Thursday, 6 December 2018
BMW AG originated with three other manufacturing companies, Rapp Motorenwerke and Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFw) in Bavaria, and Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach in Thuringia. The company is now known as BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke. Aircraft engine manufacturer Rapp Motorenwerke became Bayerische Motorenwerke in 1916. The engine manufacturer, which built proprietary industrial engines after World War I, was then bought by the owner of BFw who then merged BFw into BMW and moved the engine works onto BFw's premises. BFw's motorcycle sideline was improved upon by BMW and became an integral part of their business.
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
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Tuesday, 14 August 2018
In total, eight transmissions were available for the various models of the E30: five manuals, and three automatics.
Manual transmissions
The standard gearbox for the 316 and some 318i models is the Getrag 220 4-speed, these models had the option of the 5-speed Getrag 240. The Getrag 220 does not have synchromesh on reverse.
The 5-speed 318i models use the Getrag 240 gearbox. This gearbox is also used on the 320i, however with a different bell housing to suit the M20 engine.
The 323i, 325e, 325es and 325i use the stronger Getrag 260 5-speed.
Some European market facelift M20 cars (320i and 325i) were also available with a ZF manual transmission, however this was not a listed option, or specific to any particular market or factory, and is thus very rare to find.
The M3 was fitted with a Getrag 265 five-speed manual gearbox. This featured a dogleg shift pattern for European models and a standard H-pattern for North American models.
Automatic transmissions
Both automatic transmissions were manufactured by ZF - they were the 3-speed 3 HP 22, which was available on the M10 316 and 318i models until year 1985, and the 4-speed 4 HP 22, which was available on all models later. 320i and 325i have the option of the sport automatic, that was an electronic box rather than the usual fully mechanical box. This is much less common to find in USA than Euro market cars, though it is still fairly uncommon in Euro market cars too.
At the launch of the E30 range in 1982, the 316 used a 1766 cc M10 fed by a carburetor and producing 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp), this engine allowed BMW to offer a cheap, entry-level car in the range. The 318i had the same M10 engine, but with Jetronic fuel injection, pushing power to 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) while also improving fuel economy.
The 1987 "Series 2" update introduced a new four-cylinder SOHC engine, the 1796 cc (M40B18) with 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp). This engine incorporated Motronic fuel injection . The 316 was replaced by the 316i, which used a 1596 cc M40B16, producing 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp). This was not quite as torquey as the 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 1766 cc M10 it replaced - nevertheless, it offered superior performance overall. In South Africa and perhaps some other markets, the old M10-powered 316 continued until 1991, gaining the new bumpers when the range was updated. The 316i model (and previous 316 model) was not sold in Australia, where the base model continued to be the 318i.
The 318iS coupe was released in 1989, soon followed by the 318i sedan and 318iC convertible. These models introduced a new engine, the chain-driven DOHC M42 1.8 L 16-valve engine w. This is the most modern engine available in the E30 range, incorporating the updated Bosch Motronic 1.3, hydraulic valve adjusters and four individual coil packs which resulted in a very high hp per litre as well as reasonable fuel economy (33mpg) and CO2 emissions (190 g/km). The excellent weight distribution of the 318iS & 318ic has led to frequent comparisons with the famous E30 M3. Nicknames include "mini M3" or "poor man's M3."
The M3 is powered by the BMW S14 engine, a high-revving motorsport engine.
The BMW E30 is an entry-level luxury car which was produced by BMW from 1982 to 1994. The initial models used the coupe (two-door sedan) body style. Four-door sedan models were introduced in 1983, convertibles were introduced in 1985 and estate (“Touring”) models were introduced in 1987. The E36 replaced the E30 coupe models in 1990, with other E30 body styles being phased out of production until the final E30 model, a Touring, was produced in 1994.
The E30 was the first 3 Series to be available in wagon and four-door sedan body styles. It was also the first 3 Series to offer a diesel engine, and all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series range with the 325iX model. The BMW Z1 roadster was based on the E30 platform.
The first BMW M3 was built on the E30 platform. The E30 M3 is powered by the high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 175 kW (235 hp) in its final European-only iteration.
