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BMW newest technology at AV Best BMW Repair

Vega’s son, Victor Vega Jr., 30, has worked alongside his father since 1997. Vega said, with auto-mobiles becoming far more technical since he opened his garage 23 years ago, he has to constantly stay up to date on the newest technology Vega and his son attend classes

and seminars to remain current. “We have the latest in diagnostic equipment. We can do whatever the BMW dealer can do. We are constantly updating ourselves and our equipment.” Although Vega spent two years repairing vehicles manufactured by Volvo and Mercedes-Benz he eventually decided to stick with BMWS, including Mini Coopers, which’ are
owned by the car manufacturer. “I “love BMWs – they are the love of my life,” Vega said.-“There’s no comparison to when you actually drive it. BMW is still at the top of the technological advance- When BMW talks, every-one listens.”
Vic’s Bimmer Shop is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday It is closed Friday through Sunday
For details, call (661) 949-1990
or visit www.avbmwrepair.com.
ahoffman@avpress.com

 


 

February 16, 2011 Posted by | AV Bimmer Repair, AV BMW Repair, AV BMW Service, AV Mini Cooper Repair, Lancaster BMW, Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Four-Cylinder Engines Return To U.S.

Vic’s Bimmer
The only and exclusive BMW & Mini auto repair service in the AV family own and operated since 1987.

Firm supporter of shop & play in the AV

661.949.1990

 

BMW Four-Cylinder Engines Return To U.S.

By Jonathan Welsh

retrobmwspares.com
Many people remember the popular four-cylinder 320i of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It helped turn the once-obscure BMW into a household term in the U.S.

BMW AG says it will bring a four-cylinder automobile engine to the U.S. market later this year. While BMW sells several four-cylinder motorcycles here, it hasn’t had a “four-banger” in its car lineup since 1999.

The move marks a big change in BMW’s marketing approach in the States. For years the German car maker’s executives said offering fours would be a waste because American drivers want the power and torque available only from larger engines with six or more cylinders. Even the compact BMW 1 Series came with a choice of two sixes when it rolled out about three years ago. The same car typically sells with four cylinders in other global markets.

Now, though, as fuel efficiency grows in importance to consumers many car companies are promoting their smaller engines where they used to largely ignore them. Ford says it will soon offer its new Explorer crossover with a four-cylinder engine while Chevrolet and Buick have also been pushing fours in certain models. Other rivals from Audi to Hyundai are touting their fours for performance as well as economy.

The new 2-liter BMW engine uses turbocharging and a high-pressure direct-injection fuel system to boost power to 240 horsepower, which is more than the company’s base 3-liter six puts out. BMW says it will reveal exactly when the engine will arrive and on which model or models at a later date.

For people who fell in love with BMWs during the 1960s and 1970s, chances are the object of their affection was a 1600, 2002 or 320i model with a screaming 1.6, 1.8 or 2-liter four-cylinder engine. I learned to drive on my mother’s 1979 320i and later owned a 1972 2002, so the BMW fours are dearest to my heart. Sure, it is hard to find fault with the smooth, locomotive pull of the Bimmer straight six, but it always seemed like overkill in smaller cars like the 3 Series and 1 Series.

The slideshow includes some favorite fours from BMW’s past.

 

February 1, 2011 Posted by | AV BMW Repair, AV BMW Service, AV Mini Cooper Repair, AV only BMW, Lancaster BMW | , , , , | Leave a comment

The Antelope Valley’s Only BMW Repair

Vi’s Bimmer
The only and exclusive BMW & Mini auto repair service in the AV

family own and operated since 1987.
Firm supporter of shop & play in the AV

 

 

661.949.1990

 

 

This article is about the German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer. For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation).

