BMW !!

M6

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), is an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands. It is also one of the leading German car manufacturers.!

 

History

 

The Beginning-The Oberwiesenfeld

BMW has two fathers, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, both of whom paved the way for further developments in their field. They both left distinct traces during aviation's pioneering days.

 

Gustav Otto

Interestingly, Gustav Otto was the son of Nikolaus August Otto, the inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion engine. Gustav was an aviator and one of the first flight pioneers in Bavaria. Along with a few others, Gustav flew machines made of wood, wire, canvas and powered by an engine. Through their passion for these flying machines, they helped transform aviation from a do-it-yourself hobby to a genuine industry vital to the military, especially after the breakout of World War I.

Gustav, in 1910, set up a factory called Otto-Flugzeugwerke on Lerchenauer Strasse, east of the the Oberwiesenfeld troop maneuver area in the Milbertshofen district of Munich(this area later became Munich's first airport). Otto received the German aviation license no. 34 in the same year. He concentrated on building Farman inspired pushers (he had got his license on an Aviatik-Farman himself), and soon became the main supplier for the "Bayerische Fliegertruppen". However, he could not get any orders from the Prussian military. This was the reason why he founded the Ago Fluggesellschaft (Ago) in Johannisthal on April 1, 1912. The founding of this company had nothing to do with the fortunes of the mother company. To complicate things further, Gustav Otto also founded the A.G.O. company (for Aeromotor Gustav Otto), which was based in Munich. AGO built aircraft engines and had nothing to do with Ago in Johannisthal (note the different way the names are written). Both the Otto and the Ago companies, which from 1914 developed different aircraft, were not successful in getting in orders. Suffering financially, the Otto company was taken over by a consortium including some banks and on 7 March 1916 was merged with Rapp-Motorenwerke into the Bayerische Flugzeugwerke. Ago closed down in 1918, the facilities being taken over by AEG.

 

Karl Rapp

In 1913 Karl Rapp established Rapp-Motorenwerke in a few wooden buildings of a former bicycle factory near the Oberwiesenfeld. This new company specialized in airplane engines. After the outbreak of World War I, Rapp started to supply aeroengines to the Austrian army. However, the engines suffered severe vibration problems, causing the military to decline purchasing the poorly performing engines. Rapp would quickly have gone out of business if his main customer, Austrian military forces, had not had Austro-Daimler V12 aircraft engines built here during war under a license. Austro-Daimler at the time was unable to meet its demands to build V12 Aero engines. The Austro-Daimler technical inspector was Franz-Josef Popp, who was delegated to Munich from Vienna to supervise engine quality. Popp was the person who convinced Max Friz, an aircraft engine designer and engineer at Daimler, to come to Munich to assist in development and expansion. Amid over-expansion difficulties, Rapp left the company in 1916, leaving Popp and Friz to run the company. On 7 March 1916 Rapp Motoren Werke (now under Austrian management) merged with Otto-Flugzeugwerke under the newly formed parent name Bayerische Flugzeugwerke. BFW was born. Both companies were run as separate divisions within the BFW umbrella. BMW AG acknowledges this date to be the beginning of the company we know today.^[1]

 

 Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW)

BFW continued their support to the Kaiser war efforts by designing and building airplane engines. With the success of the type III engine, the small company grew very quickly, and on 21 July 1917, BFW was renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH (BMW GmbH). BMW opened a glossy new factory on Moosacher Strasse to the north of the airfield.^[2] It began operations in 1918 shortly before the end of the war, producing BMW's first engine, type III, and was based on the original design by Karl Rapp. The engine was successful, but the decisive breakthrough came in 1917, when Max Friz integrated a basically simple throttle butterfly into the "high-altitude carburettor", enabling the engine to develop its full power high above the ground. This is precisely the reason why the engine, dubbed "type IIIa", had unique superiority in air combat. The water-cooled in-line 6 cylinder engine's reputation grew very quickly. Ernst Udet was a family friend of Gustov Otto, the leader of Manfred von Richthofen's Jasta 11 in World War I (and later a legendary pilot, aerobatic flyer, and Air Marshal), acknowledged the outstanding performance of BMW's type IIIa engine. "There can be no doubt that the BMW engine was the absolute highlight in power unit development towards the end of the war. The only bad thing about it was that it was too late".^[3] The "Red Baron" himself tested the performance of BMW engines under practical conditions in 1918. "In 1919, the pioneering aviator Franz Zeno Diemer sets the airplane altitude record with a 32,000 ft flight. It was a significant technical and competitive accomplishment for the day, but also created the spirit for decades of victories to follow at famous venues like the Isle of Man, Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and Daytona and in Formula 1".^[4] This historic flight was achieved only through the brilliance of the type IIIa engine. Diemer stated at the time, " I could have gone much higher, but I didn't have enough oxygen."^[5]

