BMW

BMW, "Bayerisch Motor Werke», (BMW, Bayerisch Motoren Werke AG), a German automotive company specializing in the manufacture of passenger cars and sports cars, all terrain vehicles and motorcycles. Headquartered in Munich.

In 1913, on the northern outskirts of Munich, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the internal combustion engine by Nikolaus August Otto, create two small aircraft engine company. The outbreak of World War I at once brought numerous orders for aircraft engines. Rapp and Otto decided to unite in an Avia plant. For example, in Munich there is aircraft engine plant, which is registered in July 1917 under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke («Bavarian motor works») - BMW. This date is considered the founding year of BMW, and Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto of its creators.

After the First World War the company was on the verge of collapse, since the Treaty of Versailles prohibited the Germans to produce engines for the aircraft, namely the engines at that time were the only products of BMW. But enterprising Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto find a way out - the plant will shift to the first issue of motorcycle engines and then motorcycles themselves.

In 1923 the factory BMW goes first motorcycle R32. At Motobike Salon in Paris in 1923, this first BMW motorcycle immediately won a reputation for fast and reliable car, which was confirmed by the absolute speed record on the international motorcycle racing 20s-30s.

At the same time developing the engine «Motor-4", the final assembly is done in other European countries. In 1919, Franz dimer on a plane with this engine, rising to a height of 9760 meters, sets world record for the first BMW. Production gets an extra boost after signing a secret agreement with Soviet Russia for the supply of its latest engines. Most Soviet record flights 30s were performed on aircraft equipped with engines of BMW.

In 1928, the company acquires automobile plants in Eisenach (Thuringia), and with them the license to produce subcompact Dixi (it was a licensed English Austin 7). Its production started in 1929. Dixi - the first car BMW. In times of economic hardship minicar has become the most popular car in Europe. By the beginning of World War II, BMW - one of the fastest growing companies in the world, producing vehicles with sports orientation. In its active several world records: Volfgang von Gronau open seaplane Dornier Wal, equipped with engine BMW, crosses the North Atlantic from east to west, Ernst Henne on a motorcycle R12, equipped with universal joints, hydraulic shock absorbers and telescopic fork (the invention of BMW), sets the world speed record for motorcycles - 279.5 km / h, not surpassed by none in the next 14 years.

In 1933 he started producing the model "303" - the first of the BMW 6-cylinder engine. This model first acquires the characteristic radiator grille. popularly called "nostrils» BMW. These nostrils are typical design element of all cars BMW.

In 1936, the BMW produced the famous "328" - one of the most successful sports cars. For that time it was just the avant-garde technological innovations: a tubular frame, six-cylinder engine with a head of light alloy block, the new valve train with barbells. With the 328 model, BMW is so famous in the second half of the 30's. that all future vehicles with a proprietary two-color sign perceived by the public as a symbol of quality, reliability and beauty. With her appearance was finally formed the ideology BMW, still defines the concept of new models: "The car - the driver." The main competitor of the same, "Mercedes Benz", follows the principle: "The car - for passengers." Since each firm goes its own way, proving that it was her choice is correct.

The winner of a great number of events - racing circuit, rallies, races to raise up the hill, - BMW 328 was addressed to the connoisseurs of sports car and left far behind all production sports cars.

1938 - BMW acquired the license for engines Pratt - Whitney. Then developed a model 132, which is installed on the famous Junkers YU52. In the same year created the fastest pre-war model of motorcycle, 60 hp and a top speed of 210 km / h In 1939, the German racer Georg Meyer becomes the champion of Europe on this bike. For the first time a foreigner in a foreign motorcycle race wins British «Senior Tourist Trophy».

The war leads to the suspension of production cars. Priority is given to new aircraft engines.

In 1944, BMW the world's first jet engine launches BMW 109-003. There are also tests of rocket engines. The end of the Second World War was a disaster for the group. Four of the plant, found themselves in the Eastern zone of occupation, destroyed and dismantled. Main plant in Munich, dismantled by the British. In connection with the production during the war, aircraft engines and rockets winners issue an order prohibiting the production of three years.

And Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, are not changed his love for motors, decide to start again from scratch. Developed 1-cylinder motorcycle R24, which met in almost handicraft workshops. He became the first post-war product BMW. In 1951 appears the first post-war passenger car model "501". However, the financial success he brings.

In 1955 began production of the R 50 and R 51, opening up a new generation of motorcycles with a fully sprung chassis goes minicar "Isetta", a strange symbiotic relationship with the motorcycle engine. Three-wheel vehicle with a door that opens down the movement, was a huge success in the impoverished post-war Germany. But because of the ensuing drag large limousines and related losses the company is on the verge of collapse. This is the only case in the history of BMW, when the wrong was calculated economic situation and discarded machines on the market were not in demand. The question of the sale of the company. "Mercedes-Benz," hastened to announce its purchase, but it prevented the small shareholders, employees of the company, its sales agents.

Rebuilding its capital structure, BMW can continue its activities. The third time the company starts all over again.

1956 - Designer Albrecht Graf Hertz, who lives in New York, creates a sensational car - a sporty, handsome. «BMW beat even the Italians." - Because the newspapers in 1956, when he was presented with this car. BMW 507 was offered as a roadster and hardtop. Eight-aluminum 3.2-liter engine with 150 hp accelerates to 220 km per hour. Results of such vehicles from 1956 to 1959 was sold to 252 pieces. Today it is one of the rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles.

1959 - with the new model BMW 700 air-cooling system, the concern was to overcome the internal crisis and create a foundation for the continued success of the brand in general. Success was achieved not only in sales. Version of the coupe BMW has made it possible to achieve sporting victories.