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (info) (BMW), (literally English: Bavarian Motor Works) is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini brand, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands. BMW is known for its performance and luxury vehicles, and is a global leader in premium car sales.[citation needed]

[edit]Company history

BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany

 

 

Main article: History of BMW

BMW entered existence as a business entity following a restructuring of the Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft engine manufacturing firm in 1917. After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft engine production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.[2] The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted,[3]followed by automobiles in 1928–29.[4][5][6]

The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is portrayed by BMW as the movement of an aircraft propeller, to signify the white blades cutting through the blue sky – an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, twelve years after the roundel was created.[7][8] The emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew, combined with the white and blue colors of the flag of Bavaria, reversed to produce the BMW roundel. However, the origin of the logo being based on the movement of a propeller is in dispute, according to an article recently posted by the New York Times, quoting “At the BMW Museum in Munich, Anne Schmidt-Possiwal, explained that the blue-and-white company logo did not represent a spinning propeller, but was meant to show the colors of the Free State of Bavaria.” [9]

BMW’s first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance.[10] With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful World War II engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-1945-era jet-powered “emergency fighter”, the Heinkel He 162 Spatz. The BMW 003 jet engine was tested in the A-1b version of the world’s first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262, but BMW engines failed on takeoff, a major setback for the jet fighter program until successful testing with Junkers engines.[11][12]

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. The rights to manufacture the Italian Iso Isetta were bought; the tiny cars themselves were to be powered by a modified form of BMW’s own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The controlling majority shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns about 46% of the stock. The rest is in public float.

In 1992, BMW acquired a large stake in California based industrial design studio DesignworksUSA, which they fully acquired in 1995. In 1994, BMW bought the British Rover Group[13] (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), 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.

Chief designer Chris Bangle announced his departure from BMW in February 2009, after serving on the design team for nearly seventeen years. He was replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle’s former right hand man. Bangle was known for his radical designs such as the 2002 7-Series and the 2002 Z4. In July 2007, the production rights for Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present location at Varese.

[edit]Production

In 2006, BMW produced 1,366,838 four-wheeled vehicles, which were manufactured in five countries.[14] In 2009, it manufactured 1,258,417 four-wheeled vehicles.[1] In 2009, BMW Motorrad produced 82,631 motorcycles.[1]

[edit]Sales (BMW-brand)

Vehicles sold in all markets according to BMW’s annual reports.

[edit]Motorcycles

See also: BMW Motorrad and History of BMW motorcycles

The R32 motorcycle, the first BMW motor vehicle.

 

 

BMW began building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I. Its motorcycle brand is now known as BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the “R32” in 1923. This had a “boxer” twin engine, in which a cylinder projects into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their single cylinder models (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced in this layout, which is designated the R Series.

BMW roundel in 1939

 

 

BMW K1200GT

 

 

BMW 1955 R67/3 was the last of the “plunger” models

 

 

During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecarattached. Featuring a unique design copied from the Zündapp KS750, its sidecar wheel was also motor-driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.

In 1983, came the K Series, shaft drive but water-cooled and with either three or four 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 1,170 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 engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 hp (73 kW) and 122 hp (91 kW), respectively.

In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It features an engine producing 167 hp (125 kW), derived from the company’s work with the Williams F1 team, and is lighter than previous K models. Innovations include electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork that BMW calls Duolever.

BMW introduced 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 electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology 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 an 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, calledswinging 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.

In July 2007, the Swedish Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported €93 million. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present location at Varese.[15] Husqvarna manufactures motocross, enduro and supermoto motorcycles.

[edit]Automobiles

Main article: List of BMW vehicles

[edit]New Class

Main article: BMW New Class

The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans and coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s in 1977. Powered by BMW’s celebrated four-cylinder M10 engine, the New Class models featured a fully independent suspension, MacPherson struts in front, and front disc brakes. Initially a family of four-door sedans and two-door coupes, the New Class line was broadened to two-door sports sedans with the addition of the 02 Series 1600 and 2002 in 1966.

Sharing little in common with the rest of the line beyond power train, the sporty siblings caught auto enthusiasts’ attention and established BMW as an international brand. Precursors to the famed BMW 3 Series, the two-doors’ success cemented the firm’s future as an upper tier performance car maker. New Class four-doors with numbers ending in “0” were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9, introduced in 1969 with the 2800CS. The 1600 two-door was discontinued in 1975, the 2002 replaced by the 320i in 1975.

