| Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Aktiengesellschaft |
| Founded | 1913 |
| Headquarters |  Munich, Germany |
| Key people | Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Products | Automobiles Motorcycles |
| Revenue | ▲ €56 billion (2007) |
| Employees | 107,079 (2007) |
| Subsidiaries | MINI Rolls-Royce |
| Website | www.bmw.com |
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), (English: Bavarian Motor Works) is an independent German automobile manufacturer. BMW is one of the world's leading[clarify] manufacturers of cars and motorcycles, and is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands.
Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually shifting to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1929. The circular blue and white BMW logo, which has not been altered throughout the company's history, does not in fact symbolize a spinning propeller according to a BMW spokesman Joerg Huebner (although the imagery did appear in post-WWI advertisements). The BMW roundel badge is believed to have been partially derived from the logo of its predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke, while ultimately taking on the colors and checkers from the arms of Bavaria (fusilly in bend argent and azure).[1] BMW's first significant aircraft powerplant was the outstanding BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance, and among its successful WWII engine designs were included the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet. BMW's factories were damaged badly in the war, and many surviving machine tools were confiscated by the victorious Allies.
BMW AG bought the British Rover Group (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG marques as well as the rights to defunct marquees including Austin and Morris) in 1994 and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover was making huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG and Rover marques were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001.
[edit] Production
Total world production in 2006 was 1,206,884 vehicles produced in 5 countries.
| Country | Make | Cars (2006) | Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | BMW | 905,057 | Others |
| United Kingdom | Mini | 187,454 | All Minis |
| Rolls-Royce | 67 | All Rolls-Royce | |
| Austria | BMW | 114,306 | BMW X3 |
| USA | BMW | 105,172 | BMW X5, X6, Z4 |
| South Africa | BMW | 54,782 | BMW 3-Series |
| Total | 1,206,884 |
[edit] Motorcycles
BMW started building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. Their first notable motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. This had a "Boxer" twin engine, in which an ICCE cylinder protrudes into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their post-war singles (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles had used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced to this pattern, which is designated the R Series.
During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Unusually, the sidecar's wheel was also driven. This was copied from the Zündapp KS750. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.
In 1983 came the K Series (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"), still shaft drive but now water cooled and with either 3 or 4 cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.
In the early 1990s, 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 1170 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 (73 kW) and 122 hp (91 kW), 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 (125 kW) 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 1980s. 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 (compare with 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 significantly reduces dive under braking.
[edit] Motorcycle clubs
BMW motorcycles have 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[citation needed] are headquartered in the United States. They are the BMW Riders Association and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.
[edit] Automobiles
[edit] Current
The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.
[edit] 1 Series
The 1 Series was launched globally in Fall 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the 3-series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-Door version was also launched in July 2007.The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E90 3-series.
A Coupé has been announced in late 2007, and there is also a convertible. Because it is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is considered the heir apparent to the original 2002 sport sedan from the 1960s.
U.S. introduction for the 1 series will be MY 2008 as a coupé and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 135i is slated to receive the 300 hp (220 kW) twin turbo 6 cylinder engine from the 3 series. The new 1 series convertible will share the looks of its coupe brother and uses a soft-top unlike the 3 series convertible's hard top. This is lighter, cheaper to manufacture and preserves more trunk space than the folding hardtop would allow in this small package.
 BMW 1 Series 5-door |  BMW 1 Series Coupe |  BMW 1 Series Coupe |
[edit] 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since MY 1975. The E90 is the 5th generation of 3 series. Available from MY 2006 to present, it is offered as the sport sedan(E90), sport wagon(E91), sport coupe(E92), and sport coupe convertible(E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to motor choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.
The 3 series is not only one of BMW's most important models, it also accounts for a majority of worldwide sales.
 2007 3-Series Coupe |  2006 3-Series Touring |  BMW E46 Generation with ZHP Performance Package |
[edit] 5 Series
A mid-size executive car. For MY 2008, 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.
The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimental" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model that may have seemed radical for its time. One such example of this "testing" approach is the new headlight design. These types of changes to the 5 Series have allowed BMW to assess the reaction of consumers to their new designs before expanding the changes to other model series. Consequently, it has at times led people to question BMW's approach to design.
- 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 (378 kW) 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 colour palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.
 2005 5 Series with M Sport Package |  2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package |  2007 M5 |  E39 BMW M5 (previous generation) |
[edit] 6 Series
The 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupé. Currently available as the 650i in coupé and coupé 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 both 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 (378 kW) engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, North America, South America, Australia and South Africa.
 2004 6 Series Convertible(645i) |  6 Series Coupe (650i) |  6 Series Convertible (645i) |  6 Series Coupe (645i) |
[edit] 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 electronic controller iDrive- 'I drive', 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, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and releases only water vapor. Since the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine does not currently exist, the V12 engine also runs on gasoline, enabled via a push button system. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, straight 6, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version, which BMW calls a "security sedan"[citation needed]
[edit] 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, but the exterior is quite different. 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. In 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.
Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system. This, combined with its standard "Enhanced DSC" stability control, make the X3 a capable vehicle on and off road.
[edit] 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 in 2002 to be the safest vehicle that organization had ever tested.[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.
The E70 features either a 3.0si(253 hp)or a 4.8i(350 hp)powertrain. In most parts of Europe, either a 3.0d(232 hp)or a 3.0sd(282 hp)engine is available. The 3.0d and 3.0sd are the same engine, they differ only in that the 3.0sd uses the turbocharged 3 litre engine from the 335d/535d. It has been announced that the X5 M will be released in 2008, it will feature the V12 engine out of the BMW 760, and will provide the car with 432 hp (322 kW). The X5 M will feature a full body-kit, new alloy wheels, and generally a revised look.
[edit] X6
A crossover coupe SUV released by BMW in December 2007. The vehicle is currently beginning to export to many countries around the world, with orders being taken currently from the UK.
An all new version of the 550i/650i's engine is being used in the X6 with twin turbo technology from the 135i/335i. The standard engines 340 bhp will be replaced with 455 bhp.
[edit] Z4
A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the Z3. From 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 (190 kW), a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp (163 kW) or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp (112 kW) 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 (190 kW) I6. The Z4 is currently built at the Spartanburg plant.
- 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, suspension, and M characteristics. There is also an M coupe model available.
 2006 Z4 Roadster |  2006 Z4 Coupe |  2007 Z4 M Roadster |
[edit] BMW M
BMW M GmbH (previously: BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG established in May 1972 with just eight employees. BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. The first racing project was BMW’s 3.0 CSL; in the late 1970s the first modified street legal road cars were produced for the contracted racecar drivers as their personal vehicles. By 1988, the number of employees had risen to 400.
[edit] 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. The newest platform became available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in Coupe (E92), and later the Cabriolet (E93), and Sedan (E90) variants.
[edit] M5
Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 500 hp (373 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds,[2] impressive for a 4 door saloon car. The M5 was the first 4-door sedan to be considered a sports car, and at one time was the fastest production sedan ever produced. The M5 engine won the best engine in its category three years in a row.
[edit] M6
The M6 is the M division's version of the E63. The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces 500 hp (373 kW) and 383lb/ft (520Nm) of Torque. The M6 made its way into the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is currently available in a Coupe and a Convertible version, however, it is understood that an M6 CSL version is to be released in the future. The vehicle only weighs around 1750kg, but that low amount assures that it reaches 100km/h (60 miles) in 4.6 seconds.
The vehicle is based on the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, which were launched back in 2004.
The carbon fiber and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the centre of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing, respectively, the moment of inertia and the centre of mass height.
The previous generation was launched in 1983, but ended in 1989 with around 5,855 sold.
[edit] Z4 M
BMW’s two-seater is powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-litre straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3(E46) and the BMW Z4 Roadster. The engine’s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, 343 bhp (256 kW) maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of 262 lb·ft (355 N·m) is available at the driver’s request from just 2,000 rpm. Output per litre is 103 bhp (77 kW), giving the Z4 M Coupe a power-to-weight ratio of just 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (249 km/h).
[edit] Future
- Z10/M10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, will likely compete with the Audi R8 and forthcoming Mercedes-Benz SLC; in late September 2007 BMW Group registered the M10 name. It is most likely to include the engine at the front and is most likely rear-wheel-drive. It is also most likely to feature the V10 found on the M5 and M6, but is expected to produce a good margin more power (550 HP). It is expected to weigh less then 3000 pounds.
- BMW X1 : An SAV based on the BMW 1-Series to be positioned below the X3. Likely to be built at Magna Steyr in Austria, where X3 production will be phased out.
- BMW PAS : the BMW Progressive Activity Sedan has been officially announced, yet it is unclear exactly what this will be conceptually. Sources[attribution needed] say it is based on a 7 Series platform in a 5-seater hatchback-style car. Competing against Mercedes R-Class.
- 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, which will get a more differentiated design than before. In addition there will be a "Baby Rolls-Royce" called a Rolls-Royce small sedan, based on this platform that will compete with the Bentley Continental series.
- BMW CS: Possibly will revive the 8-series nameplate. A four-door grand tourer/coupé to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and Porsche Panamera[3]
- BMW X5 M- a 432 bhp (322 kW) version of the current X5, may be powered by the V10 from the M5.
[edit] 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. This later on, became the 6-series.
- 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 primarily 1 emission: water. There are as of March 2007, as many as 100 750hL vehicles worldwide for testing & publicity purposes.See the BMW website.
- 2001 xCoupe
- 2007 BMW CS Concept - BMW has expressed interest in producing the vehicle possibly under the 8 Series name.
- 2008 Concept 1 series tii
[edit] 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 pla
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