The BMW E30 is an entry-level luxury car which was produced by BMW from 1982 to 1994. The initial models used the coupe (two-door sedan) body style. Four-door sedan models were introduced in 1983, convertibles were introduced in 1985 and estate (“Touring”) models were introduced in 1987. The E36 replaced the E30 coupe models in 1990, with other E30 body styles being phased out of production until the final E30 model, a Touring, was produced in 1994.
The E30 was the first 3 Series to be available in wagon and four-door sedan body styles. It was also the first 3 Series to offer a diesel engine, and all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series range with the 325iX model. The BMW Z1 roadster was based on the E30 platform.
The first BMW M3 was built on the E30 platform. The E30 M3 is powered by the high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 175 kW (235 hp) in its final European-only iteration.
Monday, 13 August 2018
Features available in the E60 initially included iDrive (first introduced in the E65 7 Series), active cruise control, voice control,[6] Bi-Xenon headlights, run-flat tyres, active width adjustment seats,[5] active anti-roll bars[15] and active steering.[9] Safety-related items include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), head-up display,[16] adaptive headlights, night vision and active headrests.
Over the E60's lifespan, the following features were added: a simplified iDriveinterface,[17] Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go,[18] LED rear lights,[19] Lane Departure Warning[6] and Brake Force Display.
The E60 had many entertainment features for its time, such as an optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 premium amplified Surround Sound audio system with multi-band graphical equalizer, optional HD Radio, optional Satellite Radio, an optional auxiliary audio input jack (standard starting with the 2008 model year, optional USB integration for mobile devices, an optional glove compartment-mounted multi-disc CD changer unit, standard MP3 reading capabilities for the CD player, standard voice control, standard Bluetooth hands-free wireless telephone integration, and an A/M-F/M with standard Weather Radio (Weather Band) tuner.
Every E60 featured BMW Assist with an SOS button located in the overhead control panel. However, older E60 vehicles equipped with AMPS cellular technology (or older GSM digital cellular technology) ceased to function after 2016. E60 owners with affected vehicles could have the system upgraded with modernized equipment, or receive a credit for their currently active BMW Assist services.
Finally, in 2005, the E60 introduced BMW's Comfort Access keyless entry system. The Comfort Access system became standard equipment on all E60's beginning in mid-2006, though a traditional key fob with integrated key and traditional ignition system was available as well in early E60 models.
The BMW E60/E61 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was sold from 2003 to 2010. The body styles of the range are:
- 4-door sedan/saloon (E60 model code)
- 5-door estate/wagon (E61 model code, marketed as "Touring")
The E60/E61 introduced various new electronic features to the 5 Series, including iDrive, head-up display, active cruise control, active steering and voice control. The E60/61 also was the first 5 Series to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and regenerative braking. New safety features for the E60/E61 included adaptive headlights, night vision, active headrests, Lane Departure Warning and high intensity emergency brake lights. Unlike the three previous generations of 5 Series[5][6] and the F10 successor,[7] the E60/E61 centre console is not angled towards the driver.
The E60/E61 was replaced by the F10/F11 5 Series in 2010.
The M5 variant was released in 2005 and is powered by the S85 V10 engine. It was sold in the sedan and wagon body styles, with most cars using a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").
Mercedes-Benz (German: [mɛʁˈtseːdəsˌbɛnts]) is a global automobile marque and a division of the German company Daimler AG. The brand is known for luxury vehicles, buses, coaches, and lorries. The headquarters is in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The name first appeared in 1926 under Daimler-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Karl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first gasoline-powered automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".[1]
A New Millennium
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Having survived two world wars, BMW has proven that it is an active, vital organization with the will to survive. Entering a new century, BMW began to concentrate on growing and changing once more. The company put the last holdover from the Rover Group, The Mini, to work by building a plant that specialized in manufacturing the vehicle. Over time, the Mini became highly popular throughout the world. It became so popular in fact, that production had to increase by 150% to meet demand.
BMW further expanded its global empire by opening up three new manufacturing plants. A message was being sent, and it was loud and clear: BMW wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. A Rolls-Royce plant opened its doors in Goodwood in 2003. Soon after, a new facility came to life in Shenyang, China. Finally, the last plant was opened right in Leipzig, Germany. The newest German plant was viewed as an architectural marvel and won the German Architecture Award of the year sometime after its opening.
