BMW VIDEIO

BMW HISTORY

The history of the Marque stretches back almost 90 years and contains numerous achievements that have established it as a benchmark.
The origins of BMW trace back to 1913 when Karl Friedrich Rapp, a Bavarian who had been a well-known engineer in a German aircraft company, formed Rapp Motoren Werke in a suburb of Munich.
The company specialized in airplane engines however Rapp found that they were problematic and suffered from excessive vibration. Nearby, Gustav Otto, also an airplane specialist, set up his own shop, Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik, building small aircraft.
Because of the faulty engines, Rapp Motoren Werke secured a contract with Austro-Daimler, who was unable to meet its demands, to build V12 Aero engines under license.

The company expanded too quickly, however, and by 1916 Rapp resigned from the company because of financial troubles. In his place Franz Josef Popp and Max Friz, two Austrians, took over the company.
In March that same year, Rapp Motoren Werke merged with Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik to form Bayersiche Flugzeungwerke.
It was shortly afterwards renamed Bayersiche Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works), or BMW, forming the company we know today.
In 1917, BMW's first aircraft engine went into production, the 6 cylinder Type IIIa. In 1919, using an aircraft powered by its successor, the Type IV, Franz Zeno Diemer set an altitude record of 9,760 metres (32,013 ft). After the Treaty of Versailles was signed in the same year, prohibiting BMW from building aircraft engines, production switched to air brakes for railway cars.
When BMW started once again to build aircraft engines in 1922, no fewer than 29 world records in aviation were set with them.
The current BMW logo, introduced in 1920, was based on the circular design of an aircraft propeller.
The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, went into production
In 1923 at the newly constructed Eisenach factory next to the Munich airport of the day. The R 32 used a flat-twin engine transversely mounted in a double-tubular frame producing 8.5 horsepower at 3300 rpm.
The 2-cylinder 494cc motorcycle could reach a top speed of 59 mph (95 km/h). BMW manufactured 3090 of them during its 3 year life span
It was a totally different approach that started to bring BMW back on its feet. In 1955, the Isetta 250 was launched and participated very successfully in the mini-car era of the 1950's.
It was built under license from the Italian manufacturer Iso and used a motorcycle engine and a single door at the front.
The engine was a single cylinder 245cc unit producing 12 horsepower at 5800 rpm and a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h).
During its 7 year production run a total of 161,728 Isettas were built.
A couple of years later, with BMW still having no secure financial foothold, one of the most memorable models in its history was introduced. Launched in 1956, the BMW 507 quickly became famous. The light-alloy 2-door bodyshell with a retractable soft top, designed by Alberecht Graf Foertz, has remained timeless as evidenced by the newly introduced Z8, which draws unmistakable clues and its overall shape from it.
A large 3168cc V8 engine using dual downdraught carburettors powered the 507 and provided 150 horsepower at 5000rpm, enough for an impressive 124 mph top speed (200 km/h) but not enough to topple its main rival, the Mercedes 300SL.
While only 252 examples of the instantly recognizable 507 were ever produced, it remains a symbol of BMW's struggles and ultimate triumphs during the fifties after
In 1990 BMW re-entered the aircraft engine manufacturing business after forming BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH jointly with Rolls Royce. In 1998, after extended talks concerning the sale of Rolls Royce, BMW officially bought the rights to the Rolls Royce name and logo from Volkswagen, with the transition expected to take place in 2003.

1994 brought about another purchase, as BMW acquired the Rover Group PLC. After heavy losses, the company was finally sold in 2000, with Rover being split up from Land Rover which was purchased by Ford. BMW held the rights to the new Mini and the hot-hatch goes on sale in early 2002.
Today, the Z3, Z8 and all of the 3, 5, 7 and Motorsport series models continue the BMW tradition of building excellent automobiles with a special emphasis on performance, style and technological advancements.

1992 was another year-to-be-remembered for BMW when it, for the first time, outsold Mercedes in Europe. Hopefully in the future the rivalry between these and other makes will persist and companies such as BMW will continue to build great cars.

BMW SPORT CARS

The tenacious manufacturer was up and running again by the end of the 1940s. And just 11 years after the war, it was producing one of the most beautiful

As one of the larger German industrial concerns in the 1930s and '40s, BMW was invaluable to its home country's military efforts during the war.
But this, of course, also made it a prime target for allied air raids. As a result, there wasn't much left of BMW's manufacturing capability after the fighting was over.
The firm had literally been bombed into nonexistence -- at least physically.
Despite such monumental setbacks, BMW was nonetheless determined to resume automobile production.
After putting out a trickle of motorcycles and small cars in the late 1940s,
the firm for 1952 introduced a hefty sedan called the 501. For 1954, BMW introduced the 502, basically the 501 powered by an all-new 100-hp 2.6-liter V8.
Encouraged by Hoffman, BMW commissioned American industrial designer Count Albrecht Goertz to design a pair of sporty models, resulting in a 2+2 grand tourer called the 503 and a sleek two-seat sports car, the 507.

