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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Type Aktiengesellschaft
Founded 1913
Headquarters Flag of Germany Munich, Germany
Key people Dr. Aktiengesellschaft ('aktsiəngəzεlʃaft abbreviated AG) is a German term that refers to a Corporation that is limited by shares i Munich (München; Minga is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman
Industry Automotive
Products Automobiles
Motorcycle
Bicycles
Revenue €56 billion (2007)
Employees 107,079 (2007)
Subsidiaries MINI
Rolls-Royce
Website www.bmw.com
BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany.
BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany. Dr Ing Norbert Reithofer (born 29 May, 1956 in Penzberg, Germany) is a German businessman and current CEO of BMW AG as For other uses of this term see Industry (disambiguation An industry (from Latin industrius, "diligent industrious" In Marketing, a product is anything that can be offered to a Market that might satisfy a want or need MotorCycle is the title of a 1993 album by Rock band Daniel Amos, released on BAI Records. The bicycle, cycle, or bike is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind In business revenue or revenues is Income that a company receives from its normal business activities usually from the sale of goods and services Employment is a Contract between two parties, one being the employer and the other being the employee. A subsidiary, in business matters is an entity that is controlled by a bigger and more powerful entity Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a British manufacturer of luxury automobiles based out of Goodwood, England. A website (alternatively web site or Web site, a back-construction from the Proper noun World Wide Web) is a collection of Web pages BMW Headquarters ( German: BMW-Vierzylinder "BMW four-cylinder" also BMW Tower is a Munich landmark which has been serving

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), (English: Bavarian Motor Works) is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1913. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design development manufacture marketing and sale of Motor vehicles In 2007 more than 73 million motor vehicles BMW is a worldwide manufacturer of high-performance and luxury automobiles and motorcycles, and is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands. Typically describes a Vehicle (generally a car) that has been designed with specific performance capabilities above and beyond those of normal vehicles Luxury vehicle is a marketing term for a vehicle that provides luxury &mdash that which is beyond strict necessity &mdash in exchange for increased cost to the buyer BMW Motorrad, a division of BMW, is a German Motorcycle manufacturer Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a British manufacturer of luxury automobiles based out of Goodwood, England. A brand is a collection of Images and ideas representing an economic producer more specifically it refers to the descriptive verbal attributes and concrete symbols such as a

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 1928. MotorCycle is the title of a 1993 album by Rock band Daniel Amos, released on BAI Records. The circular blue and white BMW logo does not symbolize a spinning propeller but rather represents the colours of the Bavarian National Flag, according to 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). Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH was one of the first aircraft engine manufacturers in Germany at the turn of the 19th Century and underwent numerous mergers and changes before becoming Bavaria ( German:, with an area of 70553 Km² (27241 square miles and almost 12 [1][2] 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 IIIa was an inline six-cylinder water-cooled aircraft engine the first-ever product from BMW GmbH. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The radial engine is a reciprocating type internal combustion Engine configuration in which the cylinders point outward from a central WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Axial compressors are rotating aerofoil based compressors in which the working fluid principally flows parallel to the axis of rotation TurboJET (噴射飛航 is the brand name for the operations of the Hong Kong -based Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited (信德中旅船務管理有限公司

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 marques including Austin and Morris) in 1994 and owned it for six years. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Rover Group plc was the name that was given by the British government, in 1986 to the state-owned vehicle manufacturer British Leyland or BL The Rover Company was a British Motor vehicle manufacturing company originating in Coventry in 1904 which moved to Solihull after World War II Land Rover is an all-terrain vehicle and Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV manufacturer based in Solihull, England, now operated as part of the Jaguar MG is a British Sports car brand founded in 1924 MG is best known for two-seat open sports cars but MG also produced saloons and Coupés The Austin Motor Company was a British manufacturer of automobiles that rose to be a major motorcar brand the dominant partner after merger with Morris in 1952 Morris Commercial Cars The Morris Motor Company was a British car manufacturing company Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) By 2000, Rover was making huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The MG and Rover marques were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. MG Rover was the last domestically owned mass-production car manufacturer in the British motor industry. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001. Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar.

