BMW

• The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number.(More...)
  
  

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. [1] The very first E39 BMW 5 Series rolled off the assembly line in February, 1995.[1] The BMW E60 is the current BMW 5 Series. Its design and many of its advanced features initially received mixed reviews.[1]

The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models.[1] This car has been widely praised in all aspects; many say it is the best BMW in the world. citation needed citation needed Consumer Reports gave the 2001 530i its highest car rating ever.[1] The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car.[1] The BMW M57 type Engine is a straight-6 Diesel produced from 1998. It won the "2.5-3 L" category of the International Engine of the Year award for 1999 through 2002.[1] A refreshed interior is also presented featuring the new shifter from the new X5, and the addition of the new BMW Drive-By-Wire system.[1]

Production began at the Spartanburg, South Carolina BMW plant on April 4 April 4, 2006 2006, and the production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April of 2006.[2] Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 a coup" version was officially launched. The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on most modern BMW cars, most noticeably the 7 Series 7 Series and 5 Series 5 Series.[2] As of 2007, the entire BMW car line, including the BMW 3 Series and X5 SAV, had incorporated Chris Bangle's design theme. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor, the Z3.[2] In addition to the powertrain updates, BMW made mild revisions to the styling of the Z4, added several electronic features, and increased the brake size on the 3.0si models. For the 2008 model year, the Z4 3.0i Roadster, when equipped with the optional Sport Package, comes fitted with wheels very similar to those first seen on the Z4 Coupe concept vehicle, although, the production wheels come in a smaller size and with a satin finish.[2] A Sport package is also available, which adds stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system. In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by installing its new N52 I-6 engines. In the 3.0si, this engine makes 190 kW (255 bhp) and 220 lb"ft (298 N"m) of torque.[2]

The Z4 offers a choice of four straight-six motors: A 2.2 L, a 2.5 L, a 3.0 L, and a 3.2 L. All are variants of the BMW M54 engine.[2] The design addresses many criticisms of the Z3; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis, though it uses the same engines as the BMW Z3. It is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.[2] BMW unveiled a Bangle -designed concept concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005.[2] BMW claims a 6.8 s time to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a manual transmission manual transmission. It weighs 1,335 kg (2,932 lb) with a manual transmission--30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the 3.0 L version, but still heavier than the 2.5 L Z3's weight of 1315 kg (2899 lb).[2]

The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, which was based on that of the E30 BMW 3 Series BMW 3 Series.[2] From 2008, all MINI models will be equipped with BMW Efficient Dynamics technology. This includes a start-stop feature shutting off the engine when the car is stationary.[3]

From November 2006, the hatchback MINI range has been replaced by an all-new MINI, consisting of MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S models, powered by a new 1.6 litre engine co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citro"n.[3] In August 2006, BMW announced that engines would in future be built in the UK, making the car essentially British-built again, with final assembly at Cowley and the body pressings being made in nearby Swindon at BMW's Swindon Pressings Ltd subsidiary.[3] MINI is an automobile brand owned by the BMW Group which has produced vehicles in Oxford, England since April 2001.[3]

The classic Mini estates were named either 'Traveller' or 'Countryman'. BMW did not purchase the rights to use those names.[3] As with the classic Mini, the new MINI has a widespread club and enthusiast following and strong after-market support for performance upgrades and styling enhancements. Such community support keeps the brand highly valued and shows BMW's decision to relaunch the MINI as a successful business strategy.[3] As for engines, the Tritec engine has been replaced in the Cooper model with a 120 bhp 1.6-litre Prince engine with BMW's Valvetronic infinitely variable valve timing, developed on and with Peugeot's core engine. It is reported in early road tests that this takes the car from 0-62 mph in a claimed 9.1 seconds and has top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).[3] Car and Driver Car and Driver magazine also tested the car and found that it outperformed the contemporary benchmark Ferrari 360 Modena in three important performance categories: acceleration, handling, and braking. As with most BMW products, its top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h); the car's maximum top speed with an unlocked chip was 186 mph (300 km/h).[4]