With the reputation of the successful engines growing, it was decided to take the company public, in order to provide capitol for future expansion. In 1918, just before the end of The Great War, BMW was converted into a stock corporation with a share capitol of 12 million Reich marks, one-third of which was held by by the business magnate Camillo Castiglioni. Popp, the General Manager of the former limited liability company, was appointed the first General Director of BMW AG.^[6]

 

Shaping a Company

After the war had come to an end, the weapons and machines left over were destroyed or dismantled under the direction of Allied forces, like in other parts of Germany. This is when BMW facilitated the need to produce railway brakes and built in engines.^[7] Although it was not what the engineers envisioned, it allowed the company to remain solvent. Not satisfied with building air brakes for railways, the BMW engineers sought new projects to pursue. In 1919 BMW designed its first motorcycle engine, used in a model called the Victoria, which was built by a company in Nuremberg. In time however, three men came together to form a company that was to last, building on the legacy left behind by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto.

The first man was Franz-Josef Popp, an industrialist. Popp, being an engineer by profession and an excellent administrator, quickly took over Rapp's factory as Director General when Rapp left, making all essential decisions. The second man was Max Friz, also an engineer, who became the Chief Engineer and Designer for BMW. It was Friz who turned the Company's progressive ideas into reality until far in the 1930's. The third man was Camillo Castiglioni, a financier from Vienna. He started his career from scratch and became the owner of no less than 170 companies, one of which was Austro-Daimler, Karl Rapp's former customer. Castiglioni was a very influential man in Germany during World War I, able to exercise his immense influence for his own interests.

 

Bayerische Motoren Werke

In 1922 Knorr-Bremse AG negotiated a deal to purchase the brake production operation and the facilities of the BMW company. However, Popp was able to persuade Castiglioni to buy (using the BFW company) the name "BMW". Together with Max Friz and his leading engineers, they began engine production after moving into the empty buildings of Gustav Otto's former Otto-Flugzeugwerke, and it is precisely here, on Lerchenauer Strasse 76, that BMW has maintained its roots ever since.^[8]

 

BMW branches out

In 1924 BMW built its first model motorcycle, the R32. This had a 500 cc air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, a feature that would resonate among their various models for decades to come, albeit with displacement increases and newer technology. The major innovation was the use of a driveshaft instead of a chain to drive the rear wheel. For decades to follow, the shaft-drive boxer engine was the mark of the BMW motorcycle. ^[9]

In 1927 the tiny Dixi, an Austin Seven produced under license, began production in Eisenach. BMW bought the Dixi Company the following year, and this became the company's first car, the BMW 3/15. By 1933 BMW was producing cars that could be called truly theirs, offering steadily more advanced I6 sports and saloons (sedans). The pre-war cars culminated in the 327 coupé and convertible, the 328 roadster, fast 2.0 L cars, both very advanced for their time, as well as the upscale 335 luxury sedan.

In 1924 BMW built its first model motorcycle, the R32. This had a 500 cc air-cooled horizontally-opposed engine, a feature that would resonate among their various models for decades to come, albeit with displacement increases and newer technology. The major innovation was the use of a driveshaft instead of a chain to drive the rear wheel. For decades to follow, the shaft-drive boxer engine was the mark of the BMW motorcycle. ^[9]

In 1927 the tiny Dixi, an Austin Seven produced under license, began production in Eisenach. BMW bought the Dixi Company the following year, and this became the company's first car, the BMW 3/15. By 1933 BMW was producing cars that could be called truly theirs, offering steadily more advanced I6 sports and saloons (sedans). The pre-war cars culminated in the 327 coupé and convertible, the 328 roadster, fast 2.0 L cars, both very advanced for their time, as well as the upscale 335 luxury sedan.