Contents

Production

Total world production in 2006 was 1,366,838 vehicles produced in 5 countries. [3]

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 1,366,838

Motorcycles

See also: BMW Motorrad and History of BMW motorcycles
The R32, the first BMW motorcycle.
The R32, the first BMW motorcycle. Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini A Rolls-Royce car may refer to vehicles produced by Rolls-Royce Limited (1906-1973 Rolls-Royce Motors (1973-2003 which was owned BMW Motorrad, a division of BMW, is a German Motorcycle manufacturer BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when BMW commenced manufacturing engines for other companies The R32 was the first motorcycle under its BMW name in 1923 While BMW began as an Aeroplane engine manufacturer after World War I, the Treaty

BMW began building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Currently, their division is known as BMW Motorrad. BMW Motorrad, a division of BMW, is a German Motorcycle manufacturer Their first notable motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. The R32 was the first motorcycle under its BMW name in 1923 While BMW began as an Aeroplane engine manufacturer after World War I, the Treaty This had a "Boxer" twin engine, in which an ICCE cylinder protrudes into the air-flow from each side of the machine. A flat-twin is a two cylinder Internal combustion engine with the cylinders arranged on opposite sides of the crankshaft Apart from their 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. BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when BMW commenced manufacturing engines for other companies

During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. For the 1970s 750cc motorcycle see BMW R75/5 The BMW R75 was World War II -era Motorcycle and Sidecar combination A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a Motorcycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle Unusually, the sidecar's wheel was also driven. This was copied from the Zündapp KS750. Zündapp was a famous German Motorcycle Brand. The company was originally founded in 1917 in Nuremberg by Fritz Neumeyer together Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep. This article deals with the concept of a differential in mechanical engineering. The Willys MB US Army Jeep, along with the nearly identical Ford GPW, was manufactured from 1941 to 1945

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. BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when BMW commenced manufacturing engines for other companies Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines. BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when BMW commenced manufacturing engines for other companies BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when BMW commenced manufacturing engines for other companies BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer

In the early 1990s, BMW updated the airhead Boxer engine which became known as the oilhead. Airheads are the traditional BMW motorcycles with a Flat-twin air-cooled engine (including the BMW 247 engine) that were built from 1923 to 1995 An oilhead is the name used for BMW Motorcycle engines that use Oil cooling to transfer some of the heat from the engine to the atmosphere 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. The BMW GS series of dual purpose off-road/on-road BMW motorcycles have been produced from 1980 to the present day 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.

K1200GT
K1200GT

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. () is a Multinational corporation, engine Manufacturer and engineering corporation headquartered in Japan. is a Multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles a full range of Motorcycles All-Terrain 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. An anti-lock braking system, or ABS (from the German, A nti' b' lockier' s' ystem) is a safety system on Motor vehicles 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. Electronic stability control ( ESC) is a computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle's handling by detecting and preventing skids

BMW has been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then they switched to Earles Fork, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). A motorcycle fork is the portion of a Motorcycle to which the front wheel and the Handlebars are connected usually incorporates the front suspension Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (compare with the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm). A swinging arm is a very common form of car (and increasingly motorcycle suspension particularly at the rear

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.

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 are headquartered in the United States. They are the BMW Riders Association and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. The BMW Riders Association (BMW RA is an international association of BMW motorcycle enthusiasts The BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA is a private nonprofit membership association for owners and admirers of BMW motorcycles.

Automobiles

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.

1 Series

Main article: BMW 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 BMW 1 Series (code name E87) is a Small-luxury car / Small family car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004 Autumn (also known as fall in North American English) is one of the four Temperate Seasons Autumn marks the transition from Summer 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. Mini (styled as MINI) is a British automotive brand owned by the German BMW Group that has produced a redesign of the traditional Mini

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 model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced 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.

3 Series

Main article: BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since MY 1975. The BMW 3 Series is a Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975 Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an Automobile larger than a Large family car. The model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced 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 model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced A convertible is a type of automobile in which the vehicle's roof can retract and fold away converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle 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. An engine is a mechanical device that produces some form of output from a given input Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, Shock absorbers and linkages that connects a Vehicle to its Wheels Suspension

The 3 series is not only one of BMW's most important models, it also accounts for a majority of worldwide sales.

5 Series

Main article: BMW 5 Series

A mid-size executive car. The BMW 5 Series is a Mid-size Luxury car / Executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972 A mid-size car (occasionally referred to as an intermediate) is the North American and Australian term for an Automobile with a size between Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an Automobile larger than a Large family car. For MY 2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as diesel and V8 options. A diesel engine is an Internal combustion engine which operates using the Diesel cycle (named after Dr A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other

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.