The $128,000 car had an all aluminum chassis and body and used a 4.9 L (4941 cc) 32 valve V8, which developed 400 hp (294 kW) and 500 Nm (363 ft"lbf). This engine was built by the BMW Motorsport subsidiary and was shared with the E39 M5.[4] As the car was not ready for production stage at the time of filming, a real BMW Z8 never actually appeared in the film: all Z8s used in the production and seen on screen were clever facsimilies built specially with authentic bodywork on Shelby Cobra kit-car frames.[4] The BMW Z8 was also featured in a number of racing video games like the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 and was used as a pace car for the 2000 FIM Motorcycling Grand Prix.[4] The BMW Z8 was a car produced by German automaker automaker BMW from 2000 to 2003. It was given the E52 BMW model code.[4] The lack of a limited slip differential (LSD) was one of the Z8's odd characteristics: the car came with an open differential that allowed one wheel to break free under maximum acceleration. BMW's DSC traction and stability control prevented the absence of an LSD from becoming a safety concern, but owners and journalists agreed that this choice of differential represented poor judgment on the part of BMW. Many Z8 owners subsequently fitted Quaife LSDs to rectify the perceived shortcoming.[4] The Z8 was the production variant of the 1997 Z07 concept car concept car, which was designed by Henrik Fisker at BMW's Designworks in Southern California.[4] The overwhelming popularity of the concept spurred BMW's decision to produce a limited production model called the Z8. 5,703 Z8s were built, approximately half of which were exported to the USA USA.[4]

A significant number of Z8s with nonstandard paint and interior treatments were produced over the course of the four year production run by BMW Individual, a division of BMW AG.[4] In response BMW AG engineered and released a strut tower brace kit to stabilize that area of the frame, describing it as a "Performance Package", by the end of the year.[4] In order to promote the Z8 to collectors and reinforce media speculation about the Z8's "instant classic" potential, BMW promised that a 50 year stockpile of spare parts would be maintained in order to support the Z8 fleet.[4] Instead of the original six speed manual and 4.9 liter (S62) engine featured in earlier Z8's, the Alpina came only as an automatic, using a 5-speed BMW Steptronic transmission allied to an upgraded 4.8L Alpina-tuned V8 motor from the BMW X5 BMW X5 SUV. In order to complete the car's transition from sportscar to boulevardier, relaxed suspension tuning was used.[4] The presence of the car in the film was in fulfilment of a three-movie product placement deal that had started with 1995's Goldeneye (BMW Z3) and continued with 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies (BMW 750iL).[4] The price point and production process allowed BMW to offer custom options to interested buyers.[4]

Section Contents:

• The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977.(More...)
  
  
• The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard.(More...)
  
  
• In 1983 BMW took the M88/3, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis, creating the M635CSi, or M6.(More...)
  
  

The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan. [5] Engine options remained the same as with the 2006 model, but the short wheelbase 760i, was no longer available for the North American market. BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen, to be called the Hydrogen 7. Drivers will be able to switch what fuel they are using with the push of a button.[5]

BMW has developed a parking-assist technology that can park your car for you while you stand outside the car and watch as the internal robotics park it using a combination of sensors.[5]

All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. This limitation does not however apply to the GCC specification models.[5] Only 100 will be built in total. The BMW 7 Series will undergo its next redesign and facelift in 2008 which is thought to be a "Baby Roller", with the new model going on sale in early 2009. This will be the only luxury vehicle in the world to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid and a hydrogen powertrain citation needed citation needed.[5] In America America, only the 750i, 750Li and 760Li are available from BMW dealerships. The 730i, 730d, 740i, 740d Turbodiesel Turbodiesel and their long wheelbase counterparts are available in the rest of the world, in addition to the short wheelbase 760i.[5]

The E65/E66 7 Series features BMW's first of a kind iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the center console that is used in a similar way to a computer mouse.[5]



