmann: A company making sporty 2-seater roadsters and coupés for which BMW supplies the engine and transmission components.
  • DesignworksUSA: Design studio founded in 1972 by Charles W. Pelly, and owned by BMW AG since May 1995. DesignworksUSA has worked on various designs for BMW and other companies, not just automobile. One of the latest designs is computer keyboard and mouse, which were sold by BenQ as x700 Pro keyboard, x730 Pro wireless keyborard and mouse combo, M306 wireless mouse.
  • Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH: BMW Group subsidiary that offers insurance services.
  • Softlab GmbH: IT consulting and systems integration.
  • Alpina: A Motor Manufacturer in its own right, who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
  • Breyton: A tuning manufacturer specialising in BMW cars.
  • Hartge: A tuning company specialising in BMW, MINI and Range Rover cars.
  • Hamann Motorsport: A Motor Styling and Tuning Specialist who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
  • MK-Motorsport: A tuning company specialising in BMW cars.

Motorsport

Main article: BMW Motorsport
BMW Sauber F1 Team Logo.
BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in 2006.

BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle. BMW has competed and won many of the most coveted and prestigious races and motoring events.

Sponsoring

Formula car

  • Formula One - BMW won the 19 grand prixs as an engine builder and did not win as a team/constructor until 2006
    • BMW Sauber F1 Team - current BMW works Formula One team
    • WilliamsF1 - former Formula One partner, and designer of BMW's Le Mans winning sports car
    • Brabham - Former Formula One partner, winning the Drivers Championship in 1983
    • Arrows, used BMW engines from 1984 to 1986

Sports car

Touring car

BMW has a long and very successful history in this category, touring car racing.

Rally

Motorcycles

Main article: BMW motorcycles

BMW started building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after WWI. Their first notable motorcycle, the "R32" came in 1923. These had a "boxer twin" engine, in which an air-cooled cylinder protrudes into the air-fllow from each side of the machine. Other than a few post-war singles (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles had used this distinctive, unusual (but well-regarded) layout until the early 1990s. Many BMWs are still produced to this pattern, which is designated the "R series".

In 1983 came the "K Series" (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"), still shaft drive but now water cooled and with the 3 or 4 cylinders on one side. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.

BMW motorcycles tend to be relatively light for their size, and they have a range of models that give an off-road, sporty or relaxed and comfortable ride.

In the early 1990's, BMW updated the airhead boxer engine which became known as the Oilhead. In 2002, the Oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1200 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead and hexhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 hp and 122 hp, respectively.

In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It is both powerful (the engine is a 167 hp unit derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team) and significantly lighter than previous K models. It was BMW's latest attempt to keep up with the pace of development of sports machines from the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Innovations include a unique electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork BMW calls Duolever.

BMW was one of the earliest manufacturers to offer anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980's. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of sophisticated electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology - a first for production motorcycles - later in the 2007 model year.

BMW has always been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then, when other makers caught up, they switched to Earles Forke, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (cf the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm).

Some BMWs started using yet another trademark front suspension design, the Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles Fork, the Telelever largely obviates dive under braking.

During WWII BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Unusually, the sidecar's wheel was also driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.

Motorcycle Clubs

Fanfare of the BMW motorcycle has invoked the interest in clubs, or groups of people who share the same passion for their Bavarian bikes. The two largest BMW motorcycle clubs in the world are headquartered in the United States. They are the BMW Riders Association (BMW RA) and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA).

Culture

The term "beemer" started as an acronym for the abbreviation "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as "beeser" or "beezer"), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles.

In the United States, the term "bimmer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts,[17] because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is completely arbitrary, to this day, the media, movies, and most people still use the term "beemer" to refer to the automobiles.

The initials BMW are pronounced "beh emm veh" in German. The model series are referred to as "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the 5 series), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series).

Nomenclature

BMWs follow a certain nomenclature in the naming many of their vehicles; a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters.

The first number is the series number. The next two numbers is traditionally the engine displacement in liters multiplied by 10

The system of letters is as follows:

  • d = diesel
  • i = fuel-injected
  • x = all wheel drive
  • L = long wheel base
  • c = coupe and/or convertible
  • t = hatchback

For example, a BMW 760Li is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheel base and 6.0 litres of displacement.

However, there are exceptions. The current BMW 328i has a 3.0 liter engine, as does the 335i except its 3.0 liter engine is turbocharged.

Also, the 'M' - for Motorsport - Series has a very simple nomenclature: M3, M5, M6, etc. It identifies the high-performance 'M' version of a particular series. For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own series.

Also, the 'Z' for two seaters. For example the Z1, Z3 and Z4. M varients of Z models are have the M as a suffix. E.g. 'Z4 M'.

Also, the 'X' for SUVs. For example the X3 and X4.

Stationwagons/Estates are traditionally given the "Sports Wagon" or "Touring" suffix, depending on country of sale.

Community

BMW has always had a very tight and loyal community following. They're one of the few automakers that support driving their cars to their limits, suggesting "spirited driving" in certain operation manuals. In the summer of 2001, BMW even went as far as starting the BMW Films website, showcasing some sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are very popular within the enthusiast community and have opened the eyes of many owners looking for a sporty/fun car. However, even with all this success, on October 21st, 2005, the BMW Films were taken offline.

Every year since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met up in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. Perhaps one of the largest brand-specific gatherings in the U.S. Over 3000 people attended in 2006, and there were over 1000 cars present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5.

Trivia

On April Fools' Day the BMW UK Marketing Department commonly publishes a tongue-in-cheek advert in several broadsheets. For example in 2007 it advertised a system of communicating with the driver in front by displaying messages on the windscreen. [4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b [1] The BMW Logo - Fact or Fiction, Dr Florian Triebel (Retrieved 20 December 2006)
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference world was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b [2]BMWworld BMW History - The Twenties (Retrieved 22 November 2006)
  4. ^ http://www.theawfultruth.com/salbmw/
  5. ^ "BMW 2002". drivingtoday.com. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  6. ^ "BMW History 1940's Timeline of Events". bmwworld.com. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  7. ^ http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/series/27081
  8. ^ http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2004/03/29/53072.html
  9. ^ "BMW launches new plant in Shenyang". english.people.com.cn. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  10. ^ http://www.bmwcca.org/node/8278
  11. ^ BBC News - BMW unveils India assembly plant
  12. ^ BMW opens new plant in Chennai, India
  13. ^ MINI could be built in India
  14. ^ "Technische Daten M5" (PDF). bmw.de. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  15. ^ "810bhp BMW V10 M5". worldcarfans.com. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  16. ^ "BMW Concept CS revealed at Shanghai Motor Show". paultan.org. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
  17. ^ "Bimmer vs. Beemer". boston-bmwcca.org. Retrieved 2007-06-23.


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