[edit]Current models

BMW 3-Series (E90)

 

 

The 1 Series, launched in 2004, is BMW’s smallest car, and is available in coupe/convertible (E82/E88) and hatchback (E81/E87) forms. The 3 Series, a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975, is currently in its fifth generation (E90); models include the sport sedan (E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93). The 5 Series is a mid-size executive car, available in sedan (E60) and station wagon (E61) forms. The 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07), beginning in 2010, will create a segment between station wagons and crossover SUV.[16]

BMW 7-Series (F01)

 

 

BMW’s full-size flagship executive sedan is the 7 Series. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series, such as the somewhat controversial iDrive system. The 7 Series Hydrogen, featuring one of the world’s first hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only clean water vapor. The latest generation (F01) debuted in 2009. Based on the 5 Series’ platform, the 6 Series is BMW’s grand touring luxury sport coupe/convertible (E63/E64). A 2-seater roadster and coupewhich succeeded the Z3, the Z4 (E85) has been sold since 2002.

BMW X3 SUV (E83)

 

 

The X3 (E83), BMW’s first crossover SUV (called SAV or “Sports Activity Vehicle” by BMW) debuted in 2003 and is based on the E46/16 3 Series platform. Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel driveX5 (E70) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. A 4-seat crossover SUV released by BMW in December 2007, theX6 is marketed as a “Sports Activity Coupe” (SAC) by BMW. The upcoming X1 extends the BMW Sports Activity Series model lineup.

  • 1 Series (E81) (2004–present) Hatchback, coupe and convertible
  • 3 Series (E90) (2005–present) Sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon
  • 5 Series (F10) (2010–present) Sedan and Wagon
  • 5 Series Gran Turismo (2009–present) Progressive Activity Sedan
  • 6 Series (E63) (2003–present) Coupe and convertible
  • 7 Series (F01) (2008–present) Sedan
  • X1 (2009–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
  • X3 (E25) (2010–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
  • X5 (E70) (2006–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
  • X6 (2008–present) Sports Activity Coupe
  • Z4 (E89) (2009–present) Sports Roadster

[edit]BMW M models

Main article: BMW M

BMW M3 Coupé (E92)

 

 

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 V8-powered 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. Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division’s V10-powered version of the E60 5 Series.[17] The M6 is the M division’s version of the 6 Series, and shares its drivetrain with the M5. The Z4 M, or M Coupe/M Roadster, is the M division’s version of the Z4. The X5M is the M division’s version of the X5, and the X6M is the M division’s version of the X6. Both the X5M and X6M share the same V8 twin scroll twin turbo.

  • M3 Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and Wagon
  • M5 Sedan and Wagon
  • M6 Coupe and Convertible
  • X5 M SAV
  • X6 M SAV

[edit]Motorsport

Main article: BMW in motorsport

BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle.

[edit]Motorsport sponsoring

[edit]Motorcycle

BMW S1000RR

 

 

[edit]Formula One

Main article: BMW in Formula One

BMW Sauber F1 Team Logo.

 

 

BMW first entered Formula One as a fully-fledged team in 2006.

 

 

BMW has a history of success in Formula One. BMW powered cars have won 20 races. In 2006 BMW took over the Sauber team and became Formula One constructors. In 2007 and 2008 the team enjoyed some success. The most recent win is a lone constructor team’s victory by BMW Sauber F1 Team, on 8 June 2008, at the Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubica driving. Achievements include:

  • Driver championship: 1 (1983)
  • Constructor championship: 0 (Runner-up 2002, 2003, 2007)
  • Grand Prix wins: 20
  • Podium finishes: 76
  • Pole positions: 33
  • Fastest laps: 33

BMW was an engine supplier to Williams, Benetton, Brabham, and Arrows. Notable drivers who have started their Formula One careers with BMW include Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Sebastian Vettel.

In July 2009, BMW announced that it would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season.[19] The team was sold back to the previous owner, Peter Sauber, who still at the beginning of the 2010 season has yet to drop the BMW part of the name of the team.

