Bmw

BMW German pronunciation:[be-em-ve] (hearing) (siglas in German: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG “Bavara S. A. motor factories”) is a German manufacturer of high-end and luxury cars and motorcycles, whose headquarters are located in Munich. Its subsidiaries are Mini, Rolls-Royce, BMW i and BMW Bank. BMW is the world's leading sales leader among high-end manufacturers; compete mainly with Audi, Volvo, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, among other high-end vehicles.

History of BMW

Beginnings

The predecessor of BMW was the company Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH, founded in 1913 by Karl Rapp. They changed their name in April 1917, first to BMW GmbH (limited company) to end at BMW AG, a year later after its conversion into a limited company. The engineer Max Friz stood out in the young company for developing in 1917 a high compression aircraft engine, thanks to which it was possible to reduce the loss of performance at heights. This innovation was so well received that BMW received an order for 2,000 engines from the Prussian Army Administration. On June 17, 1919, the height record of 9,760 meters was reached with a BMW IIIa. The end of the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles seemed to be the final phase of the company, since the treaty prohibited the manufacture for 5 years of aircraft engines, at that time the only product of BMW. In 1922 Camillo Castiglioni, the company's main shareholder, left the company to go to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW), also taking the rights to the BMW brand.

The BFW company originated from the Gustav-Otto-Flugzeugwerk company, which was founded on March 7, 1916 by Gustav Otto, son of Nikolaus August Otto, inventor of the combustion engine. March 7, 1916 is considered, in the description of the company's history, as the official date of founding of BMW. With the departure of Castiglioni, the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW) would give way to BMW. The company, which until then was called BMW, changed its name to Süddeutsche Bremsen-AG and then Knorr-Bremse,

Logo

The well-known white and blue BMW logo was created in 1917, when the company was still manufacturing aircraft engines, and symbolizes the flag of the Free State of Bavaria (it did not symbolize a moving propeller against a blue sky). A 1929 BMW advertisement shows the emblem with the colored quarters superimposed on top of a spinning propeller. Hence the interpretation that the BMW logo represents a propeller was born.

First BMW motorcycle

Conceived on paper in 1922, the first BMW R 32 motorcycle caused a real sensation during its presentation at the 1923 Berlin Exhibition. In order to improve air cooling, chief engineer Max Friz placed the transversely flat engine in a twin-tube chassis and power is transmitted directly to the wheel via a cardan shaft: a design principle still used on BMW motorcycles today. From 1924 aircraft engines were produced again. The Schienenzeppelin manufactured in 1930 was powered by a BMW engine.

First automobile production in Eisenach

In 1928, BMW bought the company Automobilwerk Eisenach, the maker of the DIXI small car, thus becoming a car manufacturer. On March 22, 1929, BMW produced its first series car in Eisenach, in the German land of Thuringia. The model was called 3/15 PS, or also DA 2, and was built under license from the British Austin Seven. The vehicle was assembled in Berlin with a body from the Ambi-Budd company, reminiscent of the Rosengart, also built under license from Austin. In 1932 the first "authentic" BMW called AM1 (from the acronym Automobilkonstruktion München Nr. 1, in Spanish "Munich car construction No. 1"). The AM1 was a larger and more technically advanced vehicle than the DIXI, eg overhead valves, four-wheel brakes, front pendulum axle. The first newly built vehicle carried out entirely by BMW's own technicians was the 303, launched in 1933. It was the work of Fritz Fiedler (1899–1972) and was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine. and 1.2 liters of capacity.

Due to the expansion of aircraft engine construction starting in 1933, the vehicle and motorcycle division became a minor business. Despite this, of the models launched at the time, the 326 (1935), the 327 (1937) and the sporty roadster 328 (1936). The BMW 326 was in production between 1936 and 1941, its characteristics and an adequate price (5,500 RM) made it a sales success. 16,000 units were produced in that period. It had very rounded shapes, and at the rear the marked presence of the spare wheel in the trunk was notable. The chassis built with perimeter spars allowed the body not to be high by being able to place the seats inside the perimeter. Before the start of World War II, BMW produced the 327, a spacious and luxurious car, and the 328, a sports convertible. Both models were equipped with a 2-liter engine and were very advanced for their time.^{[citation needed]}

The 328 stood out not only for its construction, but also for its numerous successes on the racing circuits, including the Mille Miglia held in Italy in 1940. This model consolidated the image of BMW as a manufacturer of sports models, which will last after the Second World War. In Great Britain it was so popular that it was marketed under license from BMW by Frazer-Nash, a company that since 1934 had been importing BMW engines for its own models.

During World War II

BMW 801.

Sales of the company back in 1933 amounted to 32.5 million Reichsmark (RM), to reach 280 million RM in 1939. The manufacture of aircraft engines by the new subsidiary " BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH" took place in the new factories "BMW Flugmotorenfabrik Allach GmbH" and "BMW Flugmotorenfabrik Eisenach GmbH". In 1939 the manufacture of aircraft engines contributed to the result with no less than 190 million RM of sales. With the purchase of the Siemens engine factory in Brandenburg in 1939, which would be renamed "BMW Flugmotorenwerke Brandenburg GmbH", and with the founding of "Niederbarnimer Flugmotorenwerke GmbH" in conjunction with focker dr. Vlll and focker wulf in 1941, BMW continued its expansion in the aircraft engine sector until it reached 90% of the company's sales. In 1944 the company achieved sales of RM750 million in sales and 56,000 employees, about half of whom were forced laborers.

BMW used large numbers of forced laborers and inmates based at the Dachau concentration camp for the production of aircraft engines at the Allach plant (Plant II).

The BMW 801 aircraft engine was one of the most important in German industry; It had 1,467 kW (2,000 hp) and was a BMW 801 twin engine. It was installed, among other models, in the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Junkers Ju 88 airplanes. Other aircraft engines from BMW were the BMW 132, BMW 802 and the BMW 803. In the more traditional BMW plants the „Wehrmachtsgespann“ (a heavy motorcycle with sidecar for the Wehrmacht) was produced, and between 1937 and 1942 the 325 automobile. Finally, they had to produce an individual light vehicle according to the Wehrmacht requirements of the same characteristics as those manufactured by Stoewer and Hanomag.

Postwar

BMW 319/4; built in 1936.

BMW R 68 (1954) with a steel company Steib Metallbau.

In 1945 the traditional plant in Munich was almost completely destroyed and the Automobilwerk Eisenach plant was located in the territory of the socialist German Democratic Republic. Due to the fact that all production tools were located at the Eisenach plant, immediately after the war the company was in a position to continue producing the same models as before the war under the brand name "BMW".^{[citation needed]} Since BMW in Munich was not willing to produce vehicles under its brand without having any control over production, in 1951 they succeeded in parliament that the Eisenach factory was prohibited from producing vehicles under the name "BMW". Products from the Eisenach factory were then manufactured under the name "EMW". The company was renamed Volkseigener Betrieb (VEB) in 1952. The Wartburg model was manufactured at that facility.^{[citation needed]}

Until then, automobiles had never been produced at the Munich plant and the plant had also been destroyed by Allied bombs. BMW managed to stay afloat thanks to the manufacture of motorcycles, pots and brakes. Previously, the British company Bristol Airplane Company had inspected the BMW factory and had taken the plans of the models produced before the war. After a while, the new subsidiary of the English company, Bristol Cars, began manufacturing its 400 model, which turned out to be practically identical to the BMW 327, including the famous &# 34;double kidney".^{[citation needed]}

By mandate of the Allied occupation forces, BMW was unable to manufacture vehicles for 3 years after the war.^{[citation needed]} Finally, in 1951 it succeeded in producing the first post-war vehicle,^{[citation needed]} the BMW 501, a luxury model initially with 6-cylinder engines and later with 8-cylinder V-shaped engines. This model would win soon the nickname Barockengel (from German, "Angel of the Baroque") for its elongated body. The production of this vehicle was so expensive that BMW lost approximately 4,000 DM for each example sold. The situation worsened due to the decline in motorcycle sales in the mid-1950s. The legendary Isetta minivehicle, launched in 1955 under license from the Italian ISO consortium, could not alleviate the economic crisis of the company either..

Crisis of the late 1950s

From microvehicles...

...even in luxury vehicles there was a hole.