 

World War II

BMW motorcycles, specifically the BMW R12 and the BMW R75 combination were used extensively by the Aufklärungsabteilung of German panzer and motorised divisions of the German Army, Waffen SS and Luftwaffe.

BMW was also a major supplier of engines; supplying the Luftwaffe with engines and vehicles, and the Wehrmacht with motorcycles. Planes using the aero-engines included the BMW 801, one of the most powerful available. Over 30,000 were manufactured up to 1945. BMW also researched jet engines, producing the BMW 003, and rocket-based weapons. BMW has admitted to using between 25,000 and 30,000 slave labourers during this period, consisting of both prisoners of war and inmates of infamous concentration camps such as Dachau ^[10].

The BMW works were heavily bombed towards the end of the war. Of its sites, those in eastern Germany (Eisenach-Dürrerhof, Wandlitz-Basdorf and Zühlsdorf) were seized by the Soviets. The factory in Munich was largely destroyed.^[11]

 

Post-war history

After the war the Munich factory took some time to restart production in any volume. BMW was banned from manufacturing for three years by the Allies and did not produce a motorcycle, the R24, until 1948, and a car model until 1952.^[12]

In the east, the company's factory at Eisenach was taken over by the Soviet Awtowelo group which formed finally the Eisenacher Motor-Werke. That company offered "BMWs" for sale until 1951, when the Bavarian company prevented use of the trademarks: the name, the logo and the "double-kidney" radiator grille.

The cars and motorcycles were then branded EMW (Eisenacher Motoren-Werke), production continuing until 1955.

In the west, the BAC, Bristol Aeroplane Company, inspected the factory, and returned to Britain with plans for the 326, 327 and 328 models. These plans, which became official war reparations, along with BMW engineer Fritz Fiedler allowed the newly formed Bristol Cars to produce a new, high-quality sports saloon (sedan), the 400 by 1947, a car so similar to the BMW 327 that it even kept the famous BMW grille.

In 1948 BMW produced its first postwar motorcycle and in 1952 it produced its first passenger car since the war. However, its car models were not commercially successful; models such as the acclaimed BMW 507 and 503 were too expensive to build profitably and were low volume.

By the late 1950s, it was also making bubble-cars such as the Isetta.

In 1959 BMW's management suggested selling the whole concern to Daimler-Benz. Major shareholder, Herbert Quandt was close to agreeing such a deal, but changed his mind at the last minute because of opposition from the workforce and trade unions and advice from the board chairman, Kurt Golda. Instead Quandt increased his share in BMW to 50% against the advice of his bankers, and he was instrumental in turning the company around.

That same year, BMW launched the 700, a small car with an air-cooled, rear-mounted 697 cc boxer engine from the R67 motorcycle. Its bodywork was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and the 2+2 model had a sporty look. There was also a more powerful RS model for racing. Competition successes in the 700 began to secure BMW's reputation for sports sedans.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, BMW launched the 1500, a powerful compact sedan, with front disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension. This modern specification further cemented BMW's reputation for sporting cars. It was the first BMW to officially feature the "Hofmeister kink", the rear window line that has been the hallmark of all BMWs since then.

The "New Class" 1500 was developed into 1600 and 1800 models. In 1966, the two-door version of the 1600 was launched, along with a convertible in 1967. These models were called the '02' series—the 2002 being the most famous—and began the bloodline that later developed into the BMW 3 Series.

By 1963, with the company back on its feet, BMW offered dividends to its shareholders for the first time since before World War II.

By 1966, the Munich plant had reached the limits of its production capacity. Although BMW had initially planned to build an entirely new factory, the company bought the crisis-ridden Hans Glas GmbH with its factories in Dingolfing and Landshut. Both plants were restructured, and in the following decades BMW's largest plant took shape in Dingolfing.