The 503 was certainly stylish and pleasing to look at.
But it was nowhere near as striking as the enduring, masterful design of the 507, which appeared more like the charismatic machines of storied Italian marques rather than the work of a struggling German manufacturer.

BMW PRODUCTION

• Total world production of four-wheeled vehicles in 2006 was 1,366,838 vehicles produced in 5 countries

• > COUNTRY MAKE S .CARS(2006) MODELS
  
• > GERMANY . / BMW /905,057 OTHERS
  
• > UNITED KINGDOM MINI 187,454 ALLMINIS
  
  
• ROLLS-ROVER .67 ALL ROLLLS -ROYCE
  
  
• > AUSTRIA . BMW .114,306 . BMW X3
  
  
• USA BMW .105,172. BMW X5,BMW X6
  
• SOUTH AFRICA .BMW .54,782 . BMW 3SERIES
  
  
• > TOTAL - 13366838
  
  

BMW 7 SERIES

Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury accoutrements in the German automaker's lineup.
As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige
For that reason, the BMW 7 Series is the definitive super luxury sedan for people who like to drive.
> CURRENT BMW 7 SERIES
This new 7 Series erases the foul taste left in the mouth of many BIMMERPHIlLES car enthusiasts who disliked the previous 7. While there are certainly some brash elements -- particularly the flared nostril grilles -- BMW's flagship is significantly more visually pleasing. The bodywork now appears tauter, the light clusters are more harmonious and the bulbous trunk lid has been put on a diet. The interior is also more traditional in design (the gear selector is now on the center console rather than the steering column) and the I Drive electronics interface is vastly improved versus past editions.
The 7 Series remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess -- particularly in regards to steering feel.
There are many worthy choices in this illustrious car segment, but the BMW 7 Series is one of the most appealing.
> USED BMW 7 SERIES MODELS
The modernist exterior styling of this generation carried on in the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout gave way to an all-in-one system called I Drive that governed climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although I Drive assured the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve proved bewildering for many a 7 Series driver. During this 7's lifespan, I Drive was consistently upgraded, so newer 7 Series will come with the later (and less maddening) versions of this control device. Make sure to thoroughly examine I Drive before purchasing a 7 Series, or at the very least, driving it off the lot
Any 7 Series from this generation would make a fine purchase. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, repair costs can be hefty as they age.
The main advantage to choosing a car from later in the model cycle is added standard feature content. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, for example, debuted across the line for 1998.
This was the first 7 Series to include both regular- and long-wheelbase models, the advantage to the latter being increased rear legroom. For most of the cycle, the base engine was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder offered in 735i and 735iL models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual was offered as well. The 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 replaced the inline-6 in 1993, yielding the 740i and 740iL, both of which took a five-speed automatic only. The BMW 750iL was offered throughout the run.
It was the largest sedan the company had ever built and directly targeted the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All 7s of this era were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.
FIVE GENERATIONS OF THE 7 SERIES
Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)

Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
The BMW E23 is the first BMW 7 Series luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the BMW E3 large sedan, the E23 was produced for ten years from 1977 to 1987 and was replaced by the BMW E32 7 Series in 1986
The E23 7 series cars were very upscale and sophisticated for their time. They were the first BMWs fitted with service interval indicators, a 'check control' that alerted the driver to various system faults, and complex climate control systems
A minor styling update in 1983 affected the 'nose' of the car (the front 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumpers etc) as well as the dashboard and instrument panels which received updates plus (in the UK) the 735i received the Motronic 3430 cc engine (replacing the 3453 cc) and rear suspension modifications as well as numerous other minor changes. In the US, 1984 saw the arrival of the optional 4 speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3 speed unit previously offered), upgraded wood trim above the glove compartment and on the ashtray (previously plastic in all US models)

Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
In July 1986 BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mph).
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number),
In which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point. It was in all years 88-94 in the U.S.

Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission; 730d, 740d, 740i/IL, and 750i/IL had a 5-speed ZF automatic standard. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i. In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i/IL were powered by a 4.4 L V8 engine. The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL. The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12 was BMW's flagship vehicle, with a 5.4 L 322 BHP(240 kW) engine, also shared by the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. V8 and V12 cars had long-wheelbase variants, with the "L" added to the designation. A rare European executive long-wheelbase limousine model was also produced, called the BMW L7, available as both 740iL (4.4 L V8) and 750iL (5.4 L V12) variants. Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, again utilizing the 740iL and 750iL platforms, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
When the E38 was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new E65, sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced.
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, not least the lack of functionality of iDrive. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from the original 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) coverage. The UK however was only covered by the standard 3 yr/unlimited mileage warranty on this model.
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)
The car's official unveiling occurred in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The unusual nature of the unveiling had been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. The new BMW 7 series was placed in the upper half of an acrylic, glass, and steel hourglass.
The front end is inspired by the BMW CS Concept, from the large twin grilles to the headlamps, which have "eyebrows" and internal configuration similar to individual lamps but slightly different in shape. It now looks more conventional and less controversial than the vehicle it replaces. The interior has also been reworked and the column-mounted shifter has relocated to the center console.
Dynamic Drive Control with optional Adaptive Drive added COMFORT setting in addition to Comfort, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, with reduced stability control intervention in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.
The cargo capacity is 500 liter. Optional features include 4-zone automatic air conditioning, telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, an electrically swivelling trailer hook.

Furthermore 8 Airbags (driver/front passenger, head curtain airbags (both rows) and two sideairbags,front outboard and rear outboard, as well as driver and passenger knee airbags) and active headrests in front. The adaptive brake lights indicate how strongly the vehicle is braking. In the case of an emergency stop, the normal LED running lights (on when low beams are on) are illuminated to the same intensity of the brighter normal LED brake indicator light, creating a large, extra bright light to warn drivers behind. Also, adaptive bi-xenon headlights (low beam) swivel in accordance with the steering wheel for curves, level when going over hills, or when the car is loaded, to reduce glare to other drivers. Also, side turn indicators are standard on every BMW on the front quarter-panels.

BMW 3 SERIES

3 series vehicles can largely differentiated by the series number
> BMW E21 –(1975-1983) 3 series
> BMW E30 –(1983-1991) 3 series
> BMW E36 –(1991-2000) 3series
> BMW E46 –(1998-2007) 3 series
> BMW E90 –(2005--)3 series sedan
> BMW E91 –(2006-)3 series touring
> BMW E92 –(2007-)3 series coupe
> BMW E93 –(2007-)3 series convertible

> E21 (1975-1983)
The cockpit design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.
At the E21's release, three models were available: with 316 (1.6 litre), 318 (1.8 litre) and 320 (2.0 litre) versions of the BMW M10 four cylinder engine. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.

> E30 –(1983-1991)
The E30 was sold from 1982 through 1991 in sedan form, through 1993 in convertible form.
The torquey "eta" six in the 325e produced 121 hp (90 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) of torque, but met the strict emission standards of the time.
The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, BMW sports seats, black roof-liner, BMW "iS" rear lip spoiler, front 2" valance spoiler, BMW 14 inch BBS wheels "Basketweaves" and a Close Ratio gearbox. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels (with an offset of ET24, were only available in Europe, Japan and the Middle East). Options differed on vehicles produced in the United States
> E36 –(1991-2000)
The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.
The E36 convertible was delayed until 1994. The hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced in 1995, was very popular in Europe, but it was not very successful in North America. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. The "Touring" station wagon was sold in Europe from 1995, but was not offered in the United States.
> E46 –(1998-2007)
The first major overhaul occurred when the E46 sedan underwent a facelift in 2002, which included re-designed headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis. Also, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines. Then in 2004 the coupe and convertible had a facelift which included new headlights, new front wings and bumpers, new selections in exterior colour and redesigned Sidemarker lights and LED tail lights. The M3s got a much more mild facelift that same year, with the inclusion of the updated boot and LED tail lights from the coupe/convertible
Despite being introduced last, the E46 compact was the first to be replaced when 1 series was launched in September 2004. In mid-2005 the E46 sedans were phased out with the introduction of the new E90 saloons. The E46 touring was also replaced later that year with E91. The E46 remained in production as coupé, convertible and M3 until the E92 coupé and E93 convertible was revealed in late 2006. The new M3 coupé concept was later unveiled in March 2007 during Geneva Motor Show.
> E91/E92/E93 (2005-PRESENT)
The E90 is the currently available generation, which debuted as a sedan (E90) and wagon (E91) for the 2006 model year, coupe (E92) and cabriolet (E93) for the 2007 model year
It is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. The coupé/cabriolet body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan (unlike its predecessors), and is slightly longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart.
The sedan and wagon received a mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year which comprised changes to the grille, headlights, tailights and trunk. The coupe and cabriolet are expected to be refreshed in
Currently, four engine options are offered, two being part of the new 'N' series of BMW inline engines featuring a host of new technologies. Technological innovations such as lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction, electric water pump