After suffering significant losses in fiscal years 1958 and 1959, a dramatic shareholders meeting took place on December 9, 1959. Both directors and members of the board of supervisors, both elected by Deutsche Bank, made a offer for the sale of BMW to Daimler-Benz AG (also with Deutsche Bank as the majority shareholder) and the small shareholders were almost dispossessed. BMW's fate seemed sealed, as Deutsche Bank, thanks to custodial voting rights, accounted for roughly half of the shares. But things turned out differently: an opposition front, representing the workforce and the works council, BMW dealers and small shareholders, managed to reject the acquisition. To tip the balance they had the help of the coal businessman Erich Nold and the lawyer Dr. Friedrich Mathern. For this, 10% of the votes were enough. In fact, the income statements were erroneous, since the costs were recorded in the year for the development of the new 700 model. In this way, the purchase could be avoided.

Start of recovery and purchase of Glas

R60/2 (1967).

BMW-Glas 3000 of 1968.

BMW managed to remain independent, but a model for the middle class was still sorely lacking. But, for its development, money was needed that was not there. It is then when the figure of the businessman Herbert Quandt arises, who declared himself willing to inject money through a capital increase, after a capital reduction. In this way he managed to increase his participation in the company to 60%, at the expense of the banks that lost his influence in BMW. Thanks to this operation, and the sale of the turbine plant in Allach, BMW obtained the financial means necessary for the development of a new model for the middle class. The idea was to create a model with a sedan character with a two-cylinder motorcycle engine to cover the gap left in the market by the Isabella model, due to the bankruptcy of the manufacturer Borgward.

In 1962 the new BMW 1500 was presented, a vehicle of the New Category, which, after some initial difficulties, was very well received with its BMW 1800 and BMW 2000 versions, also consolidated with the successes achieved in the Tourenwagen competition. BMW's definitive recovery came in 1966 with the BMW E114 model (1602,1802,2002/2002tii).

In 1967 it acquired the company Hans Glas GmbH located in Dingolfing, near Munich, to become a production center for BMW. Some of the Glas vehicles were produced for a time under the BMW-Glas brand with the BMW logo. When these models were replaced by others, the name Glas was discontinued.

The BMW E3 2500, presented in 1968, later also called 2800, 3.0 SI surprised professionals in the sector for its silent motor and its power.^{[citation needed]}

It was Kuenheim

BMW R75/5 (19731⁄2).

Between the years 1970-1993 Eberhard von Kuenheim held the position of CEO. During his presidency sales multiplied 18 times, thanks to the introduction of various lines of new models, up to 28 billion marks. Car production quadrupled and motorcycle production tripled. The number of employees also grew from 23,000 to 71,000. New production sites were also created in Germany (Regensburg, Spandau), Austria, South Africa and in the United States (Spartanburg).

In 1973 the Cuatro Cilindros was inaugurated, a new building in the shape of a four-cylinder engine, located next to the Olympic City of Munich, created by the Austrian architect Karl Schwanzer, to become the main administrative building of the company. In 1990 the Forschungs- und Innovationszentrum (FIZ) (in Spanish, "Centro de Investigación e Innovación"), the "Factory of Ideas" of BMW with more than 6000 employees.

The Rover debacle

In the early 1990s it was believed at BMW that the only way to stay in the market was as a mass manufacturer. For this reason, they sought to increase production capacity by acquiring the English manufacturer Rover Group (Rover, MG and Land Rover) in 1994. This decision proved to be unfortunate, and with serious economic consequences. The purchase amounted to 9 billion marks and cost Bernd Pischetsrieder his job, who had to leave the company.

From the beginning, working with the Rover group was problematic.^{[citation needed]} The range of products developed in a joint venture with Honda It turned out to be dated and unappealing. Also the finish of the vehicles left something to be desired.^{[citation needed]} Due to its traditional design and Rover's reputation, the expected sales figures were never achieved. In addition, there was internal competition between Land Rover and BMW's new range of SUVs (initially the X5). Rover's losses were compounded by the 30% devaluation of the pound sterling against the German mark between 1994 and 2000.

For these reasons, BMW decided to put the brakes on, specifically in 2000, ending the Rover project. Rover and MG was sold for a token £10 to 4 UK investors, Phoenix Venture Holdings.

On March 17, 2000, the Land Rover brand was sold for a considerable price to the American manufacturer Ford. Only Mini remained in the hands of BMW.

Recent history

BMW headquarters in Munich.

BMW gradually introduced newly designed models, centered on the so-called 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series. It also introduced a sports model with coupe and convertible bodies under the name Z1, which has currently evolved into three different models, the Z3, which was later replaced by the Z4, and the Z8, the latter of great luxury. In the field of automobiles, BMW has also developed off-road vehicles, the first of which was the large and luxurious X5 (1999), followed by the X3 (2003), with smaller dimensions than the X5, and recently, BMW has launched a SAC (Sport Activity Coupe, classification made by BMW itself), called X6, this vehicle has the height, size of tires and other features of an SUV, but with proportions and design closer to a sports car. With its constant developments and improvements, BMW is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers in applying the latest technology and electronics to its vehicles.

BMW has not abandoned its vocation for motorcycles and currently manufactures a wide range, including high and medium displacement road bikes, as well as off-road motorcycles. In recent years it has also presented a totally innovative scooter, the C1, which has a solid structure above the driver's head and a seat belt, which makes it possible to do without a helmet. The success of this scooter is still in doubt, but its development proves once again that BMW breaks barriers when it comes to innovation.

Husqvarna Motorcycles

In July 2007 Husqvarna was acquired by the BMW group for an amount of 93 million euros. BMW's motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad, has since retained the independence of the company. Development, sales and production have been maintained in Varese. In 2013 Husqvarna was sold to Stefan Pierer (CEO of KTM), specifically to his company Pierer Industrie AG.

Chairmen of the BMW Board of Management

The following people have been Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG throughout history:

• 1922–1942: Franz Josef Popp
• 1942–1944: Fritz Hille
• 1948–1957: Hanns Grewenig
• 1957–1960: Heinrich Richter-Brohm
• 1962–1965: Karl-Heinz Sonne
• 1965-1969: Gerhard Wilcke
• 1970–1993: Eberhard von Kuenheim
• 1993–1999: Bernd Pischetsrieder
• 1999–2002: Joachim Milberg
• 2002–2006: Helmut Panke
• 2006-2015: Norbert Reithofer
• 2015-2019: Harald Krüger
• From 2019: Oliver Zipse

Relevant chronological events

• 1916: Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG Foundation (BFW).
• 1917: Rapp-Motorenwerke renamed in Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH.
• 1918: Conversion to anonymous company (Aktiengesellschaft). Franz Josef Popp is the first president of BMW.
• 1922: Bayerische Flugzeugwerke give rise to BMW.
• 1923: Manufacture of the first motorcycle.
• 1928: Purchase of the car manufacturer VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach.
• 1929: Manufacture of the first car, the BMW 3/15 PS (also known as AM1) in Eisenach.
• 1934: Segregation of the division of airplane engines BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH.
• 1944: The Munich plant is rooted by allied aircraft bombs.
• 1945: BMW obtains permission to repair American military vehicles and for the manufacture of motorcycles, while the plants of Munich and Allach are dismantled.
• 1948: First post-war motorcycle.
• 1959: Historical general board in which the purchase by Daimler Benz is avoided.
• 1960: BMW has 7000 workers and reaches annual sales of 239 million marks.
• 1961: The legendary Paul-G. Hahnemann is named responsible for sales.
• 1962: Karl-Heinz Sonne is appointed CEO.
• 1963: For the first time dividends.
• 1965: The slogan in Germany "Aus Freude am Fahren" (Conduct by illusion), and since 1969 "Freude am Fahren" (Diversion to driving) become popular.
• 1967: Purchase of the vehicle company Hans Glas GmbH in Dingolfing to integrate it into the BMW production network.
• 1967: Foundation of the motorcycle plant in Spandau, near Berlin.
• 1969: Transfer from motorcycle division to Berlin. BMW has 21 000 employees and annual sales of 1.5 billion frames.
• 1970: Eberhard von Kuenheim is appointed CEO, a position he would hold for 23 years. It creates the Herbert Quandt Stiftung (Herbert Quandt Foundation).
• 1972: Construction of the emblematic administrative building "Cuatro Cilindros de BMW" in Munich.
• 1972: The production plant is built in Rosslyn, South Africa.
• 1973: A new plant is built in Landshut, near Munich.
• 1978: A BMW 5 Series fueled with hydrogen in collaboration with the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt ("German Center for Aeronautics and Astronautics"). BMW already has 30,000 employees and annual sales of 6 billion marks.
• 1979: The engine plant opened in Steyr, Austria.
• 1984: The motorcycle plant opened in Spandau, near Berlin.