In 1968, BMW launched its large "New Six" sedans, the 2500, 2800, and American Bavaria, and coupés, the 2.5 CS and 2800 CS.

Of major importance to BMW was the arrival of Eberhard von Kuenheim from Daimler-Benz AG. Just 40 years old, he presided over the company's transformation from a national firm with a European-focused reputation into a global brand with international prestige.

Already commercially successful by the mid 60s, in December 1971, BMW moved to the new HQ present in Munich, architecturally modeled after four cylinders.

In 1972, the 5 Series was launched to replace the New Class sedans, with a body styled by Bertone. The new class coupes were replaced by the 3 Series in 1975, and the New Six became the 7 Series in 1977. Thus the three-tier sports sedan range was formed, and BMW essentially followed this formula into the 1990s. Other cars, like the 6 Series coupes that replaced the CS and the M1, were also added to the mix as the market demanded.

From 1970 to 1993, under von Kuenheim, turnover increased 18-fold, car production quadrupled and motorcycle production tripled.

 

 

Production outside Germany

BMW started producing automobiles at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant in 1994. Today, the plant manufactures the BMW X5, the BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe, and the BMW Z4 M Roadster and Coupe. The oft-rumored crossover vehicle, the X6, and the formerly Euro-produced X3 were recently confirmed by the Chairman of BMW's board as being under development for production at Plant Spartanburg.

Outside Germany, the largest output of the BMW Group comes from British factories. The Hams Hall plant manufactures four cylinder BMW engines for use around the world in 3-Series, 1-Series and Z4 vehicles. This is in addition to MINIs and Rolls-Royces made in Oxford and Goodwood.

The Spartanburg plant is open six days a week, producing automobiles approximately 110 hours a week. It employs about 4,700 people and manufactures over 500 vehicles daily. Recently, the plant has undergone a major renovation switching from 2 production lines down to one. Now both the X5 and the Z4 are produced in the same line, one right after the other.

After a period of local assembly, BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa, plant now manufactures cars, with over 70% of its output destined for export. In the mid-1990s, BMW invested R1bn to make Rosslyn a world-class facility. The plant now exports over 50,000 3 Series cars a year, mostly to the USA, Japan, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

BMW signed agreement in 1999 with Avtotor to produce cars in Kaliningrad, Russia. Factory has been assembling 3 and 5 -series cars.^[14]

Starting from October 2004, BMWs intended for the Chinese market are produced in Shenyang, China.^[15] BMW has established a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Brilliance to build BMW 3 Series and 5 Series that have been modified for the needs of local markets.

The BMWX3 was manufactured in Graz, Austria between 2004 and 2007 by Magna Steyr with mainly German components. The X3 production has been moved to the Spartanburg plant due in part to high production and transportation costs of what was meant to be the "more affordable" SUV. North American pricing, after said costs, were nearly on par with the larger, American-built X5. ^[16]

In 2005, BMW Group built a new manufacturing facility in Egypt. This plant builds 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and X3 vehicles for the African and Middle East markets.

BMW opened its first assembly plant in Chennai, India in March 2007 to assemble 3-series and 5-series vehicles. The 20 Million Euro plant aims to produce 1,700 cars per year in the medium term, though this could rise to up to 10,000 cars if demand grows.^[17][18] The new factory may also be used to help boost the production of BMW’s super-successful MINI.^[19] BMW India headquarters is located in Gurgaon outside Delhi.

The BMW Group is considering the establishment of a new plant which will be located either in Volos, Greece or Limasol, Cyprus. These plants will be manufacturing motorcycles as well as the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series and will be serving the markets of Eastern Europe and Middle East. Construction is rumored to begin in 2009.

 

Rolls-Royce

In the early 1990s, BMW and Rolls-Royce Motors began a joint venture that would see the new Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage adopt BMW engines.

