BMW - Historic Overview
BMW is an acronym for Bavarian Motor Works. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands, and, Rover.
Pre-World War II BMW was founded by Karl Rapp, originally as an aircraft engine manufacturer, Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke. The Milbertshofen district of Munich was chosen, apparently because it was close to the Gustav Otto Flugmaschinenfabrik site. The blue-and-white roundel BMW still uses alludes to the blue and white checkered flag of Bavaria and also indicates the origin of BMW by symbolizing a spinning white propeller on a blue-sky background.
In 1916 the company secured a contract to build V12 engines for Austro-Daimler. Needing extra financing, Rapp gained the support of Camillo Castiglioni 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. 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.
In 1919 BMW designed its first motorcycle engine, used in a model called the Victoria, which was built by a company in Nuremberg. In 1923 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 drive shaft 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.
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 were 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 coupe and convertible, the 328 roadster, fast 2.0 L cars, both very advanced for their time, as well as the upscale 335 luxury sedan.
BMW motorcycles, specifically the BMW R 12 and the BMW R 75 combination were used extensively by the Aufklärungsabteilung of German panzer and motorized divisions of the German Army, Waffen SS and Luftwaffe.
BMW was also a major supplier of engines to the Luftwaffe and of engines and vehicles, especially motorcycles, to the Wehrmacht. 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 laborers during this period, consisting of both prisoners of war and inmates of infamous concentration camps such as Dachau.
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.
Post-World War II History
In 1952, BMW produced its first passenger car since the war, but its attempts to get into the premium sector were not commercially successful; models such as the acclaimed BMW 507 were too expensive to build profitably and were low volume. By the late 1950s, it was 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 BMW's 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.
In 1968, BMW launched its large "New Six" sedans, the 2500, 2800, and American Bavaria, and coupes, the 2.5 CS and 2800 CS.
By the 1970s, BMW was commercially successful and in December 1971, moved in to its present HQ 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.
Industry commentators have noted that one of the competition factors influencing BMW's decision to formalize its model structure was the wide-spread marketing success of Ford, with the Escort, Cortina and Granada. These cars, designed and produced in Germany, were dominant during the 1970's and early 1980's. BMW , in order to compete, pitched the new series vehicles squarely at these sectors - the 3 Series was a 'German Escort', the 5 series a 'German Cortina' and the 7 series a 'German Granada', albeit with subtle irony given the origin of the market leaders. Equally, the M3 was the Escort XR3i competitor, the M5 to take on the XR6 Cortina, and the 6 Series to compete head-on with the Capri.
Dinan BMW
Dinan Cars designs and manufactures aftermarket performance parts for BMW and MINI automobiles. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Morgan Hill, California. DINAN - America's premiere BMW tuner, offering a broad range of BMW and MINI performance products including complete Dinan Signature Vehicles all with matching 48 month/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Dinan products are distributed through a nationwide network of 150 Authorized Dinan BMW Performance Centers.
Dinan parts are marketed through a network of authorized BMW dealers and independent auto repair shops. The company has a long-standing arrangement with the BMW dealers allowing Dinan-modified vehicles to retain factory warranty coverage and even qualify for BMW's Certified Pre-Owned program - something often lost when vehicles receive aftermarket modifications.
Dinan also builds BMW racing engines for teams competing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype class. Dinan high-performance engines and parts are only available through select BMW dealerships in the United States. Dinan BMW vehicles are some of the best BMW vehicles available.
Dinan Products Include:
Free Flow Exhaust
Dinan's new free flow exhaust for the E90-330/325 improves exhaust flow by reducing back pressure, resulting in increased power output and a great sporty sound that's not so loud as to draw the wrong sort of attention. 100% stainless steel construction and exacting specifications ensure that the system fits correctly using the factory hangers and will resist
Ram-Air Intake Assembly
The system takes full advantage of the ram air effect by literally scooping up additional cool air from the area next to the brake duct, supplementing the existing intake ducting for a better breathing 3. The result is increased horsepower and torque, as well as improved throttle response.The system has been designed to work with the factory air box, fitted with the included free flow air filter element. A powder coated aluminum "air scoop" feeds greater volumes of cool air through a silicone hose and injection-molded air-box duct for a virtually invisible but highly effective performance upgrade. The system produces a maximum gain of 7 hp and 6 lb-ft torque at 6600 rpm.
High Flow Throttle Body
The new 3 Series' stock throttle bodies are bored from 76mm to 79mm for an 8% increase in air flow area. The larger internal diameter reduces air-intake restriction for improved breathing, particularly at wide open throttle, producing additional horsepower and torque. The High Flow Throttle Body produces a maximum gain of 5 hp and 4 lb-ft torque at 6500 rpm.
The current BMW model lineup is split into what they call "Series 2", traditionally identified by a single digit - i.e.: 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 coupes 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.
