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Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually shifting to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1928. The circular blue and white "BMW logo hearkens back to BMW's early days as a manufacturer of airplane engines. It portrays the movement of an airplane propeller against a clear blue Bavarian sky." The BMW roundel badge is believed to have been partially derived from the logo of its predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke, while ultimately taking on the colors and checkers from the arms of Bavaria (fusilly in bend argent and azure). BMW's first significant aircraft powerplant was the outstanding BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance, and among its successful WWII engine designs were included the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet.
BMW AG bought the British Rover Group (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG marques as well as the rights to defunct marques including Austin and Morris) in 1994 and owned it for six years.
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Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually shifting to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1928. The circular blue and white "BMW logo hearkens back to BMW's early days as a manufacturer of airplane engines. It portrays the movement of an airplane propeller against a clear blue Bavarian sky." The BMW roundel badge is believed to have been partially derived from the logo of its predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke, while ultimately taking on the colors and checkers from the arms of Bavaria (fusilly in bend argent and azure). BMW's first significant aircraft powerplant was the outstanding BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance, and among its successful WWII engine designs were included the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet.
BMW AG bought the British Rover Group (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG marques as well as the rights to defunct marques including Austin and Morris) in 1994 and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover was making huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG and Rover marques were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001.
ProductionTotal world production in 2006 was 1,366,838 vehicles produced in 5 countries.
| Country | Make | Cars (2006) | Models |
|---|
| Germany | BMW | 905,057 | Others | | United Kingdom | Mini | 187,454 | All Minis | | | Rolls-Royce | 67 | All Rolls-Royce | | Austria | BMW | 114,306 | BMW X3 | | USA | BMW | 105,172 | BMW X5, X6, Z4 | | South Africa | BMW | 54,782 | BMW 3-Series | | Total | | 1,366,838 | |
MotorcyclesBMW began building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. It's motorcycle division is now known as BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. This had a "Boxer" twin engine, in which an ICCE cylinder protrudes into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their singles (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles had used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced to this pattern, which is designated the R Series.
During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Featuring a unique design copied from the Zündapp KS750, its sidecar wheel was also motor driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.
In 1983 came the K Series (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"), still shaft drive but now water cooled and with either 3 or 4 cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.
In the early 1990s, BMW updated the airhead Boxer engine which became known as the oilhead. In 2002, the oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead and hexhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing and , respectively.
In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It is both powerful (the engine is a unit derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team) and significantly lighter than previous K models. It was BMW's latest attempt to keep up with the pace of development of sports machines from the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Innovations include a unique electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork BMW calls Duolever.
BMW was one of the earliest manufacturers to offer anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of sophisticated electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology - a first for production motorcycles - later in the 2007 model year.
BMW has been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then they switched to Earles Fork, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (compare with the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm).
Some BMWs started using yet another trademark front suspension design, the Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles Fork, the Telelever significantly reduces dive under braking.
Motorcycle clubs BMW motorcycles have invoked worldwide interest from clubs. The two largest BMW motorcycle clubs in the world, the BMW Riders Association and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America are headquartered in the United States.
AutomobilesProject iProject i is a special division of BMW, dedicated to building low emission city cars .
1 SeriesThe 1 Series was launched globally in Fall 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-door version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the coupe is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is somewhat considered the successor to the BMW 2002.
The 1 Series coupe and convertible went on sale in the United States in model year 2008 as the 128i and the 135i. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter, cheaper to manufacture and preserves more trunk space than the folding hardtop would allow.
3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975. The 3 Series is currently in its fifth generation, the E90 Current models include the sport sedan (E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93).
The 3 series is one of BMW's most important models, as it accounts for a majority of its worldwide sales.
5 SeriesA mid-size executive car. For model year 2008, BMW has revised the 5 Series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options.
- The M5 is the Motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (built on the E60 5 series chassis) is powered by a F1-inspired V10 engine, producing and is mated with a 7-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a top speed of about 330 km/h (production variants are restricted to 250 km/h, or 155 mph). BMW has also recently added a 6-speed manual transmission for 2007 and newer models.
6 SeriesThe 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe, based on the 5 Series' platform. Currently available as the 650i in coupe and convertible models in the U.S., the 6 Series returned in 2004 after a 15-year absence from BMW's model lineup.