The FIZ, "Centro de Investigación e Innovación".

• 1985: Construction begins Forschungs- und Innovationszentrum, FIZ (Research and Innovation Center).
• 1985: BMW Technik GmbH is created for the pre-development of products.
• 1987: The vehicle plant opened in Retisbona.
• 1990: Official inauguration of the FIZ. BMW has 70,900 employees and annual sales of 27.1 billion marks.
• 1992: The American plant opened in Spartanburg (Carolina del Sur).
• 1993: Bernd Pischetsrieder is appointed CEO.
• 1994: The Rover group is purchased including MG and Land Rover brands.
• 1997: Born in the United Kingdom Alphabet Fleet Management, supplier of Corporate Mobility of the BMW Group.
• 1999: BMW closes a contract with the Russian company "Autotor" in Kalingrad for the manufacture of cars.
• 1999: Joachim Milberg is appointed CEO.

BMW Welt and the "Four Cylinders" in Munich.

• 2000: Creation of the Eberhard-von-Kuenheim-Stiftung (Eberhard von Kuenheim Foundation).
• 2000: CKD plant opened in Thailand.
• March 15, 2000: The sale of MG and Rover to British investors is closed.
• March 17, 2000: The sale of Land Rover to the American Ford is closed.
• 2001: The engine plant opened in Hams Hall, England
• 2002: Helmut Panke is appointed CEO. Construction of the vehicle plant in Leipzig begins.
• 2003: The law of the Rolls-Royce brand is acquired. It creates a Joint Venture for the production and sale of vehicles with the company Brilliance China Automotive Holding in China
• 2004: The market launch of a nitrogen-powered vehicle is announced.
• 2004: The construction of the BMW Welt (Mundo BMW), a vehicle delivery center, located opposite the "Cuatro Cilindros" in Munich, begins.
• 2005: Official inauguration of the plant in Leipzig.
• 2005: Opening of the new logistics centre in Gaubitzhausen, near Dingolfing.
• 2006: Norbert Reithofer is appointed CEO.
• 2007: CKD plant opened in Chennai, India. BMW's motorcycle division acquires Husqvarna motorcycles. The opening of the BMW Welt.

BMW logo.

• 2008: New opening BMW-Museum (" BMW Museum") in Munich after 4 years of remodeling.
• 2012: Expanding cooperation with Toyota.
• 2013: Sale of Husqvarna Motorcycles to Pierer Industrie, owner of KTM AG
• 2013: Foundation of the Chinese car brand Zinoro in the framework of the Joint Venture with the Chinese manufacturer Brilliance China Auto
• 2015: Harald Krüger replaces Norbert Reithofer as new president of the board of directors.
• 2016: BMW celebrates the centenary since its foundation and announces an alliance with Intel and Mobileye in order to begin in 2021 the serial production of an autonomous vehicle.
• 2018: Together with the Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motor Company Limited is founded a joint venture with the name Spotlight Automotive Ltd. and based in Zhangjiagang with the purpose of developing and producing electric vehicles
• 2019: Oliver Zipse replaces Harald Krüger at the head of the board of directors.

Product Launch Timeline

• 1917: Airplane engine height III a, 6-cylinder, 19 litres, water-cooled, 136 kW (185 hp).
• 1918: Airplane engine IV, 6-cylinder, 22.9 litres, water-cooled, 184 kW (250 hp).
• 1919: Motor for heavy vehicle M4 A1, 4-cylinder, 8000 cm3, camshaft on top, 44 kW (60 hp).
• 1920: Motor for ships M4 A12, 4-cylinder online engine, 8000 cm3, cam tree at the top and with an investment mechanism for changing the direction of turning, 44 kW (60 hp).
• 1921: Composite motor for cars, 4-cylinder, 8000 cm3, camshaft at the top, two-speed transmission, 44 kW (60 hp).
• 1922: Small M2 B15 engine, 2-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, first serial manufacturing of a "boxer" engine, 4.8 kW (6.5 hp).
• 1923: Motorcycle R 32 with a "boxer" engine with two cylinders mounted horizontally on both sides, 500 cm3, 3-speed transmission, cardan transmission, with a frame of double steel tubes (first motorcycle of this type), 6,25 kW (8,5 hp).
• 1924: Serial production of the 6-cylinder engine plane IV, 22.9 litres, then with 228 kW (310 hp).
• 1925: Motorcycle R 37 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine controlled by the top, 500 cm3, 12 kW (16 hp).
• 1925: Motorcycle R 39 with engine of one cylinder, 250 cm3, 4.8 kW (6.5 hp), first engine of one BMW cylinder.
• 1926: V aviation engine, 6 cylinders online, 24.3 litres, 235 kW (320 hp), first block assembly.
• 1926: Aircraft motor V a, 6 cylinders online, 22.9 litres, 235 kW (320 hp).
• 1926: Aviation engine VI, 12 cylinders in V, 60 degrees, 46.9 litres, 405 kW (550 hp), was the cooled aviation engine with water most produced by BMW.
• 1926: Motorcycle R 42 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, 8.8 kW (12 hp).
• 1927: Aviation engine VII a, 12 cylinders in V to 60 degrees, 46.9 litres, 441 kW (600 hp).
• 1927: Motorcycle R 47 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, 13 kW (18 hp).
• 1928: Aviation engine VIII U 6 cylinders online, 22.9 litres, 390 kW (530 hp), with transmission at the bottom.
• 1928: Aircraft engine "BMW-Hornet", 9-cylinder star engine, 27.7 liters, 386 kW (525 hp), air-cooled (low license).
• 1928: Motorcycle R 52 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, 8.8 kW (12 hp).
• 1928: Motorcycle R 57 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, 13 kW (18 hp).
• 1928: R 62 motorcycle with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 13 kW (18 hp) (first vehicle with 750 cm3).
• 1929: First BMW car with four cylinder engine, 750 cm3, 11 kW (15 hp), licensed.
• 1929: Motorcycle R 63 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 18 kW (24 hp).
• 1930: Aircraft motor X a, 5-cylinder star engine, 2.9 litres, 50 kW (68 hp), air-cooled.
• 1930: Motorcycle R 11 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 15 kW (20 hp), first pressed steel frame.
• 1930: Motorcycle R 16 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 24 kW (33 hp).
• 1931: Aviation engine VIII, 6 cylinders online, 22.9 liters, 390 kW (530 hp).
• 1931: Aviation engine IX, 12 cylinders in V to 60 degrees, 46.9 liters, 588 kW (800 hp).
• 1931: Motorcycle R 2 with single cylinder engine, 200 cm3, 4.4 kW (6 hp).
• 1932: AM1 motorways up to AM4 with 4 cylinders online, 795 cm3, 14,7 (20 CV), first construction of its own.
• 1932: Motorcycle R 4 with single cylinder engine, 400 cm3, 10 kW (14 hp).
• 1933: Aviation engine 132 "BMW Hornet", Series 1 and 2, 9-cylinder star engine.
• 1933: Vehicle with 3 wheels and one cylinder engine, 200 or 400 cm3, 4.4 oder 10 kW (6 o. 14 hp), cardan transmission.
• 1933: 6-cylinder motor 303, 1175 cm3, 22 kW (30 CV), first BMW engine with 6-cylinder engine.
• 1934: Aviation engine 132 Dc, 9-cylinder star engine, 27.7 litres, 625 kW (850 hp).
• 1934: Motor 309 with 4-cylinder engine, 875 cm3, 16 kW (22 hp).
• 1934: 315 motor with 6-cylinder engine, 1.490 cm3, 25 kW (34 hp).
• 1935: 315/1 motor with 6-cylinder engine, 1.490 cm3, 29 kW (40 hp).
• 1935: 319 and 319/1 motor with 6-cylinder engine, 1.911 cm3, 33 or 40 kW (45 or 55 hp).
• 1935: 320 motor with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 33 kW (45 hp).
• 1935: Motorcycle R 12 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 20 PS.
• 1935: Motorcycle R 17 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 750 cm3, 24 kW (33 hp), (Introduction of telescopic shock absorber for front wheels in pressed steel box).
• 1936: 326 motor with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 38 kW (50 hp), with torsion rod damping on the rear axle.
• 1936: BMW 328 Sport with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 59 kW (80 hp).