Coupe versions of the 3 Series sedans have always been named 3 Series vehicles, as well. The company had considered renaming future 2-door derivatives of the 3 Series as 4 Series cars, but this plan has officially been shelved.
The M letter was used prior to the shift to Series-named cars to designate special "Motorsport" models, beginning with the M1 supercar. Later the M letter was used as a prefix to top-of-the-range models which had received special treatment by the BMW Motorsport division. The first such car was the M535i of 1979. As these models started gaining popularity the Motorsport division was split into a separate company. BMW M GmbH now makes sporty models based on the production cars with very extensive chassis and engine upgrades. The M3, M5, and M6 are based respectively on the 3, 5, and 6 Series and are recognized by enthusiasts all over the world as truly excellent sports cars while retaining the practicality of the models they extend.
With the advent of the SUV, BMW also added the X5 - and in 2004 the X3 - to their model range to capitalize on this growing market. BMW calls its SUV models Sports Activity Vehicles. A possible future V Series multi-purpose vehicle will offer practicality for large families, similar to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
BMW 1 Series
A small family car launched in Autumn 2004 in Europe; whether or not it will be launched in the USA has yet to be determined. It is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class. A coupe has been announced for 2006, and there are concepts of a hatchback and a minivan. Plans to label these variants as 2 Series have reportedly been scrubbed. It has the same engines as the 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d and 330i as well as a small 1.6L I4 in the 116i.
The 1 Series effectively replaced the 3 Series Compact model line.
BMW 3 Series
The 3 Series is BMW's entry-level luxury sedan, now in its fifth generation (E90). The E90 line has been available in the United States and Canada since the 2006 model year. The E90 is currently available in the 318i (detuned 2.0L I4 engine producing 129 hp), 318d (detuned 2.0L I4 diesel producing 122 hp), 320i (with 2.0L I4 producing 150 hp), 320d (with I4 diesel producing 163 hp), 323i (with I6 producing 174 hp), 325i (with a detuned 3.0 L I6 engine producing 215 hp or a 2.5L I6 producing 218 hp), 330d (3.0L I6 producing 231 hp) and the 330i (with a 3.0 L I6 engine producing 255 hp), as well as the AWD-versions of these two models, named 325xi and 330xi. The new BMW 3 Series sedan (E90) and coupe (E92), both of which have recently been released, carry the 328i, 328xi, 335i, and 335xi badging. There will not be a separate "Ci" designation for coupes. The 328i will feature a 3.0L I6 with 230 hp and 200 lb-ft while the new 335i will feature BMW's new 3.0L I6 twin turbo motor boasting 3 00 hp and 300 lb-ft. Incidentally, these new turbofans are made by Mitsubishi[citation needed]. As 2006 models, the 3 Series coupe and convertible are only available in the fourth generation E46 body style (with a 2.5 L I6 producing 184 hp for the 325ci/cic and a 3.0 L I6 producing 225 hp for the 330ci/cic) until the fall of 2006, when the new 2007 model year coupes will be available. Unlike past generations, the 2006/7 3 Series coupes would have its own internal code of E92. Also available is the all wheel drive Touring (wagon) model. A special edition 320si that is the production version of the 2006 World Touring Car.
A Retractable hard-top cabriolet was also introduced recently, a first for BMW and clearly under the influence of Mercedes' similar mechanism.
* M3: The motorsport division's race-inspired version of the 3 Series. Currently available only in the fourth generation E46 body style and with a 3.2 L engine producing 343 hp. A new revision is expected in 2007 with a 400+ hp V8. The 2007 version is expected to come in the coupe, cabriolet, sedan and for the first time a touring body style.
BMW 5 Series
A mid-size luxury car / executive car. This series is available with different engines: the 525i with the same engine as the 325i, the 530i with the same engine as the 330i, and the 545i with a 4.4 L V8 producing 325 hp. For the 2006 model year, the 545i has been phased out in favor of the 550i, with a 4.8 L V8 producing 360 hp. The 520d with the same engine as the 320d, the 530d with the same engine as the 330d and a high performance 535d with a twin turbo 272 bhp version of the standard 3.0L I6 diesel.
* M5: The motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (E60) is powered by an F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 hp and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of an unlimited top speed of over 200 mph.
BMW 6 Series
The 6 Series is currently available in the 650i version with a 4.8 L V8 producing 360 hp and the 630i version with a 3.0 R6 Straight Six engine (it was the first model to use this engine).
* 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.
BMW 7 Series
A full-size luxury car competing with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. The 7 Series comes in the 730i/730Li, 730d/730Ld, 740i/740Li, 745d, 750i and 750Li with the same engine as their respective 5 Series equivalent, and in the 760i and 760Li, with a 6.0L V12 producing 438hp. The 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version for clients who need extra protection. BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen (hybrid).