Today, BMW continues to look towards the future with growth, technology, and profitability as its main focuses. The ambitious automobile group has claimed that by 2020, they plan to be the leading luxury automotive manufacturer in the industry. Car owners of such an ambitious automobile group must choose bmw cover to protect against scratches, dust, environmental damage, UV rays, and other hazards that can cause premature wear. From BMW's inception, BMW has faced a hard road. They have persevered through some of the toughest periods of human history. BMW never faltered and continued to strive to improve their business. The 21st century introduced a stronger, faster, and leaner organization than ever before and has propelled BMW to new heights as one of the leading luxury automotive brands in the world.
Acquisitions
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Over the decades, the name BMW became synonymous with luxury. With its lines of sedans and sports cars, BMW became one of the great cornerstones of the automobile industry. Their attention to detail, amongst other things, resonated with the market. BMW was also known for its daring and ingenuity. For example, in 1990 BMW opened a Research and Innovation Center in Munich, the first of its kind in the automobile industry. The facility hosted an army of engineers, managers, scientists, designers, and other innovative staff to collaborate and create luxury top of the line vehicles.
It was in 1994 that BMW finally set up shop in the United States. This newest move allowed BMW not only to expand its global operations, but it also allowed the company to manufacturer cars right in the backyard of its biggest consumer. The first plant was built in Spartanburg, South Carolina and was completely dedicated to producing the Z3 roadster. To this day, the plant continues to produce the Z3 as well as the X3, X5, and X6.
1994 also saw the acquisition of the British-based Rover Group by BMW. The Rover Group is best known for their sports vehicles like the Mini, Mg, and Land Rover. Initially, BMW had big plans involving the Rover Group, but they eventually sold the group in 2000, keeping the Mini model for their own purposes.
BMW’s hunger for acquiring other automobile manufacturers didn’t end there. In 1998, BMW purchased the Rolls-Royce group. BMW was able to gain both the naming rights for Rolls-Royce vehicles and the ownership of the brand.
Post War
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In 1951, BMW proved to be a survivor and bounced back by producing its first automobile since the outbreak of the war. This vehicle was dubbed the 501 and was known for its large interior that could sit six people comfortably. The 501 was originally marketed as a luxury vehicle, though it ultimately failed. Despite its failure, the 501 allowed BMW to get back on track and reestablished the company's reputation as a top of the line vehicle manufacturer. Not only was BMW known for its high-quality manufacturing standards, but it was also known for incorporating the latest technology into its vehicle lines. The 501 lasted until 1958 when BMW decided to pull it from the production lines.
In 1959 Daimler-Benz attempted to acquire BMW. The BMW shareholders decided to reject the offer at the end of the year. With the cash assistance from the rebounding German government, BMW was able to restructure with a new manager at the helm. It had taken the company 15 years to get to where they were presently, and they weren’t going down without a fight.
WORLD WAR II
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As World War II engulfed Europe, BMW began to manufacture war supplies for the German war machine. BMW’s switch to producing war materials was quite common during that time. Most manufacturing plants in Germany had come directly under the control of the government after the invasion of Poland by the Nazis. During this period, BMW dedicated all of its time and resources to producing aircraft and motorcycles for the German military.
WWII brought out a darker side in all parties involved. BMW was no exception. The war efforts required massive amounts of material to be manufactured and shipped to the front lines. To keep up with the ever constant production demands of the military, BMW began to hire foreign workers in 1940. Most of the men in Germany had been drafted into the army leaving open factory positions that were quickly filled by the foreign workers. These workers alone, however, weren’t enough to keep up with the production schedule. In 1942, BMW began to use POWs from hard fought battles across Eastern Europe as well as forced laborers from Western Europe. These men labored alongside prisoners from various Nazi concentration camps. The factory conditions could only be described as horrid. Efficiency was all that mattered, and everything else was considered secondary. That included humane working conditions.
Once the Nazi regime was defeated, the Allied forces dismantled all of BMW's plants due to their role in producing war materials. Nearly ruined and almost out of options, BMW began to manufacture pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils to keep themselves afloat. Worse yet, the Munich plant was stripped down of all of its heavy machinery and shipped overseas as part of Germany’s post-war reparations. The Second World War had nearly put BMW out of business permanently. With no plants and no influence over any of its operations in Germany until 1949, BMW would have to do everything they could to stay in business.