BMW 328 Mille Miglia.

• 1936: motor 329/cabrio with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 33 kW (45 hp).
• 1936: Motorcycle R 3 with cylinder engine, 300 cm3, 8.1 kW (11 hp).
• 1936: R 20 motorbike with cylinder engine, 200 cm3, 5.9 kW (8 hp).
• 1936: Motorcycle R 5 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 500 cm3, 18 kW (24 hp).
• 1936: Motorcycle R 6 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, 600 cm3, 13 kW (18 hp), (New introduction of the double-steel tube frame).
• 1937: Automotive 327 coupé and convertible with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 40 kW (55 hp).
• 1937: 325 SUV with 6-cylinder engine, 1975 cm3, 38 kW (50 hp), steering and traction on all wheels (in contrast to the steering of the front axle and only rear traction).
• 1937: R 35 motorbike with cylinder engine, 350 cm3, 10 kW (14 hp).
• 1938: R 51, R 61, R 66, R 71 with two-cylinder "boxer" engine, for the first time with cushioned rear wheel (right shock absorbing)
• 1939: Beginning of the development of the BMW 003 reactor for the Me 262 hunting plane.
• 1940: Serial production of the BMW 801 aviation engine for the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 hunting plane.
• 1940: Motorcycle R 75 with sidecar.
• 1955: BMW 507, with car bodywork "Italian", with an 8-cylinder V engine for the U.S. market, 258 units were built.
• 1961: Presentation of the BMW 1500 ("New Category") at the IAA fair, first vehicle of the golden era of BMW.
• 1965: BMW 700 LS coupé (photo on the right).
• 1966: Presentation of the BMW 1600-2, two years later the legendary BMW 2002
• 1973: Turbo technology begins to occur in series (2002 turbo)
• 1980: With the R 80 G/S it would be the first serial production of an enduro motorcycle suitable for long journeys (in German they are known as Reiseenduro) The model had a great welcome ensuring the production of motorcycles by BMW.
• 1983: K 100 motorcycle line with four-cylinder online engine, 1000 cm3, 90 PS
• 1985: K 75 motorcycle line with three-cylinder online engine, 750 cm3, 55 kW (75 hp)
• 1987: Presentation of the first 12-cylinder series car (BMW M70) of the post-war BMW E32 750i
• 1989: The production of the futurist roadster BMW Z1 began from which exactly 8000 units were produced in two years.
• 1991: Introduction of xenon lights in the car sector in series 7 (E32).
• 1994: Replacement of the traditional "boxer" two-cylinder engine and two motorcycle valves by an addition of four valves to meet CO emission directives².
• 1994: With the compact E36 of simple construction and reduced costs BMW enters the sector of the compact class.
• 1994: The E32 series is replaced by a new 7 series (E38). Initially with 6 and 8 cylinder engines. First browser integrated into the vehicle with the following functions: navigation, DSP, television, radio and computer on board.
• 1995: Presentation of the Z3 in the James Bond movie "GoldenEye".
• 1998: The first Sports Activity Vehicle (sports off) from BMW, the X5 goes to the market.
• 2001: Introduction of the iDrive electronic management concept in series 7 (E65/66).
• 2002: The roadster Z4 is on the market.
• 2004: The first BMW Series 1.
• 2006: The new BMW turbo engine is presented in the Geneva Motor Show. It has a power of 306 CV and a maximum coupla of 400 Nm.
• 2006: The Z4 coupé is presented.
• 2006: The new BMW X5 offers up to 7 seats.
• 

  bmw z4 coupé
  2007: The hydrogen version of the 7 series is manufactured in a limited series.
• 2007: The 3 cabrio series comes to the market, for the first time, with light metal cover of three pieces.
• 2007: Series 1 is expanded with a 3-door variant, a coupe and a convertible.
• 2008: X6, the first off-road coupé opened a new niche on the market.
• 2008: Facelift Series 3.
• 2008: The BMW Concept X1 is presented at the Paris Motor Show.
• 2008: Series 7.
• 2009: A new vehicle segment is presented, Series 5 Gran Turismo
• 2009: The BMW X1 is officially launched

• 2009: The new Z4 is officially presented.
• 2009: Global presentation of the series 5 Grand Tourism, X1 and Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics in the IAA of Frankfurt.
• 2009: Persentation of the new 5 series (F10).
• 2010: Global Presentation of BMW Concept ActiveE at NAIAS.
• 2010: Facelift of the cabrio and coupé versions of the 3 series, as well as the X5 and X6.
• 2010: World performance of the BMW Gran Cupé.
• 2011: Presentation in the IAA of the new series 1 (F20).
• 2011: Official presentation of the new series 3 (F30).
• 2012: Launch of the series 4 cupé (F32).
• 2013: Official presentation of the series 3 Gran Turismo.
• 2013: Official presentation of the SUV X4 coupe version, a smaller variant than the X6
• 2013: Presentation in London, Beijing and New Yorl of the BMW i3 electric vehicle (I01), the first vehicle produced in series with a carbon fiber reinforced polymer cabin (CFK)
• 2013: Presentation of the sporting BMW i8 plug-in electric hybrid.
• 2014: Introduction of the BMW 4 Grand Cupé series (F36).
  

  BMW 8 Cabrio (2018)
  .
• 2015: The BMW 5 GT with Toyota Mirai fuel cell is shown, with a rear axle of 180 kW (245 PS).
• 2015: Presentation of series 7 (G11) in the IAA.
• 2016/7: Presentation of the renewed series 5 (G30/G31).
• 2017: Presentation of the concept of the 8 series coupé.
• 2017: Presentation at the IAA of the new generation of the X3 (G01), with a drag coefficient of 0.29.
• 2017: Presentation of the i8 Roadster at the LA Auto Show
• 2018: A series introduction of the X2 (F39) and the new generation of the X4 (G02). The BMW iX3 electric concept is presented for the first time in the Beijing Motor Show, which would include the introduction of the brand's fifth generation of electric traction.
• 2018: Presentation of the third generation of the Z4.
  

  Concept 4
  .
• 2018: Presentation in the Paris Hall of the seventh generation of the 3rd series, which would be available in the dealers a year later, and the new X5.
• 2018: Presentation of the X7, the until then BMW SUV of larger size and the 8 series cabrio.
• 2019: Presentation in the IAA of the third generation of the series 1 as well as an advance of the new series 4 cupé of two doors.
• 2020: The event was cancelled in the Geneva BMW room, but due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled and the event was presented. BMW Concept i4 online. It would also be the first model with the new BMW logo in which the outer ring was no longer black but the color of the vehicle.
• 2020: Presentation of the BMW R 18 a retro design cruise with a 1.8l buxer engine.

Product range

Cars

History

BMW 2500.

The history of the BMW automobile division began in 1928 with the purchase of the automobile company VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. In 1929 BMW produced the BMW 3/15 PS, its first car under license from the Austin Seven at the newly acquired factory in Eisenach. Other models known before the Second World War were, among others, the BMW 315, the BMW 319, the BMW 326 and the BMW 328. During World War II (specifically since 1941) cars were not manufactured.

Postwar

After the war, and after some delays, in 1951 production began, this time in Munich, of the BMW 501. During the 1950s, the 503, 507 and the 3200 CS (known as the Bertone coupe) were also produced. These heavyweight vehicles were technically advanced, but also relatively expensive and not many were sold. The first great sales success were the small vehicles: the 600, the 700 and the famous Isetta.

Vehicles with the BMW logo continued to be produced at the Eisenach factory in what was formerly the German Democratic Republic until 1951], and then under the EMW badge of Automobilwerk Eisenach. Specifically, the BMW/EMW 327 model and the newly created BMW/EMW 3403. The latter without the typical BMW kidneys. From 1956 the Wartburg was produced.

With the introduction of the, then called, "New Class" In 1961 the engine displacement began to be used as the designation of the different models, although in some isolated cases (such as the BMW E3) in liters instead of cubic centimeters. This practice continued with the 02 series until the introduction of the BMW 520 in 1972. After 1972 all models were classified into the different classes.