[edit]Sports car

[edit]Touring car

BMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.

BMW announced on October 15, 2010 that it will return to touring car racing during the 2012 season. Dr. Klaus Draeger, who is in charge of the return to DTM racing (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), commented that “The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this.”[citation needed]

[edit]Rally

[edit]Sport sponsorship beyond motor sport

BMW does more than just motor sport sponsorship. It sponsors international polo matches played at Shongweni in Durban and Illovo in Johannesburg, South Africa.[citation needed]BMW and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) made six year sponsorship deal official in July 2010. Those at BMW and the USOC officials see nothing contradictory about a German company sponsoring Olympians in the USA in this global economy.[20]

[edit]Environmental record

The company is a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognises 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.[21] 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.[22]

BMW offers 49 models with EU5/6 emissions norm and nearly 20 models with CO2 output less than 140 g/km, which puts it on the lowest tax group and therefore could provide the future owner with eco-bonus offered from some European countries.

However, there have been some criticisms directed at BMW, and in particular, accusations of greenwash in reference to their BMW Hydrogen 7. Some critics claim that the emissions produced during hydrogen fuel production outweigh the reduction of tailpipe emissions, and that the Hydrogen 7 is a distraction from more immediate, practical solutions for car pollution.[23]

[edit]Bicycles

BMW 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.[24] In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid’s Bike models are sold.[25]

[edit]BMW nomenclature

BMW vehicles follow a certain nomenclature; usually a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number represents the series number. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100.[26] A similar nomenclature is used by BMW Motorrad for their motorcycles.

The system of letters can be used in combination, and is as follows:

† historic nomenclature indicating “td” refers to “Turbo Diesel”, not a diesel hatchback or touring model (524td, 525td)

†† typically includes sport seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded wheels, etc.

For example, the BMW 760iL is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheelbase and 6.0 liters of displacement. This badge was used for successive generations, E65 and F01.

When ‘L’ supersedes the series number (e.g. L6, L7, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as a special luxury variant, featuring extended leather and special interior appointments. The L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 is based on the E24.

When ‘X’ is capitalised and supersedes the series number (e.g. X3, X5, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as one of BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV), their brand of crossovers, featuring BMW’s xDrive. The second number in the ‘X’ series denotes the platform that it is based upon, for instance the X5 is derived from the 5 Series. Unlike BMW cars, the SAV’s main badge does not denote engine size, the engine is instead indicated on side badges.

The ‘Z’ identifies the vehicle as a two seat 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’ is ‘M Roadster’ in Canada).

Previous X & Z vehicles had ‘i’ or ‘si’ following the engine displacement number (denoted in liters). BMW is now globally standardising this nomenclature on X & Z vehicles by using ‘sDrive’ or ‘xDrive’ (simply meaning rear or all wheel drive, respectively) followed by two numbers which vaguely represent the vehicle’s engine (e.g. Z4 sDrive35i is a rear wheel drive Z4 roadster with a 3.0 L twin-turbo fuel-injected engine).[27]

BMW last used the ‘s’ for the E36 328is, which ceased production in 1999. However, the ‘s’ nomenclature was brought back on the 2011 model year BMW 335is and BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The 335is is a sport-tuned trim with more performance and an optional dual clutch transmission that slots between the regular 335i and top-of-the-line M3.[28][29]

The ‘M’ – for Motorsport – identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model 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 lineup on the official BMW website.

[edit]Exceptions

There are exceptions to the numbering nomenclature.[30]

The M versions of the Sports Activity Vehicles, such as the BMW X5 M, could not follow the regular naming convention since MX5 was used for Mazda‘s MX-5 Miata.

For instance in the 2008 model year, the BMW 125i/128i, 328i, and 528i all had 3.0 naturally aspirated engines (N52), not a 2,500 cc or 2,800 cc engine as the series designation number would lead one to believe. The ’28’ is to denote a detuned engine in the 2008 cars, compared to the 2006 model year ’30’ vehicles (330i and 530i) whose 3.0 naturally aspirated engines are from the same N52 family but had more output.

