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BMW
(BMW), () is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916. BMW is a worldwide manufacturer of high-performance and premium automobiles and motorcycles, and is the current parent company of both the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands.
Company history
BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is often alleged to portray the movement of an airplane propeller, an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, which was actually twelve years after the roundel was created.[3][4] In fact, the emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew. The Rapp logo was combined with the blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria to produce the BMW roundel so familiar today. The early success of the outstanding BMW IIIa inline-six aviation engine, from 1917-18 in World War I, with the Luftstreitkräfte in a limited number of Fokker D.VII fighters, as well as a number of prototype "inline-six" fighters from various manufacturers, might have actually influenced the BMW logo's design. BMW's first significant aircraft power plant was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance. With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful WWII engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-45-era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He 162 Spatz, and was tested in the A-1b version of the world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262. By 1959 the automotive division of BMW was in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of Germany's ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt and Heinkel. Therefore the rights to manufacture the tiny Italian Iso "Isetta" were bought using a modified form of BMW's own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The dominating shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family. Stefan Quandt, Johanna Quandt and Susanne Klatten (born Quandt) together own about 46% of the stocks. The rest is in public float. BMW AG bought the British Rover Group[5] (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the rights to defunct brands 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 brands 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. [6]
Motorcycles
The R32, the first BMW motorcycle. 
BMW roundel in 1939 In 1983 came the K Series (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"),(Correction, "The flying brick" was the nickname of The BMW K1 model) 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. 
K1200GT 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 clubsBMW 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. AutomobilesLarge-scale production modelsProject iProject i is a special division of BMW, dedicated to building low emission city cars [7]. 1 SeriesThe 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 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. <gallery> Image:BMW E87 facelift front.JPG|BMW 1 Series 5-door Image:'09 BMW 128i Coupe (Montreal).jpg|BMW 1 Series Coupe Image:BMW 1er Coupé Heck.JPG|BMW 1 Series Coupe </gallery> 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. <gallery> Image:2007-BMW-335i-coupe.jpg|2007 3-Series Coupe Image:BMW E90 Touring.jpg|2006 3-Series Touring Image:BMW_3er_Limousine07.jpg|2006 3-Series Sedan Image:3er BMW Sport E46.jpg|BMW E46 Generation with ZHP Performance Package </gallery> 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.
<gallery> Image:BMW Series5 silver vl.jpg|2005 5 Series with M Sport Package Image:BMW 525 dt.JPG|2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport Package Image:BMW M5 (E60) silver vr.jpg|2007 M5 Image:BMW M5.jpg|E39 BMW M5 (previous generation) </gallery> 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.
<gallery> Image:Bmw645ci.JPG|2004 6 Series Convertible(645i) Image:BMW Series6 black vl.jpg|6 Series Coupe (650i) Image:BMW 645 E64 side.jpg|6 Series Convertible (645i) Image:BMW Series6 silver h.jpg|6 Series Coupe (645i) </gallery> 7 Series
BMW 7-Series (E65, pre-update) BMW'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. X3
BMW X3 (current generation) Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. X5
2007 E70 BMW 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. X6
BMW X6 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.
<gallery> Image:06-07 BMW Z4.jpg|2006 Z4 Roadster Image:BMW-Z4 diagonal front at IAA 2005.jpg|2006 Z4 Coupe Image:BMW Z4 M Roadster front.jpg|2007 Z4 M Roadster </gallery> BMW MM3
E92 M3 Coupé 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 the Autumn 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
BMW 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.[8] M6
BMW M6 Coupe 
BMW M6 Convertible 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
BMW Z4 M Roadster 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 . Prototypes
Out of production
Classics_1911_cm%C2%B3%2C_Bj._1935_(kl).jpg "BMW 319/1 ? built in 1935")
BMW 319/1 ? built in 1935 
BMW 3/15 "Dixi" 
1936 BMW Model 319 4-Window Cabriolet 
1958 BMW Model 507 Roadster BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.
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
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 Sauber F1 Team Logo. 
BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in . Sponsoring
Formula car
Sports car
Touring carBMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.
Rally
CultureThe 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 "Bimmer" 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,[10] 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 "Einser" ("One-er" for 1 series), "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.[11] 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. [12] 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. [13] In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike models are sold. [14] NomenclatureBMWs 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:
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
BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf 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,[[15] 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. United StatesBMW Manufacturing Co has been manufacturing the X5, and more recently, also the X3 and X6 in South Carolina, USA.[16] 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.[17] ChinaIn May 2004 BMW opened a factory in Shenyang, north-east China, in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive.[18] 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.[19] Related companies
A Combined BMW MINI dealership in Moncton, Canada
See also
ReferencesExternal links
af:BMW ar:?? ?? ????? az:BMV be-x-old:BMW bs:BMW bg:BMW ca:BMW cs:BMW da:BMW de:BMW et:BMW el:BMW es:BMW eo:BMW fa:?????? fr:Bayerische Motoren Werke AG gl:BMW ko:BMW hr:BMW id:BMW it:BMW he:BMW ka:BMW kk:BMW lv:BMW lt:BMW hu:BMW mr:??.??.??????? nah:BMW nl:BMW ja:BMW no:BMW nn:BMW pl:BMW pt:BMW ro:BMW ru:BMW sco:BMW sq:BMW simple:BMW sk:BMW sl:BMW sr:BMW fi:BMW sv:BMW th:??????????????? vi:BMW tr:BMW uk:BMW ur:?? ??? ????? zh:BMW Source: Wikipedia | The above article is available under the GNU FDL. | Edit this article
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