The new denomination of the vehicles is composed in its first number by the model and in the next two by the displacement. The first model to use this nomenclature, the BMW 520, was a 2.0 liter 5 Series vehicle. Often different letters were used such as "i" of "Injection" (for injection engines) or "l" for vehicles with a greater distance between the wheels. Today BMW no longer produces carburettor engines and the "i" It is used for gasoline engines of each series. The letter "d" is used for diesel engines, the "C" for coupes or convertibles and the "x" for 4x4s, which BMW calls XDrive.

Since the introduction of the "520" the BMW nomenclature is made up of the numbers "3", "5" and "7" to name the lower-middle class (later middle class), "upper-middle class" and "upper class" with the two subsequent figures depending on the displacement. Coupe models were called "6", and later also "8". Roadsters and sports coupe derivatives are included in the Z class.

In 2004 the spectrum was increased with the "1" Series, a compact vehicle. Relatively new are SUVs, which are called by the letter "X". So far there are 7 models in this class: the BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X1 and the BMW X7 (In order of release)

Especially successful was the 3 series, specifically the E30 model from 1982 with approx. 2.3 million vehicles, and also the 7 series introduced in 1986, specifically the E32 model, which was launched for the first time with a "V" 12-cylinder engine. The 325e and 525e models received the "e" from "eta" (η), the Greek letter used in physics to represent energy efficiency. The eta engine was built in such a way that it allowed reduced consumption at low revs but with a high torque moment, but without the characteristics expected of a BMW. For this reason the sales figures of these two models were modest.

Family X

The BMW X models are SUVs, in English Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV; at BMW they are called "SAV" from "Sports Activity Vehicle") by BMW. In 1999 BMW expanded its model range with the X5 (called E53), which, like the Z3, was manufactured at the BMW plant in Spartanburg (United States), and was primarily designed for the US market. Two years earlier, Mercedes-Benz presented the M-Class, reaping great success. The ML used a ladder-shaped frame, while the X5 had a body that supported its own weight. With four-wheel drive as standard, a dynamic design, and 6- and 8-cylinder petrol and 6-cylinder diesel engines, the X5 soon became one of the most popular SUV models in Europe as well. In 2002, a sports cut version was marketed, the 4.6is, with 8 cylinders and 347 CV. This model was initially developed with the Alpina company. In 2003 it was restyled with some minor design changes to the front end and with more powerful engines. The 4.6is gave way to the 4.8is with 360 PS. In addition, the vehicle was equipped with the new "XDrive" traction system, which variably distributes the propulsion between the axles and works together with the DSC. In 2007 the first successor to the E53 arrived: The BMW E70. This model, larger than its predecessor, offers (optional) up to 7 seats, thanks to a third row of seats. With this option it was possible to distance this model from the X3 and at the same time catch up with the Mercedes M-Class that already offered this equipment.

In 2004, a more compact variant of the X5 came onto the market, the BMW X3. The engines are limited to 3 petrol variants (4 and 6 cylinders) and 3 diesel (also 4 and 6 cylinders) with a maximum displacement of 3 liters, including the "twin turbo" with 286 hp. Like the rest of BMW SUVs, it is equipped with xDrive. The X3 is manufactured in Graz (Austria). The BMW X3 became the best-selling SUV in Germany.

In 2008 the family was expanded with another model, the X6, which has positioned itself above the X5. The X6 is a new concept that combines the features of an SUV with the design of a coupe, intended primarily for the American market.

The last launch of this family was the BMW X1, the smallest in the range based on the 1 Series.

Z Family

BMW Z8.

The model family‚ Z includes BMW sports coupes. The first model of this family was the Z1. The Z1 came on the market in 1989, and gained attention thanks to the mechanism to plunge the doors into the body. Its high price and narrow cabin made it an exclusive model.

In 1996 it was followed by the Z3, which would be the first model that would only be manufactured in the North American plant in Spartanburg. It was available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines and was technologically based on the 3 series (BMW E36). It also featured a retro-influenced design in the style of the 507. The Z3 coupe launched in 1998 used the new Shooting Brake concept. Both versions were available in M version with a 321 hp (later 325 PS) inline 6-cylinder engine.

Between 1999 and 2003 the exclusive Z8, popular for its appearance in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, was produced. This model also had retro elements similar to those of the 507. Its The running gear was based on components from the 5 and 7 series and its engine, a 4.9-liter V-8 with 400 hp, was brought over from the M5 (E39). Due to its high price it had all the latest extras, but the top control was a bit tricky to use, and the only gear available, a 6-speed manual, took away customers in the US. The Z8 was made at the plant Munich Matrix manually (not on the AssemblyLine). It stopped manufacturing in 2003.

In 2003 the Z4 arrived as a successor to the Z3. This model was positioned above the Z3, with a modern design and initially only with a 6-cylinder engine. It had to fight in the market with other cheaper vehicles such as the Mazda MX-5, the Mercedes SLK with metal top and the Porsche Boxster. In 2006 the design and some of the extras were retouched. The highest model, the Z4 3.0si, had a power of 265 hp. A coupe version was also released as a successor to the Z3 coupe: the Z4 coupe. M versions of the Y4 and Y4 coupé were also marketed, powered by an engine from the M3 (E46) with a 3.2-liter capacity and 343 hp.

Chronological table

Models throughout history

Manufacturing period Units produced	Production line	Commentary	Image
Microcoches
1955 until 1962 161,728 units	BMW Isetta
1957 until 1960 34.813 units	BMW 600	Big Isetta.
Segment B
1959-1965	BMW Type 107	Known as BMW 700
1961 until 1964	BMW Type 110	Variant cabrio BMW 700
Segment C
1994 to 2000	3 compact series(E36/5)	BMW's first compact model based on the E36. 2 doors with a small butt in 20 cm.
2001 to 2004	3 compact series(E46/5)	Second generation of the compact model of the 3 series based on E46. The design varies considerably from E46.
since 2004	Series 1(E87/E81)	First model of BMW 1 Series in segment C. It is a direct competitor of the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz Class A.
Segment D
1966-1977	BMW 02 (Type114)	BMW 1502, 1600-2, 1600ti, 1602, 1802, 2002, 2002ti, 2002 tii and 2002 turbo, commonly known as BMW 02.
1975-1983	3(E21) Series	First Model of Series 3
1982 to 1994 2,339,251 units	Series 3(E30)
1990 to 2000	Series 3(E36)
1998-2005	3.er(E46)
since 2005	3(E90,E91,E92,E93)
since 2012	3(f30) series
Segment E
1961-1972	115, 116, 118,121, Cupé 120	Also named as the New Class. This production list includes the models BMW 1500, BMW 1600, BMW 1800, BMW 2000 and BMW 2000C/2000CS
1972-1981	Series 5(E12)	First Model of Series 5
1981-1988	Series 5(E28)
1988-1996 approx. 1,300,000 units	Series 5(E34)
1996 to 2004	Series 5(E39)
since 2003	Series 5(E60, E61)
since 2010	Series 5(f10, f11)
Segment F
1951 until 1964	BMW 501/502	Popularly known as "Angel Barroco". The designation of the model was changed several times (502, 2,6, 3,2, 2600, 3200, L/S).
1968-1977 ca. 190 000 units	BMW E3	Luxurious models that did not receive a name were named according to the engine's cylinder (2500, 2800).
1977-1986 270.185 units	7r(E23) Series	First Model of Series 7.
1986 to 1994	7(E32) Series
1994 to 2001	7(E38) Series
2001 to 2008	Series 7(E65, E66, E67, E68)
since 2008	Series 7(F01, F02)
Cupes
1956-1960 412 units	BMW 503	Luxury Cupé, also a cabrio version.
1961 till 1964? approx. 600 units	BMW 3200 CS	Luxury cupé, with V8 motor and Bertone bodywork.
1965 until 1968? Number of units unknown	BMW 2000 CS	Cupe of the "New Class"
1968-1975 30,546 units	BMW 2800 CS (E9)	subsequent variants were 3000 CS, 2.8 CS, 3.0 CS
1976-1989 86.219 units	Series 6(E24)	First Model of Series 6
1989-1999	8(E31) Series
since 2003	Series 6(E63)	Reissuing Series 6
since 2018	Series 8
Roadsters
1955 to 1959 252 units	BMW 507	The competitor of Mercedes 300 SL Roadster
1989 to 1991 8,000 units	Z1
1996 to 2002 279.273 units	Z3(E36/7)
2000 to 2003 5,700 units	Z8(E52)
2002 to 2008	Z4(E85)
Since 2009	Z4(E89)
Shooting Brake
1998 to 2002 17,815 units	BMW E36/8	Shooting Brake based on roadster Z3
1998 to 2002	BMW E86/8	Shooting Brake based on roadster Z4
Used sports vehicles
2000 to 2007	X5(E53)	First SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) by BMW
since 2004	X3(E83)
since 2007	X5(E70)
since 2008	X6
since 2009	BMW X1	BMW's first SUV in segment C.
since 201x	BMW X4
since 2018	BMW X7	First SUV in the F segment

M-Models

Models "M" of the sports range are developed by the company BMW M GmbH, a 100% owned subsidiary of BMW. The M variants are currently offered:

• M3, sport version of Series 3, sedan variants, coupé and cabrio.
• M4, sport version of the Series 4, cupé and cabrio variants.
• M5, sports version of Series 5, sedan variants, familiar.
• M6, sport version of the Series 6, cupé and cabrio variants.
• X5M, sports version of the X5, variant SAV.
• X6M, sports version of the X6, SAC variant.

