History of BMW

BMW to better understand today, you have to know and understand the history of BMW. The past century provides the "flavor" of BMW cars today, the ingredient that makes it so special. This "special" can almost be considered the soul of a person. BMW has a clear personality and an obsessive attention to the driving experience, the motto of "driving machine in the end." This creates a link between car and driver, which can last a lifetime.

The three magic letters to Bayerische Motoren Werke or in English, Bavarian Motor Works. "Engine" is at the heart of this symbol and is the foundation, the center around which BMW builds each product.

BMWDrives invites you to participate in this incredible journey to discover the history behind the history of BMW.

1913

Not everybody knows that BMW began as a manufacturer of aircraft engines. In 1913, Karl Friedrich Rapp Ocotber establishes "Rapp-Motorenwerke" in a former bicycle factory near Munich. Rapp was an engineer who presented with PSTN system and Daimler "Rapp Motorenwerke," created a subsidiary of JSC "Flugwerk", an aircraft manufacturer. Started manufacturing its own aircraft engines, but unfortunately, suffered problems with the way the vibration.

Karl Friedrich Rapp

BMW history: Karl Friedrich Rapp

Near the factory Rapp and Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion, the creation of a small retail building an aircraft. Eight enjoys great success "by Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik".

1916

Rapp The company won a contract with Prussia and Austria-Hungary to produce 25 large V12 engines of the aircraft. Rapp Motoren Werke had problems with engine reliability that they began to buy four-cylinder engines water cooled aircraft factory Gustav Otto. In the months following the Otto absorbed. Otto Gustav "Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik" merging with "Rapp-Motorenwerke" trained "Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke" BFW or in English "Bavarian Aircraft Works"

Franz-Josef Popp, an Austrian engineer, business led Rapp. Was to obtain military contracts, while ImportNT. Popp then transformed into the present company "Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH." BMW officially recognize his birthday March 7, 1916. Shortly after the merger, Popp realized that the company expanded too quickly and need financial assistance. He turned to Camillo Castiglioni, Vienna financier, who was head of the Wiener Bankverein. Popp Castiglioni and recapitalize the company.

Franz-Josef Popp

BMW History: Franz-Josef Popp

1917

Popp and Castiglioni Rapp driven out of business who need to move away from this year.

In 1917, the first BMW engine aircraft, the type IIIA, goes into production. This is a water-cooled six-cylinder engine line, which features a unique "high carb" engineer Max Friz developed bychief allowing you to develop full power at altitude. Max Friz was the engineering of large spirit that dominates the culture of product development for BMW in the 1960's.

Popp has convinced the German government to buy the BMW IIIa.

1918

In 1918, the engine powered a biplane to 5,000 meters above sea level in just 29 minutes. It was an impressive performance in the history of BMW, which led to a strong demand for BMW engines.

"Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH" is BMW AG (The German term Aktiengesellschaft means a company limited by shares, is owned by shareholders. It can be traded on the stock exchange. The term used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The term American equivalent is "public enterprise", source Wikipedia) The company, which we know and admire today.

1919

After the armistice was signed, the Allies banned German military to produce aircraft engines. This prediction, BMW turned to truck engines and boats and agricultural equipment. Meanwhile, in secret Popp continued to work with Friz Director of Engineering on aircraft engines.

A sequence of type IIIa engine was born. He was named natural type IV. With this engine, Franz Zeno Diemer set an altitude record of 9,760 meters (32,013 feet).

Franz Zeno Diemer

BMW history: Franz Zeno Diemer

BMW M6 2010 Review

2010 M6 is a 2-door, 4 luxury sports cars, sports car or convertible, available in two finishes, ... More Coupe and Convertible.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V10, 500 horsepower engine that achieves 11 mpg city and 17 mpg on the highway. 7-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional.

The M6 ​​2010 is a carryover from 2009.

BMW M5 2010 Review

2010 M5 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sports sedan, available in a unique setting, Sedan.

 Introduction, M5 is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V10, 500 horsepower engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 17 mpg highway. 7-speed transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed transmission with overdrive is optional.

The M5 is an extension to 2010 from 2009.

BMW 6 Series 2010 Review

By 2010, the 6 Series is a 2-door, four seater luxury sports car, or convertible sports car, available in two ... More about the MIC, the Coupe and Convertible 650I 650I.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.8-liter V8 engine 360 ​​horsepower that achieves 15 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional.

2010 6-Series Mobile since 2009

BMW Z4 2011 Review

2011 Z4 is a 2-door, 2-car sport sedan, available in 3 finishes sDrive30i  and sDrive35is.

After the introduction sDrive30i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 18 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The sDrive35is is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 335-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. 7-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.

2011 Z4 is a piece of furniture from 2010.

BMW X6 M 2011 Review

The 2011 X6 M is a 4-door, 4-tourism luxury sport utility, available in a unique finish, the Base.