The Beginning
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Karl Friedrich Rapp founded his company Rapp-Motorenwerke in October of 1913. With tensions running high throughout Europe, it was only a matter of time before WW1 would begin. As a result, Rapp sold aircraft engines to meet the high demand at the time. Despite the great need for his services, Rapp’s aircraft engines had an inherent flaw that caused the engine to experience unwanted vibrations and his business began to struggle. His competition, Gustav Otto, owner of an aircraft engine plant, was able to flourish during this time.
Rapp-Motorwerke was able to hang on by a thread for several years until 1916. Karl Rapp was nearly forced to give way to the financial burdens that pressed down upon his company during that harrowing period. Thankfully, the Prussian army ordered 600 airplane engines from Rapp-Motorwerke, giving Rapp the boost he needed to save his business from going under. He eventually formed a partnership with business owner Fran-Josef Popp and his financing partner Camillo Castiglioni, giving birth to the Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke (BFW). It wasn’t long before BFW transitioned into BMW.
In 1917, the first BMW logo was created. It included blue and white, a reflection of the Bavarian state colors. Over the years, the logo underwent several changes, but it still stayed true to its roots – maintaining its original blue and white colors.
During 1922, BMW relocated their production facility to the iconic Oberwiesenfeld airfield near Munich. This production facility would eventually become the headquarters for the entire BMW group. To this day, the headquarters located in Munich manufacturers over 200,000 cars every year and employs over 9,000 employees.
In 1923, BMW began its first metamorphosis when it expanded from manufacturing airplane engines to motorcycles. This change was a big step for the company. Before the transition, BMW had only produced engines as a standalone part. Now, they were manufacturing an entire vehicle. They announced that their first motorcycle would be called the R32. The design was considered to be so efficient that the original 1923 concept is still used to this day in modern day BMW motorcycles.
After their purchase of Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, the third largest automobile manufacturer located in Germany at the time, BMW began working on their first car. Instead of producing vehicles at their plant in Munich, BMW decided to use the former Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach plant in Central Germany. BMW found the inspiration for their first manufactured automobile from a borrowed design from the Austin Motor Company. BMW would rely on such methods until 1932, where they used their own models to build a vehicle unique to their brand.
History of the BMW – Written By Tracy Graham
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Initially, BMW started as a struggling airplane engine company, eventually transitioning into one of the most well-known luxury car manufacturers in the world. Throughout its history, BMW has survived wars that brought other manufacturers to their knees. The luxury automobile manufacturer was on a mission to prove that they were the epitome of excellent German engineering. With determination, BMW grew from a single small production facility near Munich into a global empire with over thirty facilities stationed all over the world. Proving that they were more than just a car manufacturer, BMW has become a primary sponsor in the world of professional golfing and has tackled major social issues. Learn the history of BMW, from rags to riches.
Bayerische Motoren Werke
| |
BMW headquarters in Munich
| |
| Aktiengesellschaft | |
| Traded as | FWB: BMW DAX Component |
| Predecessor | Rapp Motorenwerke Bayerische Flugzeugwerke |
| Founded | 7 March 1916 |
| Founder | Karl Rapp Gustav Otto |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
Area served
| Worldwide |
Key people
| Norbert Reithofer (Chairman) Harald Krüger (CEO) |
| Products | Automobiles, motorcycles |
| Brands | |
Production output
|  2,691,423 vehicles (2017) |
| Revenue | €98.678 billion (2017)[1] |
| €10.655 billion (2017)[1] | |
| €8.706 billion (2017)[1] | |
| Total assets | €193.483 billion (2017)[1] |
| Total equity | €54.548 billion (2017)[1] |
| Owner | Stefan Quandt (29%) Susanne Klatten (21%) Public float (50%) |
Number of employees
| 129,932 (2017)[1] |
| Subsidiaries | |
| Website | www.bmwgroup.com www.bmw.com |
BMW (originally an initialism for Bayerische Motoren Werke in German, or Bavarian Motor Works in English) is a German multinational company which currently produces luxury automobiles and motorcycles, and also produced aircraft engines until 1945.