M5 and M6 models feature 507 hp (373 kW) engines. The speed has been limited to 250 km/h (as in the rest of BMW models). The M3 and M6 models have a carbon fiber roof, thus lowering weight as well as the center of gravity without compromising stability.

BMW offers for all M models the possibility of choosing in a personalized way different colors or combinations of these, it is what is called "BMW Individual", exclusive for M models.

To date the following models have been released:

Year of manufacture	Model	Production line	Cylinder	Cylinders	Power	Variant	Image
1978	M1	E26	3.5 litres	R6	204 kW (277 hp)	Cupé
1979	M535i	E12	3.5 litres	R6	219 CV	Limousine four doors
1983	M635 CSi	E24	3.5 litres	R617 characters combining letters and numbers	260 hp up to 286 hp	Cupé
1985	M5	E28	3.5 litres	R6	210 kW (286 hp)	Sedan with four doors
1986	M3	E30	2.3 litres	R4	195 CV	Sedan with two doors Cabriolet
1988	M5	E34	3.6 litres	R6	315 CV	Sedan with four doors
1992	M5	E34	3 litres	R6	340 CV	Sedan with four doors Kombi
1992	M3	E36	3.0 litres	R6	286 CV up to 321 CV	Sedan with four doors Cupé Cabriolet
1997	M Roadster M Cupé	E36	3.2 litres	R6	321 CV	Roadster Shooting Brake
1998	M5	E39	50.0 litres	V8	400 CV	Sedan with four doors
2000	M3	E46	3.2/4.0 litres	R6/V8	343 hp up to 380 hp	Cupé Descapotable
2005	M5	E60	50.0 litres	V10	507 CV	Sedan with four doors Family (since 2007)
2005	M6	E63	50.0 litres	V10	507 CV	Cupé Unable (since 2006)
2006	Z4M Roadster/Cupé	E85/6	3.2 litres	R6	343 CV	Roadster Coupé
2007	M3	E90/2/3	4.0 litres	V8	420 CV	Coupé Sedan, convertible (since 2008) later
2009	X5 M	E70	50.0 litres	V8	555 cv	All-terrain
2009	X6 M	E71	50.0 litres	V8	555 cv	Sport SUV
2010	M3	E92	50.0 litres	V8	420 CV	Berlina
2011	M3	E92	3.9 litres	V8	420 CV	Berlina
2012	M3	E93	4.0 litres	V8	420 CV	Berlina
2013	M3	E93	3.9 litres	V8	420 CV	Berlina

Pre-war models

BMW 303.

BMW 303.

BMW 315/1 - Model 1935.

Segment B

• BMW 3/15 DA2+DA4 (see also Dixi) (1929–1932)
• BMW Wartburg (BMW 3/15 DA3) (1930–1932) (150 units)
• BMW 3/20 AM1-AM4 (1932–1934) (7215 units)
• BMW 309 (1934-1936) (6000 units)

Segment D

• BMW 303 (1933–1934) (2310 units)
• BMW 315 (1934-1937) (9521 units)
• BMW 315/1 (1935-1936) (242 units)
• BMW 319 (1935–1937) (6543 units)
• BMW 319/1 (1935-1936) (102 units)
• BMW 320 (1937–1938) (4240 units)
• BMW 321 (1939–1941) (3814 units)
• BMW 325 (1937–1940) (3225 units) (Kubelwagen)

Segment E

• BMW 326 (1936-1941) (15936 units)
• BMW 327 (1937-1941) (1396 units)
• BMW 328 (1936–1940) (461 units)
• BMW 329 (1936–1937) (1179 units)

Segment F

• BMW 332 (1939) (on request)
• BMW 335 (1939-1943) (415 units)
• BMW K-1 Elongated vehicle based on 335 (1938/1939)
• BMW K-4 Elongated vehicle based on 335 (1940/1941)

• 

  BMW

• 

  BMW

• 

  BMW 315

• 

  BMW 315

• 

  BMW 319/1

• 

  BMW 319/1

• 

  BMW 321 (1940)

• 

  BMW 321 (1940)

Post-war models

• BMW 331 Internal type 541, in Serie 501 (1949)
• BMW Deportivo (prototype) by Ernst Loof (1954)
• BMW 505 (1955) Luxury sedan in response to Mercedes Benz 300 (on request)
• BMW 528 (1956)
• BMW 570 (1955)
• BMW 700 RS
• F 76 (loading vehicle with 3 wheels)
• BMW 2800 "Spicup" Cupé (prototype) by Bertone

Prototypes

• BMW H2R
• BMW Nazca M12
• BMW Xcoupé
• BMW Z9
• BMW Z10
• BMW Z18
• BMW Z21
• BMW Z29
• BMW F3
• BMW V5
• BMW M7
• BMW 2
• BMW 7 Series (Hidrogen)
• BMW Turbo
• BMW CS
• BMW Gina
• BMW X1
• BMW M8
• BMW Z2 - Two-seater convertible with cupé and convertible bodywork(2010)
• BMW Z2 M - Two-seater convertible with coupé and convertible bodywork(2010)

Current models

• BMW Series 1 - Segment C tourism with bodywork hatchback, coupé and convertible
• BMW 2 Series - Athletic C segment with cupé and convertible body
• BMW 3 Series - Sedan, family, coupe and convertible segment D tourism
• BMW 4 Series - Athletic D segment with coupé and convertible body
• BMW 5 Series - E segment tourism with sedan and family body
• BMW 6 Series - Sport with cupé and convertible bodywork
• BMW 7 Series - S segment tourism with sedan body

X models

• BMW X1 - C segment SUV
• BMW X3 - D-segment subsurface
• BMW X4 - D-Set Sport SUV
• BMW X5 - E-Segway
• BMW X6 - E segment sports SUV
• BMW X7 - F segment SUV

Z models

• BMW Z4 - Two-seater convertible with metal capota.

M models

• BMW 1 M
• BMW M3
• BMW M4
• BMW M5
• BMW M6
• X5 M
• X6 M
• BMW M8

Upcoming releases

These are the launches of new models confirmed by BMW or by the specialized press:

• New Series 3 (2012)

Motorcycles

Since 1923, BMW has produced motorcycles. With sales of around 100,000 units per year, BMW is the largest producer of large displacement motorcycles in Europe.

Already the first BMW motorcycle, the BMW R 32, developed by Max Friz and Martin Stolle, had the fundamental principle, still applied today, of a twin-tube frame with a boxer engine and articulated propulsion ( Kardanantrieb).

In the course of its development, the company introduced numerous unconventional elements, partly developed by BMW itself, such as ABS, paralever, telelever or air suspension.

BMW's attempt to break into the prosperous ground of smaller 125cc displacements with the much-thought-out model C 125 scooter was arguably a failure; production was discontinued after a few years, due to lack of commercial success.

Until a few years ago, motorcycles were comparatively heavy motorcycles whose performance was well below what was technically feasible. Unlike the big Japanese manufacturers, each new BMW generation was heavier. In 2005, with the presentation of the R 1200 GS, BMW introduced the new orientation of its model range. The 1200 GS long-distance enduro motorcycle (Reiseenduro) weighs around 30 kg less (dry weight) than its predecessor, the R 1150 GS, and outperforms it by 15 hp. Also the new appearances that followed were more "hardcore" releases, as opposed to the rather conservative models of the 1990s.