In 1998, both BMW and Volkswagen tried to purchase Rolls-Royce Motors. Volkswagen outbid BMW and bought the company for £430 million, but BMW outflanked its German rival. Although Volkswagen had bought rights to the "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot and the shape of the radiator grille, it lacked rights to the Rolls-Royce name. Rolls-Royce plc (the aero-engine business) retained the rights over the Rolls-Royce trademark and wished to strengthen its existing business partnership with BMW which extended to the BMW Rolls-Royce joint venture. Consequently, BMW was allowed to acquire the rights to the grille and mascot, and licensed the name and "RR" logo after 2003 for £40 million. Volkswagen was permitted to build Rolls-Royces at its Crewe factory only until 2003, but quickly shifted its emphasis to the Bentley brand.

In the meantime, BMW was faced with the need to build a new factory and develop a new model. The new factory at Goodwood produced the new Rolls-Royce Phantom, unveiled on January 2, 2003, and officially launched at the Detroit Auto Show on January 5, 2003. The model, priced around US$330,000, has experienced record sales worldwide of 796 Phantoms sold in 2005.

 

Models

 

Current

The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series 2", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.

In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.

 

1 Series

The 1 Series is a brand entry-level vehicle which was launched in Autumn 2004 and a 3-Door that was launched in July 2007 on the BMW International website. Because it is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is considered the heir apparent to the original 2002 sport sedan from the 1960's. A Coupé has been announced for late 2007, and there are concepts for a convertible. U.S. introduction for the 1 series is expected in MY2008 as a coupé and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E9X 3-series.

 

[3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since May 1975. The E90 is the 5th generation 3 series. Available from MY2006 to present, it is offered as the sport sedan(E90), sport wagon(E91), sport coupe(E92), and sport coupe convertible(E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to motor choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.

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

2007 3-Series Convertible

2007 3-Series Coupe

2006 3-Series Touring

BMW E46 Generation with ZHP Performance Package

 

5 Series

A mid-size luxury car / executive car. For MY2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as diesel and V8 options.

The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimenal" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model that may have seemed radical for its time. One such example of this "testing" approach is the new headlight design. These types of changes to the 5 Series have allowed BMW to assess the reaction of consumers to their new designs before expanding the changes to other model series. Consequently, it has at times led people to question BMW's approach to design.

• 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 507 hp and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a delimited 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 newer 2007 models. The colour palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.

2005 5 Series

2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package

2007 M5

E39 BMW M5 (previous generation)

 

6 Series

The 6 Series BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupé. Currently available as the 650i in coupé and coupé convertible, the 6 series returned in 2004, after a 15 year absence from BMW's model lineup.

Although many spy photos were seen with the 6-Series having a half-life update, like the 5-Series, BMW released the updated 6-Series in July 2007. It is unknown when the M6 coupe & cabriolet update versions will be released, however both are expected soon.

• 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 507 hp engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, North America and Australia.

2004 6 Series Convertible(645i)

6 Series Coupe (650i)

6 Series Convertible (645i)

6 Series Coupe (645i)

 

7 Series

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces much of their innovations first in the vaunted 7 series. It has been deemed a "sports car at the helm and a limousine in the rear". Numerous landmark and breakthrough technologies for the entire automotive industry debut on the 7 series. For example, the groundbreaking and controversial iDrive, or the world's first Hydrogen powered production vehicle, have all debuted in the 7 series. The 7-Series Hydrogen, the world’s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive, it runs on the most plentiful element in the world and emits virtually nothing but water vapor. And because the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not yet complete, the V-12 engine also runs on gasoline, enabled via a push button system. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version.^{[citation needed]}

 

X3

BMW's second SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series layout within, but without, it is quite unique. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted with the 2006 E90 3 Series. The X3 is a more functionally oriented vehicle that American buyers seem to prefer over a wagon; it is BMW's answer to the growing crossover segment of the market. It has performed quite well in sales, but in 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.

Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system. This, combined with its standard "Enhanced DSC" stability control, make the X3 a capable vehicle on and off road.

 

X5

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-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.

The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in the new X5 to 7 passengers.