BMW X3
Introduced in late 2003 as a model year 2004, the X3 was BMW's second entry into the luxury SUV segment. The X3 is a compact SUV with sports sedan-like handling characteristics, with emphasis on versatility and affordability, but lacking significant off-road ability. The BMW X3 is sourced exclusively from Magna Steyr Graz plant in Austria.
For model year 2004, it was offered with a 184hp 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder, the X3 2.5i, and a 225hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, the X3 3.0i.
For model year 2006, colored bumpers were added to the X3 3.0i, a Sport Package with a full body colored aerodynamic kit became available for the X3 3.0i (pictured), and the X3 2.5i was dropped. An entry level 2.0d with a 150 hp was added too.
For model year 2007, a face lift and a new version of the inline 6-cylinder will be offered and the model name will change to X3 3.0si. The aluminum/magnesium composite inline 6-cylinder produces 260 hp and 225 lb-ft torque. With a manual transmission the manufacturer claims 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. It competes directly against the Acura RDX and Land Rover Freelander/LR2. It also competes against the Lexus RX350 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
BMW X5
BMW's first SUV (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) competing against the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 fall in the same category, but at a lower prestige. Although marketed in Europe as an off roader, it lacks the off-road capabilities of Land Rover models.
BMW Z4
A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3. For 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0L I6 with 255 hp, a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp 2.0L I4. The Z4 Coupe is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0L 255 HP I6.
* Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2L, 343 hp), sharing same braking and suspension systems. The new M Coupe shares the same features but in a coupe version, and was launched at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show.
K Series
Each of the last few years (2004, 2005, 2006) appear to be banner years for BMW. On 25 September 2004, BMW globally launched a radically redesigned K Series motorcycle, the K1200S, containing an all new in-line 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine featuring 123 kilowatts (167 bhp). The K1200S was primarily designed as a Super Sport motorcycle, albeit larger and heavier than the closest Japanese competitors. Shortly after the launch of the K1200S, problems were discovered with the new power plant leading to a recall until the beginning of 2005 when corrective changes were put in place. Recently, a K1200S set a land speed record for production bikes in its class at the Bonneville Salt Flats, exceeding 174 miles per hour (280 km/h).
In addition to the launch of K1200S, BMW has also launched the K1200R naked roadster, and the K1200GT sports tourer, which started to appear in dealer showrooms in spring (March-June) 2006. All three new K-Series motorcycles are based on the new in-line 4 cylinder engine, all with slightly varying degrees of power.
R Series
The BMW boxer, opposed twin cylinder engine powered bikes, were also revamped. The new boxer displacement is just under 1200cc, and is affectionately referred to a ‘hexhead’ because of the shape of the cylinder cover. The motor itself is more powerful, and all motorcycles that use it are lighter. The first motorcycle to be launched with this updated engine was the R1200GS dual purpose motorcycle. The R1200RT tourer and R1200ST sports tourer followed shortly behind. BMW then introduced two special editions the new R1200GS designated the R1200GS HP2 and the R1200GS Adventure, each specifically targeting the off-road and adventure touring motorcycle segment respectively. In 2006 BMW launched the R1200S which is rated at 90 kW (122 hp) at 8,250 rpm – the most powerful boxer engine to date. The latest model to get the new engine is the R1200R, an update of the successful R1150R which, along with a new version of ABS, also sees the introduction of optional traction control (ASC auto matic stability control) to limit wheel spin, another BMW first.
Worldwide, most law enforcement agencies currently use the RT-P authority version, the R1100RT-P, R1150RT-P, and R1200RT-P models series. In the U.S. an increasing number of police agencies are using the RT-P, usually replacing the Kawasaki Police 1000.
F Series
BMW has also paid attention to the F Series in 2006. It lowered the price on the existing F650GS and F650GS Dakar, and eliminated the F650CS to make room in the lineup for the all-new F800 Series motorcycles. These new F800 Series motorcycles are powered by a brand new parallel twin engine that is built by Rotax (a Bombardier subsidiary), and a belt drive system that is very similar to the belt drive found on the now defunct F650CS. Initially, BMW launched two models of the new F800 Series, the F800S sport bike and the F800ST sports tourer, but statements have been made that point to an upcoming F800R naked roadster and an F800GS dual-purpose motorcycle.
G Series
In October 2006 BMW announced the G series of off road style motorcycles co-developed with Aprilia, part of the Piaggio group. These are equipped with an uprated single cylinder water cooled 650cc fuel injected engine producing 53BHP, similar to the one fitted to the F650GS, and are equipped with chain drive. There are three models in the series each focused on a slightly different market:
* G650 Xchallenge hard enduro featuring 21" front and 18" rear spoked wheels * G650 Xcountry scrambler / adventure sports featuring 19" front and 17" rear spoked wheels * G650 Xmoto street moto / supermoto featuring 17" cast alloy wheels
The bikes are all produced for BMW by Aprilia in their North Italian Scorzè Plant.