The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, BMW sports seats, black roof-liner, BMW M-technic II body kit, BMW 14 inch BBS wheels and a Close Ratio gearbox. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels. [6] Marketed as a daily driver and a track ready race car, the M3 grew in popularity quickly. This has furthered the 3 series brand awareness as a class-leading "sport sedan". In 1968, an article appeared in Car & Driver praising the BMW 2002 for its European style and driving characteristics. Historically, BMW got its start in the American market in New York City when Austrian born importer Max Hoffman began selling imported BMWs.[6]

Currently, four engine options are offered, two being part of the new 'N' series of BMW inline engines featuring a host of new technologies. Technological innovations such as lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction, electric water pump, Valvetronic (steplessly variable valve lift), and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing all contribute to produce a lighter and more powerful motor than its predecessor, but yield a 15% increase in fuel economy.[6] The new M54 engines appeared for 2001; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325.[6] In 1989, BMW introduced the touring version of the E30. It was very popular during its production up to 1994. It was available with a 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 or 2.5 liter engine.[6]

Hoffman influenced BMW product marketing (as well as other German made cars )in the U.S. for many years.[6] The E90 series also marks another first for BMW -- a retractable hard top convertible.[6] The success of the 2002 led to the founding of BMW North America in 1975. Shortly thereafter a new model was introduced that furthered this concept of performance and practicality " the BMW 3 Series. This new model was a direct descendant of the 2002.[6] The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It was the successor to the 2002 coupe.[6] The 3 series is the most successful of BMW models, a trend that will likely continue well into the future.[6]

The most powerful American BMW E30 in 1989 came in the form of the M3. It used a 192 hp (143 kW) S14 straight-4 straight-4 with a 4-valve head adapted from the M88 six and Bosch fuel injection fuel injection.[6] The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's.[6] The E30 was the most powerful compact BMW offered in the United States since the 2002 Tii.[6] Image:WTCC 2006 Race 10 Curitiba later.jpg Andy Priaulx's BMW 320si (E90) during the 2006 World Touring Car Championship season.[6]

The 3 Series is BMW's best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of all automobiles sold by the company in 2005. Its main competitors are Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3, and Audi A4 Audi A4.[6] The E90 also marks BMW's return to Turbo Technology with the introduction of the E92 coupe.[6]

Volkswagen"s response was to hastily squeeze the old 6.75 liter 16 valve engine from the Turbo R into the cramped engine bay of the Arnage designed for the lighter and smaller BMW 32 valve V8 unit. This was not an ideal solution by any means and the old engine was not only extremely thirsty but also environmentally unacceptable from an emissions perspective without some modification ; that modification ultimately made the unit less reliable.[7]

Volkswagen purchased Cosworth as well, so all the pieces fell into place to eliminate the BMW engine.[7]