6 Series

Main article: BMW 6 Series

The 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupé. The BMW M5 is an ultra performance version of the BMW 5-Series Automobile made by BMW Motorsport BMW 6 Series refers to two generations of Automobile from BMW, both being based on their contemporary 5 Series sedans A grand tourer ( Gran turismo) ( initialised GT) is a high-performance Automobile designed for long-distance driving Luxury vehicle is a marketing term for a vehicle that provides luxury &mdash that which is beyond strict necessity &mdash in exchange for increased cost to the buyer Sport is an Activity that is governed by a set of rules or Customs and often engaged in competitively 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. The BMW 5 Series is a Mid-size Luxury car / Executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972 It is unknown when the M6 coupe & cabriolet update versions will be released, however both are expected soon.

BMW 7-Series (E65, pre-update)
BMW 7-Series (E65, pre-update)

7 Series

Main article: BMW 7 Series

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. The BMW 7 Series is a line of Full-size Luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. A full-size car is a Marketing term used in North America for an Automobile larger than a Mid-size car. 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". A sports car is a term used to describe a class of Automobile. A limousine (or limo) is a longer than normal Luxury car. The chassis may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coach builder traditionally Numerous landmark and breakthrough technologies for the entire automotive industry debut on the 7 series. The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design development manufacture marketing and sale of Motor vehicles In 2007 more than 73 million motor vehicles 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. iDrive is a Computer -like system which is used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars iDrive's User interface consists The hydrogen economy is a proposed method of deriving the Energy needed for Motive power (cars boats airplanes buildings or portable electronics by reacting A production vehicle is one that is put into mass production as a model produced in large numbers and offered for sale to the public which was begun in the 1800s by Karl Benz 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. V12 redirects here For the V12 Training program see V-12 Navy College Training Program. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, straight 6, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. A diesel engine is an Internal combustion engine which operates using the Diesel cycle (named after Dr The straight-6 or inline-6 engine (often abbreviated I6 or L6) is a six cylinder Internal combustion engine with all six cylinders A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other Not to be confused with the Renault Alpine Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH is an automobile manufacturing company based in Buchloe, Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version, which BMW calls a security sedan

BMW X3 (current generation)
BMW X3 (current generation)

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, but the exterior is quite different. The BMW X3 is a compact Crossover SUV (BMW advertises it as an SAV or Sport Activity Vehicle produced by the German Automaker BMW 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.

X5

Main article: BMW X5
2007 E70 BMW X5
2007 E70 BMW X5

The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. The BMW X5 is a Mid-size Crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999 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. 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.

BMW X6
BMW X6

X6

Main article: BMW X6

A crossover coupe SUV released by BMW in December 2007. The BMW X6 is a Mid-size crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. 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 410 bhp.

Z4

Main article: BMW Z4

A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the Z3. The BMW Z4 is a Rear-wheel drive Sports car by the German Automaker BMW, known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe A roadster, also known as a spyder or spider, is a two-seater car traditionally without a roof (or with a detachable roof and no side or rear windows The BMW Z3 was the first modern mass-market Roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model assembled in the United States. 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. BMW Manufacturing Co Spartanburg is BMW 's only US production facility

BMW M

Main article: 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 GmbH (previously BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG BMW M GmbH (previously BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created by Head of Motorsport Engineering at BMW AG; Philip Donnelly, to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s directed by professional racer James "Skinny" Hall. 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.

M3

E92 M3 Coupé
E92 M3 Coupé
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. The BMW M3 is a high performance BMW M GmbH version of the popular BMW 3-Series compact Automobile. The BMW 3 Series is a Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975 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.

M5

BMW M5
BMW M5
Main article: BMW M5

Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 507 hp (378 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4. The BMW M5 is an ultra performance version of the BMW 5-Series Automobile made by BMW Motorsport The BMW 5 Series is a Mid-size Luxury car / Executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972 7 seconds,[4] 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.

M6

BMW M6 Coupe
BMW M6 Coupe
BMW M6 Convertible
BMW M6 Convertible
Main article: BMW M6

The M6 is the M division's version of the 6 Series. The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6-Series automobile designed by the motorsport division of the German manufacturer The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces 508 hp (379 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 (62 miles) in 3. 9 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.

Z4 M

BMW Z4 M Roadster
BMW Z4 M Roadster
Main articles: BMW M Coupe and BMW M Roadster

BMW’s two-seater is powered by the same prize-winning 3. The BMW M Coupe is a Shooting-brake styled high-performance Automobile produced by BMW from 1998 to 2002 The BMW M Roadster is the BMW M performance model of the BMW Z3 and BMW Z4 convertibles 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).