By the introduction, the X6 M is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter V8, 555 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 12 mpg city and 17 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2011 X6 M is a carryover from 2010

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid 2011 Review

In 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid is a hybrid 4-door, four-seat luxury sport-utility, available in a finish as the base .

After the introduction, the hybrid X6 ActiveHybrid features a standard 4.4-liter V8, 400 horsepower, turbo, hybrid engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 19 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

In 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid is a hybrid transmission from 2010.

BMW X6 2011 Review

The 2011 X6 is a 4-door, four-seat luxury sport-utility, available in two versions, the xDrive35i and xDrive50i .

After the introduction xDrive35i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. The xDrive50i is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter V8, 400 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 14 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.

2011 X6 is a mobile by 2010.

BMW X5 M 2011 Review

The 2011 X5 M is a 4-door, 5 passenger luxury sport utility, available in a unique finish, the Base.

In  the introduction, the X5 M is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 555 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 12 mpg city and 17 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2011 X5 M is a carryover from 2010.

BMW X5 2011 Review

2011 X5 is a 4-door, up to 7 passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 5 finishes xDrive35i and xDrive50i.

Upon introduction, the xDrive35i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. The xDrive50i is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 400 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 14 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.

2011 X5 is freshened for 2011.

BMW X3 2011 Review

The 2011 X3 is a 4-door, 5 passenger luxury sport utility, available in two versions, the xDrive28i and xDrive35i .

After the introduction xDrive28i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 240 horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. The xDrive35i is powered by a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo achieves 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.

2011 X3 was renovated in 2011.

BMW M3 2011Review

2011-M3 is a 2 - or 4-door, up to 5 passenger luxury sports coupe, convertible sports car or luxury sports  sedan, available in three versions, ranging from sedan to convertible.

After the introduction, Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V8, 414 horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20 mpg highway. Cabriolet is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V8, 414 horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 20 mpg highway. A 6-speed transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 7-speed manual is optional.

2011-M3 is a transfer from 2010.

BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid 2011 Review

2011 7-Series ActiveHybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in two finishes, 750i, and 750Li.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 455 horsepower, turbo engine, hybrid achieves 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2011 7-Series ActiveHybrid is brand new for 2011.

BMW Alpina B7 2011 Review

In 2011, Alpina B7 is a four door, five passenger luxury sedan, available in four versions, ranging from SWB to xDrive LWB.

After the introduction SWB is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter V8, 500 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 14 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. The xDrive LWB is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter V8, 500 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 14 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.

In 2011, Alpina B7 is brand new for 2011.

BMW 7 Series 2011Review

In 2011 7-Series is a 4-door, 5 passenger luxury sedan, available in seven versions, ranging from the 740i sedan on for the 760Li sedan.

After introducing the 740i sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 315-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. 760Li Sedan is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter V12, 535 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 13 mpg city and 19 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2011 7-Series mobile from 2010.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo 2011 Review

2011 5 Series Gran Turismo is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available a 4 finishes are always xDrive Sedan Sedan 535th 550th.

After the introduction, the 535th Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg highway. 550i xDrive Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 400 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway. 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trim.

The 2011 5 Series Gran Turismo is a carryover from 2010.

BMW 5 Series 2011 Review

2011 5-Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 5 finishes more and 550i xDrive 528th.

After the introduction, the 528th is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 240 horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32 mpg highway. XDrive 550th is equipped with a standard 4.4-liter, V8, 400 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trim.

In 2011, the 5 Series is redesigned for 2011.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon 2011 Review

2011 3 Series Sports Wagon is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury, available in two finishes, 328th, and 328th xDrive.

Upon introduction, the 328i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230 horsepower engine that reaches 17 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 328i xDrive is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230 horsepower engine that reaches 17 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both versions, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

In 2011, the Sport Wagon 3 Series is a transfer from 2010.

BMW 3 Series Sedan 2011 Review

The 2011 3 Series Sedan is a four-door, 5-passenger luxury sports sedan, available in five versions, ranging from the rest of the 335d 328i.

After the introduction, the 328th is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway. A 6-speed transmission with overdrive is standard, and 6-speed overdrive automatic is optional. 335d is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 265-horsepower turbo diesel engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway. 6-speed automatic overdrive is standard.

2011 3-Series sedan is refreshed for 2011.

BMW 3 Series Coupe 2011 Review

The 2011 3 Series Coupe is a two-door four-seat luxury sports coupe, available in five versions, ranging from the rest of the 335is 328i.

After the introduction, the 328i equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230 horsepower engine that reaches 18 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 335is has a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 320-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and 7-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional.

In 2011, 3 Series Coupe is refreshed for 2011.