In order to survive against the big Japanese manufacturers and create new customer groups, the K 1200 R appeared in 2006. At the time of its introduction, this was the most powerful Naked motorcycle on the market. The predecessor series (K 1200...) still had a series four-cylinder engine with longitudinally mounted crankshaft and maximum 130 hp. The unconventional concept with drawbacks was abandoned in favor of a slightly forward-inclined in-line four-cylinder engine with transverse crankshaft and more than 160 PS.

Current range of models

Old models (boxer)

• (1923) R32
• (1925) R37 R39
• (1926) R42
• (1927) R47
• (1928) R52 R57 R62 R63
• (1929) R11 R16
• (1931) R2
• (1932) R4
• (1935) R12 R17
• (1936) R3 R5
• (1937) R6 R35 R20
• (1938) R23 R51 R61 R66 R71
• (1941) R75
• (1948) R24
• (1950) R25 R51/3
• (1951) R67
• (1952) R68
• (1955) R50 R69
• (1956) R26 R60
• (1960) R27 R50S R69S
• (1969) R50/5 R60/5 R75/5
• (1973) R60/6 R75/6 R90/6 R90/6 R90S
• (1981) R45
• (2001-2004) R1150 RT Manufactured the first units in 2001 had electronic ignition and 6 speeds in change. With a cylinder of 1130 cc, it generated a power of 95 cv to 7250 rpm and a pair of 98 Nm at 5500 rpm. With a weight of 279kg it reached a maximum speed of 204km/h. This model was manufactured until 2004 and had other variants such as R850RT

Current motorcycle models

• R series: bicylindrical buxer engine.

• • R1100 GS
  • R1100 S
  • R1100 RT
  • R1100 R
  • R1200 GS: model released in 2004, which during its trajectory was improved by eliminating small faults and electric servof, changing the battery amperage from 12 to 14 amperes and being performed a general restyle in the model of 2008, in which it passed from 100 CV to 105 CV and small changes in the plastics of the deposit. It has been the most sold motorcycle of the brand with more than 110,000 units, weighs 199 kg in vacuum, has a deposit of 20 liters, 6-speed gearbox and four-stroke bicylinder engine refrigerated by air-oil.
  • R1200 GS Adventure: just like the GS but with a 33-liter deposit, a 720W alternator, higher and higher suspensions.
  • R1200 ST
  • R1200 RT It is considered the queen of the routes for its excellent performance and comfort
  • R1200 S
  • R1200 HP2 Enduro
  • R1200 R
  • R1150 R
  • R1150 GS
  • R1150 GS Adventure
  • R850 R
  • R850 GS

• K series: online tetracylindrical motor (except K75, which are tricylindrical).
  • K1200 R
  • K1200 R Sport
  • K1200 S
  • K1200 GT
  • K1200 LT
  • K1100 RS
  • K1100 LT
  • K1
  • K100 RS 16V
  • K100 RS
  • K100 RT
  • K100 LT
  • K100
  • K75 RT: three-cylinder engine.
  • K75 C: three-cylinder engine.
  • K75 S
  • K75

• Series F with bicylinder motor online
  • F800 (2006 - 2008)
  • F800 S (2006 - 2011)
  • F800 ST (2006 -)
  • F800 GS (2008 -)
  • F650 GS (2008 - 2013)
  • F700 GS (2013 -)
  • F800 GT (2013 -)

• F series with monocylinder engine

BMW F 650 GS Dakar (2004)

• • F650 GS (- 2008)
  • F650 GS Dakar
  • F650 SC
  • G650 Xmoto
  • G650 Xchallenge
  • G650 Xcountry

• C1 series: monocylinder motor
  • C1 125
  • C1 Executive 125
  • C1 Family's Friend 125
  • C1 Swiss
  • C1 200
  • C1 Executive 200
  • C1 Family's Friend 200
  • C1 Williams

Motors

In addition to selling cars and motorcycles, BMW also makes engines for other companies. These include Wiesmann (engines and propulsion systems for all models), Morgan Motor Company (V-8 cylinder combustion engine and propulsion system components for the Aero 8 model) and Siemens (inline 4 and inline 8). V for the Combino Duo tram). The boxer engines of the motorcycles are sold to the German heavy vehicle manufacturer Rosenbauer International AG, specifically the "Fox" model.

Other clients were the automobile company Opel (6-cylinder diesel engine in line for the Omega model), Land Rover (8-cylinder diesel engine in V for the Range Rover model), Rolls-Royce (combustion engine of 12 cylinders), as well as Kaelble and Magirus (for trucks and heavy vehicles).

Bikes

BMW Bicycle Model Cruise (2006).

BMW has been selling bicycles since the end of World War II. The first patent for a bicycle frame dates from 1950. In the 1990s BMW developed a series of folding bicycles, specially designed for the needs of BMW car customers. In 2005 a new generation of bicycles was introduced. The models covered a wide spectrum with common market components. This new generation has achieved a series of international awards, including the red dot design award, the iF Design Award and the Best Design Award from the Federal Republic of Germany. The sale is made through the BMW dealer network, as well as in selected specialist shops.

Scooters

In 2019, it introduced the X2City electric scooter, BMW's urban mobility concept, priced at 2,400 euros. The autonomy of the vehicle was between 25 and 35 kilometers, and its maximum speed of 25 km/h. On the handlebar we find a control to set maximum speeds at five different levels: 8, 12, 16, 20 and 25 km/h, and in fact at less than 6 km/h the scooter works like a normal one without electrical assistance.

Model identification

The BMW models differ in terms of trade name depending on their model, engine displacement and other characteristics (for example - 325iX). The first digit refers to the model or series, the next two digits refer to the displacement of the engine (they do not always represent the exact displacement, for example, 320i E46 from 2001 was a L6 engine with 2,200cc), and the letters are They refer to a differentiating feature, type of chassis, or characteristics of the car or engine. (i = injection, X = four-wheel drive).

However, before standardizing on series designations in the mid-1970s, BMW primarily used engine displacement to assign its models. The most notable example is 2002. Used series:

• BMW Series 1 - Segment C tourism with hatchback and coupé bodywork
• BMW 3 Series - Sedan, family, coupe and convertible segment D tourism
• BMW 5 Series - E segment tourism with sedan and family body
• BMW 6 Series - Sport with cupé and convertible bodywork
• BMW 7 Series - S segment tourism with sedan body
• BMW 8 Series - Large sport with cupe body

BMW has used multiple numbers and letters over the years, but they weren't always consistent in their application except in using the model number as the first number. Thus, there are many exceptions where the model name may not exactly match the characteristics of the car. Also, the last letter 'A' (automatic) or 'C' (convertible or convertible) can be added to the model; these, however, do not appear except on some of the older automatic models. The following list has partial explanations of some of the characters used.

• A = automatic.
• c = cabriolet (convertible)
• C = coupe, convertible or convertible.
• CS = sport coupé.
• d = diesel. Used in the latest models.
• e = efficiency or 'effective economy', ETA (provines from the Greek letter 'Muric') low consumption, high performance and few RPMs.
• g = compressed natural gas.
• h = hydrogen (motor that works only with hydrogen).
• i = injection (international).
• L = long (long distance between axes).
• M = Motorsport.
• s = sport (used to differentiate it from coupé in America) ^†.
• t = hatchback
• T = touring (car with rear porton, or sport versions in the first models).
• td = turbodiesel ^{††††††}.
• tds = turbodiesel ^{††††††} with intercooler.
• x = BMW xDrive
• X = four-wheel drive.
• Z = models developed by BMW Technik. New designation of convertible sports car. ^{††††††††††††††††††††}

^† Usually includes sport seats, spoiler, aero kit, upgraded wheels, etc.

^†† Historical nomenclature.

^††† The letter 'Z' identifies a vehicle as a two-seat roadster (Z1, Z3, Z4, etc). The variants 'M' of the 'Z' they have the 'M' as a suffix or prefix, depending on the country in which it is sold (for example: 'Z4 M' is 'M Roadster' in Canada).

Example of designation: BMW 760Li is a 7 Series with fuel injected, long wheelbase and 6,000 cm³.