- M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it is powered by the same 5.0 L V10 engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, North America, South America, Australia and South Africa.
7 SeriesBMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series. For example, the somewhat controversial iDrive system debuted in the 7 Series. The 7 Series Hydrogen, featuring one of the world's first hydrogen fueled combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only water vapor. Since the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not widely available, the V12 engine also runs on gasoline. Numerous engines power the 7 Series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, straight 6, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. It is also available in a bulletproof version.
X3BMW's second crossover SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series platform. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. In 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.
Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.
X5
The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. It features all-wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-U.S. models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.
The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 as the X5's underpinnings in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat.
The current generation incorporates safety innovations for the crossover segment, such as a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.
The U.S. E70 features either a 3.0si(253 hp)or a 4.8i(350 hp) powertrain. In most parts of Europe, either a 3.0d(232 hp)or a 3.0sd(282 hp) powertrain is available. It has been announced that the X5 M will be released in 2008. It will feature the V12 engine from the 7 Series, which will provide the car with . The X5 M will feature a full body kit, new alloy wheels, and generally a revised look.
X6A crossover coupe SUV released by BMW in December 2007.
An all new version of the 550i/650i's engine is being used in the X6 with twin turbo technology from the 135i/335i. The standard engines 340 bhp will be increased to 410 bhp.
Z4A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3. From 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with , a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with or a 2.0i with a 2.0 L I4. The Z4 coupe is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L I6. The Z4 is currently built at the Spartanburg plant.
- Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster and coupe have been released with an E46 M3 motor (3.2 L, 333 hp) and also features the M braking, suspension, and styling characteristics.
BMW MM3
Based on the 3 Series, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race-ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning engines. The newest platform became available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in Coupe (E92), and later the Cabriolet (E93), and Sedan (E90) variants.
M5
Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 507 hp (378 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which accelerates to in 4.7 seconds.
M6
The M6 is the M division's version of the 6 Series.
The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces and 383lb/ft (520Nm) of Torque. The production M6 debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is currently available in a coupe and a convertible version. There is speculation that an M6 CSL version is to be released in the future.
The vehicle is based on the 6 Series coupe and convertible, which were launched in 2004.
Carbon fiber and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the centre of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing the moment of inertia and the centre of mass height.
The previous generation was launched in 1983, but ended in 1989 with around 5,855 sold.
Z4 M
The Z4 M is powered by the same 3.2-litre straight-six engine featured in the BMW M3(E46), detuned slightly to fit in the Z4's smaller engine bay. The engine’s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, at 7,900 rpm, of torque at 4,900 rpm, 8,000 rpm redline.
Output per litre is , and power-to-weight ratio is 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to .
Future- Z10/M10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, will likely compete with the Audi R8 and Porsche 911; in September 2007 BMW Group registered the M10 name. It will likely have a front engine/rear wheel drive drivetrain setup. It is also likely to feature the V10 found in the M5 and M6 models, but producing around 550 horsepower. It is expected to weigh less than 3000 pounds.
- BMW X1 : A sports-activity vehicle based on the BMW 1-Series to be positioned below the X3. Likely to be built at Magna Steyr in Austria, where X3 production will be phased out.
- BMW PAS : the BMW Progressive Activity Sedan has been officially announced, yet it is unclear exactly what this will be conceptually. Sources say it is based on a 7 Series platform in a 5-seater hatchback-style car.
- BMW F01/F02 7-Series : The F01 and F02 will be the replacement for the current 7-Series for either 2008 or 2009. The F02 is the longer wheelbase version, which will get a more differentiated design than before. In addition, there will be a Rolls-Royce sedan based on this platform that will be positioned below the flagship Phantom and compete with cars such as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
- BMW CS: May revive the 8-series nameplate. A four-door grand tourer/coupé to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Porsche Panamera
- BMW X5 M- A high-performance version of the current X5, may be powered by the V10 from the M5.
Out of production- M1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.
- Z3: a 2-seater roadster. Appeared in the James Bond film GoldenEye, marking the first time Pierce Brosnan played Bond and the first time the MI6 agent's gadget-laden car wasn't British.
- M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3.
- 8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupé of the 1990s. The upcoming BMW Gran Turismo can be seen as a revival of the model.
- Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for its vertically sliding doors.