Future

Prototypes

Out of production

Classics

BMW 319/1 – built in 1935
BMW 319/1 – built in 1935
BMW 3/15 "Dixi"
BMW 3/15 "Dixi"
1936 BMW Model 319 4-Window Cabriolet
1936 BMW Model 319 4-Window Cabriolet
1958 BMW Model 507 Roadster
1958 BMW Model 507 Roadster

BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring. The BMW 3/15 PS was BMW 's second car first produced in July 1929

Series Generations

Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). The BMW 7 Series is a line of Full-size Luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. The BMW New Class (German Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans produced by the German automaker BMW and launched with the 1962 1500 The BMW 3 Series is a Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975 The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. 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. The BMW F01 is an Automobile platform expected to go into production in September 2008 for the 2009 model year as a replacement for the current 7 Series ( The BMW 7 Series is a line of Full-size Luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW.

2. The BMW New Six is a line of six-cylinder Luxury cars produced by the German automaker BMW from 1968 to 1977 5, 2. 8, 3. 0, 3. 3 "New Six" sedans

Recently BMW has become concerned with the rising number of their vehicles being imported from the United States into Canada and with the cooperation of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (a private contractor to the federal Government of Canada) has placed impediments to the importation of BMW vehicles into Canada. The BMW E12 is an Automobile platform that was the basis for the 1972 through 1981 BMW 5 Series Mid-size car, produced by the German automaker BMW BMW E21 is the platform designation for the first BMW 3 Series Compact executive car, produced by the German automaker BMW from 1975 to 1983 The BMW E23 is an Automobile platform that was the basis for the first BMW 7 Series Luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. The BMW E24 Automobile platform was the basis for the first production of BMW 6 Series Coupé, produced by the German automaker BMW between The BMW E26 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1978 through 1981 BMW M1 Sports car. The BMW E28 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1988 BMW 5-Series automobiles The E30 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1991 BMW 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. The BMW 8 Series (chassis code BMW E31) is a V8 or V12 -engined 2-door 2+2 Coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999 In 1987 BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series Automobile built from mid-1987 to 1996 with the Touring model ending June 1996 The E36 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1990-2000 BMW 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The BMW E38 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 BMW 7 Series automobiles The E46 Automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW 's 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The E46 Automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW 's 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The E46 Automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW 's 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The E46 Automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW 's 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The E46 Automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW 's 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car. The BMW E52 Automobile platform was the basis for the 2000 through 2004 Z8 Convertible Sports car. The BMW E53 Automobile platform is the basis for the 1999 through 2006 BMW X5 crossover vehicle. The BMW E60 Automobile platform is the basis of the 2003-onwards 5-Series automobile replacing the BMW E39. The BMW E60 Automobile platform is the basis of the 2003-onwards 5-Series automobile replacing the BMW E39. The BMW E63/E64 is the current Automobile platform of the BMW 6 Series of luxury Coupés introduced in Autumn 2003 in Frankfurt The BMW E63/E64 is the current Automobile platform of the BMW 6 Series of luxury Coupés introduced in Autumn 2003 in Frankfurt The BMW E70 Automobile platform is the project name for the second generation X5 SUV. The BMW X6 is a Mid-size crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. The BMW X6 is a Mid-size crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. The BMW E83 Automobile platform is the basis for the 2004 through present X3 compact crossover SUV. The BMW Z4 is a Rear-wheel drive Sports car by the German Automaker BMW, known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe The BMW E86 Automobile platform is the basis for the 2006 onwards BMW Z4 3 The BMW 1 Series (code name E87) is a Small-luxury car / Small family car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004 The BMW E90 Automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/ compact executive cars The BMW E90 Automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/ compact executive cars The BMW E90 Automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/ compact executive cars The BMW E90 Automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/ compact executive cars The BMW F01 is an Automobile platform expected to go into production in September 2008 for the 2009 model year as a replacement for the current 7 Series ( All BMW dealers in the United States and Canada are now forbidden from printing vehicle history reports that list warranty work that has been performed as well as the status of any safety recalls and supplying this document to the legal owners of the vehicles. Owners of BMW vehicles are considered to be a "third party" to information regarding the safety of BMW products. BMW now requires owners importing their cars into Canada to pay a fee of $300 (CDN) for a document guaranteeing the vehicle's admissibility into Canada and $500 (CDN) for a letter advising the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that there are no outstanding recalls on that vehicle.