In 1962 the concept of the 1500 model of the lung. compact. sports. four-door car - was adopted in the market with such enthusiasm. that capacity was not allowed to meet the demand for these cars.

In 1966 two-door car was first presented to 1600-2. He served as the basis for a successful series of models from 1502 to 2002 with the turbo. The successes of the "new class" have contributed to the development of the entire model range. The BMW was able to afford to revive the tradition of the 30s and begin production six-cylinder models. In 1968, the premiere took place on models 2500 and 2800. which allowed BMW to re-enter the number of enterprises. producing large sedans. In this way. 60s were the most successful for the entire previous history of the company.

In 1969, BMW takes the production of motorcycles in Berlin. Begins a new series of motorcycles, "oppositus." In 1976, on the R100 RS motorcycle first established a full-size fairing. In 1983, produced one of the most popular motorcycle models - K100 4-cylinder inline engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. In the centenary year, the motorcycle, in 1985, the factory in Berlin produces more than 37,000 motorcycles. In 1989, the motorcycle is a presentation of K 1.

In 1970 appeared the first series of famous cars BMW - Model 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series. With the release of 5-Series began production of the new generation models of BMW. If the group had worked mainly niche cars such as sports, but now he took his seat in the comfortable saloon segment. Coupe 3.0 CSL. which, with six wins the 1973 European championships. BMW can achieve much success. This compartment concealed in a multitude of technical innovations. It was first established six-cylinder BMW engine with four valves per cylinder. and its braking system was fitted with ABS - a perfect novelty in those days.

In 1977, a new breakthrough in the class "luxury". With the 7-series is over a fundamental renewal of all series BMW.

With the 1986 BMW M3's most successful car for highway-ring races in the world. The compact two-door model is designed as a parallel to serial production, and for motorsport. The result was just a triumph for BMW. In 1987, the Italian Roberto Ravil won first place in the world championship-road circuit races. And over the next five years, BMW M3 has dominated the sports scene.

In 1987, the new roadster, which was originally conceived simply as an experimental model, continued the tradition of BMW roadsters 30s and 50s. BMW Z1 was built in 8000 copies and became the bearer of cutting-edge technologies. Aerodynamics of the car was also an exemplary level. In 1987, BMW was the first in the world uses a system of electronic control of engine power.

In 1990, the new coupe's dream: BMW 850i. The heart of this elegant coupe class "luxury" became a twelve-engine, which with any speed could literally shoot the car forward. The brand new Integral rear axle completely unique way connected to the sport itself and the highest quality of comfort.

In the year of German reunification group, founded the company BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, returns to his roots in the field of aviamotorostroeniya, and in 1991 represents a new aircraft engine BR-700. In the early 90s on the market there are sport compact cars of the third generation 3-Series coupe and 8 series.

A good step for the company was the purchase in 1994 of 2.3 billion DM Industry Group Rover Group («Rover Group"), and with it, and the UK's largest complex for the production of car brands Rover, Land Rover and MG. With the purchase of the firm's list of the BMW added the missing ultra-low-class cars and SUVs.

From 1995 to the standard equipment of all BMW cars include air bags for front passengers and a system of anti-theft engine immobilizer. In March this year, started the production of wagon (touring) 3rd series. The new car is not only distinguished modern design, but also the most advanced technology. For example, the first time in automotive chassis was made almost entirely of aluminum.

Also in 1995 - the debut of a new 5-Series BMW. The main principle in its development - the creation of a harmonious concept. The new car is not only distinguished modern design, but also the most advanced technology: the first time in automotive chassis was made almost entirely of aluminum. The use of new materials has increased the degree of utilization of the vehicle up to 85 percent. Extremely rigid body provides an unrivaled level of passive safety.

In the 1996 model BMW Z3 7-Series is equipped with a diesel engine for the first time. A unique synthesis of dynamic and classic design is simply a delightful concept. Additional advertising vehicle created the film "Golden Eye", which rides on the Z3 superspy James Bond 007. BMW Z3 became a bestseller. The new plant in Spartanburg does not manage to fulfill all orders.

In 1997, a motorcycle, which can not remain indifferent - The R 1200 C, is a completely new interpretation of the road bike. Sensational design, combining traditional and futuristic elements. He received the largest ever created boxer engines BMW. Its working volume of 1170 SMZ. as developed by the power of 61 hp In the same year, BMW is still a dream-car. It is a roadster M, which is like no other is the true embodiment of a thoroughbred sports car open.

In 1997 BMW introduced a dream car that made the hearts of connoisseurs jump. M Roadster embodies the ideal of the purebred sports car like no other BMW before. Its 321-hp engine M3 ensures exciting driving.

Debuted in the spring of 1998 the fifth generation 3 Series sedans successful. Redesigned in a variety of parts, the new 3 Series not only offers an exceptional look, but most modern engines, advanced suspension technology and best-in-class safety standards.

Beginning in 1999 marked the debut of the BMW X5, which has become the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle (Sports Activity Vehicle): a machine that uniquely combines elegance and practicality, thus opening up a new dimension of mobility.

And another first: BMW Z8, a great sports car celebrates its premiere in 1999 and delighted fans of James Bond in the film "The World Is Not Enough".

In 1999, BMW also presented a surprise for enthusiasts of the automobile industry at the Frankfurt Motor Show, giving a futuristic concept Z9 gran turismo.

Currently, BMW, which started with a small aircraft engine plant manufactures its products in five factories in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries scattered around the world. This is one of the few automobile companies are not using robots in factories. The entire assembly is on the line by hand. At the exit - only a computer diagnosis of the main parameters of the vehicle.