- Z8: a roadster and halo car with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Appeared in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, marking the last time Bond would drive a BMW. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. It was built on an aluminum space frame design.
Classics
BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.
- 3.0 CSL
- M1
- M3 3.2 liters
- M5
- M6 (e24) First production line M car. Supercoupe capable of over
- M Roadster
- Dixi, 3/20, 303, 309, 315, 319, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 335
- Isetta, 600, 700
- 501, 502, 503, 507
- 3200 CS, 2000 CS, 2002 Turbo
- New Sixes (2500/2800/Bavaria/2.5/2.8/3.0/3.3): Predecessor to today's 7 Series
- New Class (1500/1502/1600/1800/1802/2000/2002): Predecessor to the 3 Series
Series GenerationsInternally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.
2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans
- BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
- BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
- BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
- BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
- BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
- BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
- BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
- BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
- BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
- BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
- BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
- BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
- BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
- BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
- BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
- BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
- BMW E38/2 — (1994–2001) 7 Series long wheelbase
- BMW E38/3 — (1998–2001) 7 Series Protection
- BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
- BMW E46/5 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
- BMW E46/4 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
- BMW E46/3 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
- BMW E46/2 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
- BMW E46/C — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
- BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
- BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
- BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
- BMW E61 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
- BMW E63 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
- BMW E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
- BMW E65 — (2001–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
- BMW E66 — (2001–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
- BMW E67 — (2001–2007) 7 Series Protection
- BMW E68 — (2005–2007) Hydrogen 7
- BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
- BMW E71 — (2008) X6
- BMW E72 — (2008) X6 Hybrid
- BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
- BMW E82 — (2007-present) 1 Series Coupé
- BMW E82/2 — (2010) Z2
- BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
- BMW E84 — (2011) X1
- BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
- BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
- BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
- BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
- BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
- BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
- BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
- BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
- BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
- BMW E99 — (2009) V5 Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS)
- BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
- BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
- BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
- BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
- BMW F07 — (2009) ? Series Luxury Sports Cruiser
- BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
- BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
- BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
- BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
- BMW F25 — (2011) X3
- BMW F30 — (2012) 3 Series Sedan
Recently BMW has become concerned with the rising number of their vehicles being imported from the United States into Canada and with the cooperation of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (a private contractor to the federal Government of Canada) has placed impediments to the importation of BMW vehicles into Canada. BMW now requires owners importing their cars into Canada to pay a fee of $300 (CDN) for a document guaranteeing the vehicle's admissibility into Canada and $500 (CDN) for a letter advising the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that there are no outstanding recalls on that vehicle.
Motorsport
BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle.
Sponsoring
Formula car - Formula One - BMW has won 19 grand prix as an engine supplier. BMW won its first race as a constructor on 8th June 2008 at the Grand Prix of Canada with Robert Kubica driving.
- BMW Sauber F1 Team - current BMW works Formula One team
- WilliamsF1 - former Formula One partner, and designer of BMW's Le Mans winning sports car
- Brabham - Former Formula One partner, winning the Drivers Championship in 1983
- Arrows, used BMW engines from 1984 to 1986
Sports car
Touring car BMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.
- European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) - Since 1968, BMW won 24 drivers' championships along with several manufacturers' and teams' titles.
- World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) - BMW won all drivers' championship at present and three manufacturers' titles
- DTM - the following won the DTM drivers' championship driving BMWs:
- The DRM was won by Harald Ertl in a BMW 320i Turbo in 1978
- British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) - BMW won the drivers' championship in 1988, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and manufacturers' championship in 1991 and 1993.
- Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) - BMW flew from Europe to Japan to compete in the JTCC and won the championship in 1995.
- Mille Miglia - BMW won Mille Miglia in 1940 in with a 328 Touring Coupé. Previously in 1938 the 328 sport car also obtained a class victory.
Rally - RAC Rally - The 328 sport car won this event in 1939.
- Paris Dakar Rally - BMW motorcycles have won this event 6 times.
Culture The term "Beemer" started as a slang term for the acronym "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as or ), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles.
In the United States, the term "Beemer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "Beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts, because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is arbitrary, the media, movies, and people still use the term "Beemer" to refer to the automobiles.
The initials BMW are in German. The model series are referred to as "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the 5 series), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series).