The company was founded in 1916 and has its headquarters in Munich, Bavaria. BMW produces motor vehicles in Germany, Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2015, BMW was the world's twelfth largest producer of motor vehicles, with 2,279,503 vehicles produced.[2] The Quandt family are long-term shareholders of the company, with the remaining stocks owned by public float.
Automobiles are marketed under the brands BMW (with sub-brands BMW M for performance models and BMW i for plug-in electric cars), Mini and Rolls-Royce. Motorcycles are marketed under the brand BMW Motorrad.
The company has significant motorsport history, especially in touring cars, Formula 1, sports cars and the Isle of Man TT.
BMW's origins can be traced back to three separate German companies: Rapp Motorenwerke, Bayerische Flugzeugwerke and Automobilwerk Eisenach. The history of the name itself begins with Rapp Motorenwerke, an aircraft engine manufacturer. In April 1917, following the departure of the founder Karl Friedrich Rapp, the company was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW).[3](p11). BMW's first product was the BMW IIIa aircraft engine. The IIIa engine was known for good fuel economy and high-altitude performance.[4] The resulting orders for IIIa engines from the German military caused rapid expansion for BMW.
After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft-engine production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.[5] To maintain in business, BMW produced farm equipment, household items and railway brakes. In 1922, former major shareholder Camillo Castiglioni purchased the rights to the name BMW, which led to the company descended from Rapp Motorenwerke being renamed Süddeutsche Bremse AG (known today as Knorr-Bremse). Castiglioni was also an investor in another aircraft company, called "Bayerische Flugzeugwerke", which he renamed BMW.[6]
The disused factory of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke was re-opened to produce engines for buses, trucks, farm equipment and pumps, under the brand name BMW. BMW's corporate history considers the founding date of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (7 March 1916) to be the birth of the company.
The disused factory of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke was re-opened to produce engines for buses, trucks, farm equipment and pumps, under the brand name BMW. BMW's corporate history considers the founding date of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (7 March 1916) to be the birth of the company.
BMW AG originated with three other manufacturing companies, Rapp Motorenwerkeand Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFw) in Bavaria, and Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach in Thuringia. The company is now known as BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke. Aircraft engine manufacturer Rapp Motorenwerke became Bayerische Motorenwerkein 1916. The engine manufacturer, which built proprietary industrial engines after World War I, was then bought by the owner of BFw who then merged BFw into BMW and moved the engine works onto BFw's premises. BFw's motorcycle sideline was improved upon by BMW and became an integral part of their business.
The initial products were exhibited in 1922 in Munich plant. These souvenirs were not intended for sale. It was resulted with the historical exhibition which was organized in 1966. [1]BMW became an automobile manufacturer in 1929 when it purchased Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, which, at the time, built Austin Sevens under licence under the Dixi marque.[2] BMW's team of engineers progressively developed their cars from small Seven-based cars into six-cylinder luxury cars and, in 1936, began production of the BMW 328 sports car. Aircraft engines, motorcycles, and automobiles would be BMW's main products until World War II. During the war, against the wishes of its director Franz Josef Popp, BMW concentrated on aircraft engine production, with motorcycles as a side line and automobile manufacture stopped altogether.
After the war, BMW survived by making pots, pans, and bicycles until 1948, when it restarted motorcycle production. Meanwhile, BMW's factory in Eisenach fell in the Soviet occupation zone and the Soviets restarted production of pre-war BMW motorcycles and automobiles there. This continued until 1955, after which they concentrated on cars based on pre-war DKW designs. BMW began building cars in Bavaria in 1952 with the BMW 501 luxury saloon. Sales of their luxury saloons were too small to be profitable, so BMW supplemented this with building Isettas under licence. Slow sales of luxury cars and small profit margins from microcars caused the BMW board to consider selling the operation to Daimler-Benz. However, Herbert Quandt was convinced to purchase a controlling interest in BMW and to invest in its future.
Quandt's investment, along with profits from the BMW 700, brought about the BMW New Class and BMW New Six. These new products, along with the absorption of Hans Glas GmbH, gave BMW a sure footing on which to expand. BMW grew in strength, eventually acquiring the Rover Group for the Mini brand before selling it to the Phoenix Group, and the license to build automobiles under the Rolls-Roycemarque.
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