The E53 model was rated the by IIHS in 2002 to be the safest vehicle that organization had ever tested.^{[citation needed]} Since then, BMW has applied their craft to the current generation E70 to incorporate innovative "firsts" for the SUV/SAV industry, such as Run Flat Tires, complimentary BMW Assist, and a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

 

Z4

A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the Z3. For 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with 255 hp, a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp 2.0 L I4. The Z4 Coupé is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L 255 HP I6.

• Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2 L, 343 hp) and also features the M braking and suspension systems.

2006 Z4 Roadster

2006 Z4 Coupe

2007 Z4 M Roadster

2006 Z4 M Roadster

 

BMW M

BMW M GmbH (previously: BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG established in May 1972 with just eight employees. BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. The first racing project was BMW’s 3.0 CSL; in the late 1970s the first modified street legal road cars were produced for the contracted racecar drivers as their personal vehicles. By 1988, the number of employees had risen to 400.

M3

Based on the 3 Series Coupe & Convertible, 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 powerplants. As a testament to how well received this vehicle is, all retired models have quickly made it to "collector" status.MY2008 marks the first time a formula 1 inspired V-8 will be offered, producing 420 hp (313 kW) that can reach 62 mph in about 4.5 seconds. The newest version (E92) will be available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S.

 

M5

 

Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 500hp (373 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes 62 mph in 4.1 seconds,impressive for a 4 door saloon car. The M5 was the first 4-door sedan to be considered a sports car, and is the fastest production sedan on the planet. There is also a modified twin turbo version that can reach 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, giving 810 bhp (604 kW) and 733 lp-ft (994 Nm) of torque, with a top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h). This makes it the fastest and most powerful luxury 4-door sedan ever produced.

 

 

M6

The new BMW M6 concept made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the BMW E63/E64 6-Series, introduced in 2004. It shares the same 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5, and produces 500 hp (373 kW) / 384 ft-lbs (521 nm).BMW claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds (0-60 mph: 4.1 s [Road & Track [2/06]) and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With the limiter removed, the top speed can reach 330 km/h (206 mph). However, people have managed to achieve an outstanding top speed of 340km/h (211.27 mph) - displayed by the HUD.The M6 will have the same 'power button' as the M5 which modifies the throttle response. From ignition, the car delivers 399 hp (298 kW), but engaging the button allows the full 500 hp. It weighs 3770 lbs (1710 kg) thanks to a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof panel as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminium doors and bonnet and compound boot lid.The carbon fibre and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the centre of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing, respectively, the moment of inertia and the centre of mass height.Initially it will only be available as a coupe, although a cabriolet and a lightweight CSL version are expected. The 2007 Cabriolet is expected to have a 0-60 time in about 4.6 seconds (Road and Track, September 2006). It can be visually distinguished from the 630i, 645Ci and 650i by its deeper front valance with air intakes, more contoured side sills, an additional rear valance with diffuser and the absence of front fog lights.

 

Z4 M

BMW’s two-seater is powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-liter straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3(E46) and the BMW Z4 Roadster. The engine’s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, 330 bhp maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of 262 lb-ft is available at the driver’s request from just 2,000 rpm. Output per liter is 103 bhp, giving the Z4 M Coupe a power-to-weight ratio of just 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph.

 

Future

• Z10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, to be produced in 2008 (Update: The new BMW supercar may in fact be called the Z9, and not the Z10.)

• BMW V/F3 : An MPV (Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 3-Series/X3 to compete with Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be the rumoured X1, or called the F3.

• BMW V/F5 : A MPV (Grand Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 5-Series/X5 to compete with Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be called the F5.

• BMW Z2 : A Roadster and Coupe positioned under the Z4 as an entry level sports car, more than likely powered by a 4 cylinder engine. This model may come out in 2009, however it is still an unconfirmed rumour.

• BMW F01/F02 7-Series : The F01 and F02 will be the replacement for the 7-Series for either 2008 or 2009. The F02 is the longer wheelbase version. In addition there will be a "Baby Roller" or mini Rolls Royce that will be under 200,000 that will compete with the Bentley Contental line up.

• BMW X6: A coupe-based SUV. The X6 has been spotted testing.

• BMW 8-Series: Unrelated to the original; a four-door grand tourer car to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against Mercedes-Benz CLS Class.^[22]