Environmental RecordThe company is a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's(EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognizes companies for their environmental stewardship and performance. It is also a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program and is on the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index, which rates environmentally friendly companies.
BMW has taken measures to reduce the impact the company has on the environment. It is trying to design less-polluting cars by making existing models more efficient, as well as developing environmentally friendly fuels for future vehicles. Possibilities include: electric power, hybrid power (combustion, engines and electric motors)hydrogen engines.
BicyclesBMW has created a range of high-end bicycles sold online and through dealerships. They range from the Kid's Bike to the EUR 4,499 Enduro Bike. In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike models are sold.
Nomenclature BMWs follow a certain nomenclature in the naming of many of their vehicles; a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number is the series number. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100.
The system of letters is:
- d = diesel
- i = fuel-injected
- x = all wheel drive
- L = long wheel base
- C = coupe (no longer used)
- T = touring
- t = hatchback
- g = biogas
- s = sport package (typically includes front sports seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded rims, etc.)
- e = eta (essentially "economy" in English)
- es = eta sport
- cs = sport coupe (a combination seen on early highend coupes like the E9, E24, and special Motorsport variants of the E31)
For example, a BMW 760Li is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheel base and 6.0 litres of displacement.
However, there are exceptions. The 2007 BMW 328i is a 3 Series that has a 3.0 litre engine. The 2007 BMW 335i also has a 3.0 litre engine; however, it is twin-turbocharged, which is not identified by the nomenclature.
The 'L' signifies special luxury variants. Most notable being the L7 (most famous of which are E23 and E38 based) and L6 (E24 based). They traditionally featured extended leather as well as special interior appointments.
The 'M' - for Motorsport - identifies the high-performance M vehicle of a particular series (e.g. M3, M5, M6, etc). For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own series.
The 'Z' identifies a two seater roadster (e.g. Z1, Z3, Z4, etc). M variants of Z models have the M as a suffix or prefix, depending on country of sale. (e.g. 'Z4 M' / 'M Roadster' in Canada)
A capitalized 'X' may supersede the series number (e.g. X3 and X5) which refers to the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) lineup, all of which feature BMW's xDrive.
Both X & Z vehicles will have 'i' or 'si' follow the engine displacement denoted in litres. The 'si' (e.g. X3 3.0si) identifies the vehicle as being equipped with the 'sport package' & is 'fuel-injected'. X & Z vehicles only denoting 'i' (e.g. X3 3.0i) identifies the vehicle as 'fuel-injected' and no sport package.
Also, station-wagons/estates are traditionally given the "Touring" or "Sport Wagon" tagline, depending on country of sale.
Community From the summer of 2001 until October, 2005, BMW hosted the website, showcasing sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are still popular within the enthusiast community and proved to be a ground-breaking online advertising campaign.
Annually since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. One of the largest brand-specific gatherings in the U.S., over 3000 people attended in 2006, and over 1000 BMW cars were present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5.
Overseas subsidiariesSouth AfricaBMWs have been assembled in South Africa since 1970, when Praetor Monteerders' plant was opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW acquired the company in 1973, which became BMW South Africa, the first wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW to be established outside Germany. Three unique models that BMW Motorsport created for the South African market were the BMW 333i, which added a 6-cylinder 3.2 litre engine to the BMW 3 Series,[ the BMW 325is which was powered by an Alpina derived 2.7 litre engine, and the E23 M745i, which used the engine from the BMW M1.
Unlike U.S. manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, which divested from the country in the 1980s, BMW retained full ownership of its operations in South Africa.
Following the end of apartheid in 1994, and the lowering of import tariffs, BMW South Africa ended local production of the 5-Series and 7-Series, in order to concentrate on production of the 3-Series for the export market. South African-built BMWs are now exported to right hand drive markets including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1997, BMW South Africa has produced vehicles in left hand drive for export to Taiwan, the United States and Iran, as well as South America.
IndiaBMW established in 2006 a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region) and a state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. The construction of the plant started in January 2006 with an initial investment of more than one billion Indian Rupees. The plant started fullfledged operation in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series.
ChinaIn May 2004 BMW opened a factory in Shenyang, north-east China, in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive. The factory is expected to produce 30,000 3 and 5 Series annually. BMW also has plans for a 2nd factory in China where the 1 Series will be produced.
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