At the end of the day, the Red Label"s increase in power shaved less than a second of the zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) time, however the BMW twin turbo unit remained noticeably more agile and responsive from a drivers perspective and ultimately far more reliable from a long term performance perspective.[7] The new Arnage was to be powered by a BMW V8, with Cosworth -engineered twin turbo installation, and the Seraph was to employ a BMW V12.[7] Perhaps ironically,what was essentially a new engine developed by Volkswagen engineers for the RL in 2001 was now producing the same sort of power as the original BMW V8 4.4 engine used in the first Arnage in 1998.[7] The BMW 1 Series (code name E87 ) is a small-luxury car / small family car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004. It will be available for the first time in North America, in coupe and convertible versions only, starting in March 2008. The 1 Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine.[8] On 30 June, 2007, BMW of North America officially announced the 1-Series Coupe as a 2008 model (code named E82) and that will be the first 1 Series to go on sale in the USA USA.[8] For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0"62 mph (0"100 km/h) is 5.3 seconds (per BMW) and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel efficiency is increased to 30.7mpg (0.076 L/1 km), an increase of 18% compared to its predecessor. The engines below are preceded by their model year introduction.[8] BMW will be launching the latest addition to the 1 Series line-up, the 1 Series Coup" (E82), at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) 2007. It goes on sale on 24 November 2007. The flagship of the range will be the 135i with a 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, generating 225 kW/306 hp (DIN) with its six cylinders. This model also comes with a modified M sports package as standard.[8] On June 27, 2007 2007, BMW released official information about the new upcoming 1-series Coup". In Europe, the Coup" would be available fall 2007 in 3 engine specifications: the known 120d and the new 204 hp 123d and 306 hp 135i, both twin-turbo engines.[8] In 2006, a BMW 120d modified with a BMW customer racing kit available for 95,000 Euros , entered by "Schubert Motors" repeated a similar if not better result. It scored 5th in a field of 220 cars, many of them ( Porsche 911 GT3, BMW M3 BMW M3, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin, Maserati ) much more powerful than the Template:Convert/PS of the 120d, thus a significantly stronger field of competitors than in 1998.[8] BMW is showing a 3-episode web movie promo (filmed in Hamburg with a New York cast) that looks almost like a film noir and feels more like a mini"TV movie or film, with the main focus on the actors and more subtle appearances of the car itself. These episodes were made for viewing in Japanese Japanese movie theaters, but can be viewed via the internet.[8] CAR Magazine has asserted that there will be an M version of the 1 series, although BMW denies that the M1 nameplate will be resurrected in respect for the M1 supercar supercar of the late 1970s.[8] Instead, at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, BMW announced plans to build the "M" version with the series designation "tii", a tribute to the famed vehicle of the 1970s.[8] The racing version of 120d is called BMW 120d Motorsport and it weighs only 1135 kg/2500 lb with a driver. It includes a 100 liter/25 gallon diesel tank for endurance racing and has a maximum torque of Template:Convert/Nm at 3000 rpm - the maximum power, 245 bhp (183 kW) is at 4200 rpm and the redline is only at 5000 rpm.[8] Like the three and five-door BMW 1 Series models, the E82 also features various BMW EfficientDynamics components to reduce fuel consumption (see below).[8] Apart from slight modifications, it uses the same nose design as the rest of the 1 Series so as to ensure some visual consistency within the range. It was just announced in July 2007 that BMW will be bringing the 128i and 135i Coup"s to the United States in Spring 2008. It will be priced about $5,000 less than the 3 Series Coup".[8] BMW upgraded the 1 Series for 2007 and introduced a 3-door sports hatch hatch variant (code named E81).[8] There is a commercial commercial in which Kermit drives a BMW 1 Series around in a desert making figure eights, showcasing the car's agile nature and playful handling.[8] In 1998, a BMW E36 320d had won the 24 Hours N"rburgring, being able to drive very long stints stints.[8]

For the MY 2008 the coupe coupe coupe (code named E82) and coupe convertible (code named E88) variant have been introduced by BMW. U.S. introduction is scheduled for 2nd quarter of 2008.[8]

The 1 Series is built in Regensburg and Leipzig, Germany, with some of the engines coming from the Hams Hall plant in Birmingham, England England. During its first full year on the market in 2005, it became one of BMW's most successful products. 149,493 units were sold, coming in third place: only the 3 and 5 Series 5 Series sold better.[8]



In 1983 BMW took the M88/3, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis, creating the M635CSi, or M6. This had a DOHC DOHC 24-valve 3453 cc, 286 PS (210 kW) engine, taken from the BMW M1 with a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). [9] In 2003, BMW released the all new E63/E64 which was available as a coup" and convertible.[9] BMW 6 Series refers to two generations of automobile automobile from BMW.[9]

1. BMW 5 Series - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_5_Series

2. BMW Z4 - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_Z4

3. MINI (BMW) - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/MINI_(BMW)

4. BMW Z8 - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_Z8

5. BMW 7 Series - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_7_Series

6. BMW 3 Series - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_3_Series

7. Bentley Arnage - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/Bentley_Arnage

8. BMW 1 Series - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_1_Series

9. BMW 6 Series - MyWikiBiz, Author Your Legacy
http://www.mywikibiz.com/BMW_6_Series