Motorsport

Main article: BMW in motorsport
BMW Sauber F1 Team Logo.
BMW Sauber F1 Team Logo. Throughout its history BMW cars and motorcycles have been successful in a range of Motorsport activities BMW Sauber F1 are a Formula One team with bases in Hinwil, Switzerland and Munich, Germany.
BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in 2006.
BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in 2006. "F1 2006" redirects here For the video games based on the 2006 Formula One season see F1 06 & F1 CE.

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

Sports car

Touring car

BMW has a long and very successful history in touring car racing. Touring car racing is a general term for a number of distinct Auto racing competitions in heavily-modified street cars

Rally

Culture

The term "Beemer" started as an acronym for the abbreviation "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as /ˈbisə/ or /ˈbizə/), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. The Birmingham Small Arms Company ( BSA) was a British manufacturer of Vehicles Firearms and Military equipment and still exists as 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,[7] 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 [beː ɛm ˈveː] 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).

Environmental Record

The company is a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's(EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognizes companies for their environmental stewardship and performance. It is also a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program and is on the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index, which rates environmentally friendly companies. Dow Jones & Company is an American publishing and financial information firm [8] BMW has taken measures to reduce the impact the company has on the environment. It is trying to design less-polluting cars by making existing models more efficient, as well as developing environmentally friendly fuels for future vehicles. Possibilities include: electric power, hybrid power (combustion, engines and electric motors)hydrogen engines. [9]

Bicycles

BMW has created a range of high-end bicycles sold online and through dealerships. They range from the entry-level Kid's Bike to the EUR 4,499 Enduro Bike. [10] In the United States, just the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike are sold. [11]

Nomenclature

BMWs follow a certain nomenclature in the naming of 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 traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100.

The system of letters is as follows:

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 2007 BMW 328i is a 3 Series that has a 3. 0 litre engine. The 2007 BMW 335i also has a 3. 0 litre engine; however, it is twin-turbocharged, which is not identified by the nomenclature.

The 'M' - for Motorsport - identifies the high-performance M vehicle of a particular series (e. g. M3, M5, M6, etc). 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.

The 'Z' identifies a two seater roadster (e. g. Z1, Z3, Z4, etc). M variants of Z models have the M as a suffix or prefix, depending on country of sale. (e. g. 'Z4 M' / 'M Roadster' in Canada)

A capitalized 'X' may supersede the series number (e. g. X3 and X5) which refers to the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) lineup, all of which feature BMW's xDrive. BMW xDrive is BMW 's Four-wheel drive system that powers the X3, X5 and 2006 and later xd and xi 3 Series and

Both X & Z vehicles will have 'i' or 'si' follow the engine displacement denoted in litres. The 'si' (e. g. X3 3. 0si) identifies the vehicle as being equipped with the 'sport package' & is 'fuel-injected'. X & Z vehicles only denoting 'i' (e. g. X3 3. 0i) identifies the vehicle as 'fuel-injected' and no sport package.

Also, Station-wagons/Estates are traditionally given the "Touring" or "Sport Wagon" tagline, depending on country of sale.

Community

BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf
BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf

BMW has always had a very tight and loyal community following. 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.

Overseas subsidiaries

South Africa

BMWs have been assembled in South Africa since 1970, when Praetor Monteerders' plant was opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. BMW acquired the company in 1973, which became BMW South Africa, the first wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW to be established outside Germany. Three unique models that BMW Motorsport created for the South African market were the BMW 333i, which added a 6-cylinder 3. BMW Motorsport is the division of BMW responsible for motorsport-related activities including works-run competition programmes in Touring car racing Sportscar 2 litre engine to the BMW 3 Series,[[12] the BMW 325is which was powered by an Alpina derived 2. The E30 Automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1991 BMW 3 Series Entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. 7 litre engine, and the E23 M745i, which used the engine from the BMW M1. The BMW E23 is an Automobile platform that was the basis for the first BMW 7 Series Luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. The BMW M1 is a Sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981

Unlike U.S. manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, which divested from the country in the 1980s, BMW retained full ownership of its operations in South Africa. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following General Motors Corporation ( GM) ( is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1908 and headquartered in the United States.