BMW X5 SERIES

The BMW X5 is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999, making it BMW's first SUV. It features all-wheel drive and is available with a range of gasoline inline-6s, V8s and a diesel powertrain is also available. All X5s worldwide are manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMW described it as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) rather than an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.
Four years later, the BMW X3 was released, which used the "X" prefix applied to the BMW SAVs which were derivatives of the BMW number-series models

BMW CARS BIOGRAPHY

Brabham (section Sports cars)
wheel racing cars in the 1960s, and had built more than 500 cars by 1970. ... the BT50, around the BMW engine which, like the Repco engine ...
63 KB (8,764 words) - 22:39, 9 November 2009
Fritz Huschke von Hanstein (section Biography)
Biography: Hanstein was born in Halle , German Empire , to a Prussia n noble family ... In the late 1930s, "Huschke" drove a BMW 328 sports car. ...
5 KB (719 words) - 06:33, 20 November 2009
Alex Zanardi (section Biography)
in the FIA World Touring Car Championship for BMW Team Italy-Spain. Biography Early years: Alex Zanardi was born in Bologna , Italy and ...
30 KB (2,811 words) - 12:04, 26 November 2009
International Motor Sports Association (redirect from Professional Sports Car Racing)
It was started by John Bishop, a former employee of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), and his wife Peggy in ... Formula BMW USA: Formula BMW ...
34 KB (4,836 words) - 18:48, 4 December 2009
Alain Menu (section Biography)
He was one of the most successful touring car drivers of the 1990s ... returned to Great Britain to race a BMW 3 Series in the British Touring ...
18 KB (1,710 words) - 20:13, 23 November 2009
Adrian Sutil (section Biography)
Formula BMW & Formula Three ... For the Turkish Grand Prix , a B-spec car was expected for the Spyker team but it failed a rear crash test and ...
29 KB (3,309 words) - 22:12, 3 December 2009
Georg Meier (section Biography)
TT Races in 1939 riding for the factory BMW team and the first motor-cycle racer ... Team and won the German sports car championship in 1948. ...
15 KB (2,228 words) - 13:55, 24 November 2009
Jacques Villeneuve (section Complete Champ Car results)
After much uncertainty, in late 2005 BMW confirmed that Villeneuve ... He lost his ride in Bill Davis Racing's 27 car due to a loss of ...
70 KB (6,915 words) - 18:40, 4 December 2009
Leslie Johnson (section Racing: sports cars)
driver who competed in rallies, hill climbs, sports car races and Grand Prix races. ... Johnson's early races were with a BMW 328 and a ...
24 KB (3,704 words) - 17:55, 17 September 2009
Ao Chi Hong
He has regularly competed in the Asian Touring Car Championship , ... For the final two rounds in his home nation of Macau he drove a BMW 320 ...
3 KB (249 words) - 21:30, 21 October 2009
Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel (section Formula BMW)
current team Carlin Motorsport car number 2 former teams ... Motor racing Formula BMW: competed in the Formula BMW UK Championship, ...
4 KB (448 words) - 12:12, 2 December 2009
Scott Dixon (section Sports cars)
BMW gave Dixon a test drive in a Formula One car even while he raced ... External links: ID 15 Scott Dixon Biography in US. http://www. ...
37 KB (4,109 words) - 18:00, 24 November 2009
Charles Kwan (section Asian Touring Car Series)
East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge (SEATCZC) and the Asian Touring Car Championship . ... Race in 1993 in a DTM spec BMW M3 and two other ...
8 KB (1,242 words) - 09:19, 4 September 2009
Osman Hadžić (section Biography)
Biography: Osman Hadžić was born on September 9 , 1966 in ... He has his own personal hairstylist and owns two cars - a BMW 320 and Golf IV . ...
2 KB (315 words) - 14:38, 26 October 2009
Sabine Schmitz (section Biography)
former professional motor racing driver for BMW , now known for driving the BMW " ... Biography: Born to the local hotel and restaurant owning ...
7 KB (1,116 words) - 14:35, 2 December 2009
Keiichi Tsuchiya (section Biography)
The car he drives has become one of the most popular sports cars ... was building up pace to the leading BMW V12 LMR he was forced into the ...
11 KB (1,721 words) - 12:05, 1 December 2009
Eric Hélary (section Sports cars)
single seater formulae , endurance sports car racing , and touring cars . ... 1997 working as a test