Exceptions to the standard designations are given in:

• Models from BMW Motorsport. The letter 'M' - by Motorsport - identifies the vehicle as a high performance model of a specific series (M3, M5, M6). For example, the M6 is the most performing vehicle in the 6 Series. Although the 'M' vehicles should be separated into their respective series, it is usual to see the 'M' cars grouped as if it were a series of their own.
• The BMW 328i (2007) is a 3 Series with a 3000 cm3 engine.
• The BMW 335i (2007) also has a 3000 cm3 engine; however it is provided with turbocharger, unidentified in the nomenclature.

BMW, from time to time, makes cars outside of the exposed series. These are usually sports cars, convertibles, or specialty cars. Examples are the Isetta (a small 'town car' with a motorcycle engine), the M1 (the original M), the Z1 (Europe only), Z3 roadsters, Z8 and the E1 electric car.

BMW only exports limited versions of these cars to the US. In Europe many more variations are possible, even with smaller engines such as the 316.

When the letter 'L' replaces the serial number (L6, L7, etc) is because it identifies the vehicle as a Luxury variant, with more leather and special interior trim. The L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 on the E24.

When the letter 'X' is uppercase and replaces the serial number (X3, X5, etc.) is because it identifies the vehicle as a BMW SAV (Sports Activity Vehicles) incorporating BMW xDrive.

Vehicles 'X' and 'Z' they will have 'i' or 'yes' after the number that identifies the engine capacity (expressed in liters). The letters 'yes' (for example: X3 3.0si) identify a vehicle equipped with the 'sports package' and 'fuel injection'. The 'X' and 'Z' that only have the letter 'i' (for example: X3 3.0i) identify a vehicle with 'fuel injection' but without 'sports package'.

Internal identification of models

Within BMW, as does the specialized press, an unambiguous naming system is used to refer to a specific model. For example, the 3 series sedan marketed between 1990 and 2000, from a technological point of view, is a completely different vehicle from the current model, to differentiate them they are called BMW E36 and BMW E90, respectively.

BMW today

Business figures

The following are the figures of the volume of business (turnover) of the entire group.

Figures in millions of euros.

Shareholder structure

Production

Main entrance of the matrix plant in Munich.

Assembly plants and total figures

Country	City	Brand brand	Vehicles (2008)	Models	Notes
Germany	Munich	BMW	202.900	Series 3, Series 4 and Motors	Matrix plant since 1922.
Germany	Regensburg	BMW	274,000	Series 1, Series 3 and Z4	Inaugurated in 1987
Germany	Dingolfing	BMW	241.300	All BMW models	Purchased in 1967, it is the largest plant.
Germany	Leipzig	BMW	150,000	Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 and Series 4	Opened in 2005.
Germany	Berlin				Motorcycles. Inaugurated in 1923
Germany	Eisenach				Manufacture of tools, metal parts and padding
Germany	Landshut				Manufacture of engines, exterior, interior, sticks and casting
Germany	Wackersdorf				Logistic center for all extra-European plants
Germany	Spandau				Inaugurated in 1984
Austria	Graz	BMW	82,900	BMW X3	Engine manufacturing
England	Oxford	MINI	235.019	MINI exclusively
England	Goodwood	Rolls-Royce	1.417	Rolls-Royce exclusively
England	Swindon				Pressed and various components
England	Hams Hall				Engine manufacturing
Italy	Cassinetta
Russia	Kaliningrad
Egypt	Cairo
India	Chennai
Indonesia	Jakarta
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur
Thailand	Rayong
China	Shenyang	BMW	33.700	BMW Series 3 and 5
China	Dadong
United States	Spartanburg	BMW	170,700	BMW X3, X4, X5 and X6
Brazil	Salvador de Bahia	BMW	30,000	Series 3	Opening in 2014
Mexico	Lerma	BMW		X5 Security (VR4) and X5 Security Plus (VR6)
Mexico	San Luis Potosí	BMW		BMW 3 Series and 2 Series
South Africa	Rosslyn, Gauteng	BMW	48,000	BMW 3 Series and 7 Series
Total			1.469.936

Extra-European production network

South Africa

BMW began its operations in South Africa in 1970, specifically in the town of Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW acquired the company in 1973 to become BMW South Africa, the first wholly owned subsidiary of BMW established outside of Germany.

In contrast to the wave of disengagement from production plants in South Africa in the 1980s carried out by companies such as Ford or GM, BMW maintained its operations at that time.

After apartheid ended in 1994, and with the decrease in customs duties for the import of goods, BMW stopped manufacturing the 5 and 7 Series to concentrate on manufacturing the 3 Series, mainly for export. The markets for which the vehicles from this plant are destined are markets where the traffic direction is left: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as in sub-Saharan countries. Since 1997, BMW South Africa has also produced right-hand drive vehicles: Taiwan, the United States, Iran, as well as South America.

Vehicles made in South Africa can be identified by the VIN number beginning with "NC0".

United States

BMW Manufacturing Co, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is BMW's only production facility in the Americas. It has manufactured, exclusively, the X5 model and, since the beginning of 2008, also the X6. From the end of 2010 the new X3 model will also be manufactured.

Vehicles made in the United States can be identified by the VIN number beginning with "4US".

Chinese

In May 2004 BMW opened a factory in Shenyang, northeast China, as a joint venture with the local company Brilliance China Auto. The plant has the capacity to manufacture 30,000 3 and 5 series vehicles per year.

Indian

BMW was established in 2006 in Gurgaon (National Capital Region), but it would not be until early 2007 that a complete state-of-the-art production facility for the manufacture of the 3 and 5 series would be established in Chennai. The initial investment was 1 billion Indian rupees.

Mexico

BMW officially began production of the 3 Series (G20) in 2019 at its plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. In 2021, the 2 Series Coupé (G42) also began to be produced, this being the only plant worldwide that produces it. The initial investment was one billion US dollars.

Development

BMW development center known as "FIZ", Munich.

Country	City	Activity
Germany	Munich	BMW Group Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) BMW Group Research and Technology BMW Group Car IT
Germany	Landshut	Innovation and Technology Center
Austria	Steyr	BMW Motoren GmbH
China	Beijing	BMW Group Development Office
United States	Newbury Park	BMW Group Designworks
United States	Oxnard	BMW Group Engineering and Emissions Test Center
United States	Palo Alto	BMW Group Technology Office
Japan	Tokyo	BMW Group Technology Office

BMW Community

BMW has fan communities all over the world. In the United States, for example, every year since 1999, enthusiasts have gathered in Santa Barbara, California, to participate in the so-called “Bimmerfest” (“Bimmer” is the American nickname for BMW). It is one of the most massive concentrations of a brand in the United States. In 2006 the figure of 3,000 attendees and more than 1,000 BMW vehicles were reached. In Spain there are several clubs, such as the BMW Club E30-E21, attached to the International Council of BMW Clubs, and which holds an annual meeting and several regional ones a year.

Related companies

• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
• Automobilwerk Eisenach
• Isetta
• Glas
• Mini: A small hatchback; inspired by the original Mini, that was the competitor of the Volkswagen Sedán.
• Magna International: The Canadian consortium manufactures on its Graz (Austria) plant, commissioned by BMW, model X3.
• Alpine: Independent motor manufacturer that creates vehicles based on some BMW models.
• Wiesmann: Company of roadsters and sports coupons that sells the engine and components of the transmission.
• Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH: BMW Group subsidiary offering insurance services.
• BMW Bank: BMW Group subsidiary offering financial services.
• M GmbH: sports versions of some BMW models.
• BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification: subsidiary with the PSA group for the development and manufacture of components for hybrid or electric vehicles.
• Husqvarna Motorcycles: Manufacturers of motocross motorcycles, enduro and supermoto, acquired by BMW in 2007.
• Alphabet Fleet Management: BMW Group Division offering corporate mobility solutions, fleet management and vehicle rental.
• AC Schnitzer: Company of “tuning” specialized in BMW models.
• Breyton: Company of “tuning” specialized in BMW models.
• Dinan Cars: Company of “tuning” specialized in BMW and MINI models.
• G-Power: Company of “tuning” specializing in BMW models.
• Hartge: Company of “tuning” specialized in BMW, MINI and Range Rover models.
• Hamann Motorsport: Company specializing in “tuning” of BMW models and the stylization of its engines.
• MK-Motorsport: Company of “tuning” specialized in BMW models.
• Racing Dynamics: Manufacturer of engines and company of “tuning” in mitsubishi models