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, and the lowering of import tariffs, BMW South Africa ended local production of the 5-Series and 7-Series, in order to concentrate on production of the 3-Series for the export market. South African-built BMWs are now exported to right hand drive markets including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic mean regulations requiring all traffic to keep either to the left or the right side of the Road. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Singapore Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Sub-Saharan Africa is a geographical term used to describe the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara, or those African countries Since 1997, BMW South Africa has produced vehicles in left hand drive for export to Taiwan, the United States and Iran, as well as South America. Right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic mean regulations requiring all traffic to keep either to the left or the right side of the Road. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a

India

BMW established in 2006 a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region) and a state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. Gurgaon (गुड़गांव is the sixth largest City in the Indian state of Haryana. The construction of the plant started in January 2006 with an initial investment of more than one billion Indian Rupees. The plant started fullfledged operation in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series. [13]

China

In May 2004 BMW opened a factory in Shenyang, north-east China, in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive. Shenyang ( Ch: 沈阳 pinyin Shěnyáng, or Mukden ( in Manchu) is a Sub-provincial city and capital of Liaoning [14] The factory is expected to produce 30,000 3 and 5 Series annually.

BMW also has plans for a 2nd factory in China where the 1 Series will be produced. [15]

Related companies

See also

References

  1. ^ "BMW Roundel Celebrates 90 Years", Motorcycle. Tiptronic (sometimes informally abbreviated to Tip) is a type of discrete Automatic transmission developed by Porsche, and used in its vehicles and those The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design development manufacture marketing and sale of Motor vehicles In 2007 more than 73 million motor vehicles This list of German cars tries to show every German car ever made by manufacturer The following is a list of constructors which have competed or plan to compete in the FIA World Championship. The BMW film series The Hire was a series of eight short films (each about eight minutes long on average produced for the Internet in 2001 and 2002 BMW has used the following engines in its vehicles Gasoline/petrol piston engines Straight-4 1961&ndash1987 &mdash 1 BMW Headquarters ( German: BMW-Vierzylinder "BMW four-cylinder" also BMW Tower is a Munich landmark which has been serving Throughout its history BMW cars and motorcycles have been successful in a range of Motorsport activities BMW CleanEnergy vehicles have both a hydrogen and a Petrol tank iDrive is a Computer -like system which is used to control most secondary vehicle systems in many current BMW cars iDrive's User interface consists BMW uses many letters to designate differences in its different automobiles The BMW Street Carver was a Skateboard created by BMW. It had an extremely stiff wood and fiberglass deck and a unique steering system based on that of the BMW BMW has survived three major crises that have threatened the company's very existence The World War I, World War II, and a takeover bid by Daimler Benz. com, October 12, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-03-03. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1284 - Statute of Rhuddlan incorporated the Principality of Wales into England 1575 - Indian  
  2. ^ History of BMW motorcycle logo, emblems, roundel picture, badge, enamel, cloisonne, high mileage, stick on, glue on
  3. ^ World Motor Vehicle Production, OICA correspondents survey
  4. ^ Equipment and Technical data (PDF). BMW AG. Retrieved on 2008-05-17. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason.
  5. ^ BMW Concept CS revealed at Shanghai Motor Show. paultan. org. Retrieved on 2007-06-23. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1180 - First Battle of Uji, starting the Genpei War in Japan 1305 - The Flemish
  6. ^ Greg Migliore (June 10, 2008). Future vision? BMW reveals fabric-skinned concept after six years. www. autoweek. com. Retrieved on 2008-06-11. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes.
  7. ^ Bimmer vs. Beemer. boston-bmwcca. org. Retrieved on 2007-06-23. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1180 - First Battle of Uji, starting the Genpei War in Japan 1305 - The Flemish
  8. ^ Grahl, C: “Green finishing”, page 35(4). Industrial Paint & Powder, 2006
  9. ^ Bird, J and Walker, M: “BMW A Sustainable Future? ”, page 11. Wild World 2005
  10. ^ BMW Online Shop
  11. ^ BMWonline - 1-888-BMW-ONLINE (888-269-6654) BMW, clothes, clothing, shirts, sweaters, polos, models, miniatures, shirt, tee, tees, sweater, polo, model, miniature, jewelry, motorcycle, leathers, boots, gloves
  12. ^ http://www.bmwplant.co.za/Content/frame_content.jsp@content=http-3a-2f-2fhaf0gau02~5.htm
  13. ^ http://www.bmw.in/in/en/index_narrowband.html
  14. ^ http://www.testdriven.co.uk/news.cfm/bmw-opens-china-factory
  15. ^ http://www.chinacartimes.com/category/bmw-china

External links


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