The 2008 BMW 335i and 535i also have 3.0-liter engine; however the engines are twin-turbocharged (N54) which is not identified by the nomenclature. Nonetheless the ’35’ indicates a more powerful engine than previous ’30’ models that have the naturally aspirated N52 engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 335is shares the same twin-turbo 3.0 engine from the N54 family but tuned to higher outputs, although the badging is not consistent (’40’ and ‘s’).

The E36 and E46 323i and E39 523i had 2.5-liter engines. The E36 318i made after 1996 has a 1.9 L engine (M44) as opposed to the 1.8 L (M42) used in the 1992 to 1995 models.

The badging for recent V8 engines (N62 and N63) also does not indicate displacement, as the 2006 750i and 2009 750i have 4800 cc (naturally aspirated) and 4400 cc (twin-turbocharged) engines, respectively.

[edit]Community

BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf

 

 

From the summer of 2001 until October 2005, BMW hosted the “BMW Films”. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. website, showcasing sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are still popular within the enthusiast community and proved to be a ground-breaking online advertising campaign.

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 3,000 people attended in 2006, and over 1,000 BMW cars were present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5.

[edit]BMW slang

The initials BMW are pronounced [ˈbeː ˈɛm ˈveː] in German.[31] 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). These are not actually slang, but are the normal way that such letters and numbers are pronounced in German.[32]

The English slang terms Beemer, Bimmer and Bee-em are variously used for BMWs of all kinds,[33][34] cars, and motorcycles.[35][36]

In the US, specialists have been at pains to prescribe that a distinction must be made between using Beemer exclusively to describe BMW motorcycles, and using Bimmer only to refer to BMW cars,[37][38][39] in the manner of a “true aficionado”[40] and avoid appearing to be “uninitiated.”[41][42] The CanadianGlobe and Mail prefers Bimmer and calls Beemer a “yuppie abomination,”[43] while the Tacoma News Tribune says it is a distinction made by “auto snobs.”[44] Using the wrong slang risks offending BMW enthusiasts.[45][46][47] An editor of Business Week was satisfied in 2003 that the question was resolved in favor of Bimmer by noting that a Google search yielded 10 times as many hits compared to Beemer.[48]

[edit]The arts

1975 BMW 3.0CSL painted by Alexander Calder.

 

 

Manufacturers employ designers for their cars, but BMW has made efforts to gain recognition for exceptional contributions to and support of the arts, including art beyond motor vehicle design. These efforts typically overlap or complement BMW’s marketing and branding campaigns.[49] The headquarters building, designed in 1972 by Karl Schwanzer has become a European icon,[50] and artist Gerhard Richter created his Red, Yellow, Blue series of paintings for the building’s lobby.[51][52] In 1975, Alexander Calder was commissioned to paint the 3.0CSL driven by Hervé Poulain at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led to more BMW Art Cars, painted by artists including David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, and others. The cars, currently numbering 16, have been shown at the Louvre, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and, in 2009, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and New York’s Grand Central Terminal.[50] BMW was the principal sponsor of the 1998 The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and other Guggenheim museums, though the financial relationship between BMW and the Guggenheim was criticised in many quarters.[53][54]

The 2006 “BMW Performance Series” was a marketing event geared to attract black car buyers, and featured the “BMW Pop-Jazz Live Series,” a tour headlined by jazz musician Mike Phillips, and the “BMW Blackfilms.com Film Series” highlighting black filmmakers.[55]

[edit]April Fools

BMW has garnered a reputation over the years for its April Fools pranks, which are printed in the British press every year. In 2010, they ran an advert announcing that customers would be able to order BMWs with different coloured badges to show their affiliation with the political party they supported.

[edit]Overseas subsidiaries

[edit]South Africa

BMWs have been assembled in South Africa since 1968,[56] when Praetor Monteerders’ plant was opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW initially bought shares in the company, before fully acquiring it in 1975; in so doing, the company 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 E23 M745i (1983), which used the M88 engine from the BMW M1, the BMW 333i (1986), which added a 6-cylinder 3.2 litre M30 engine to the E30,[57] and the E30 BMW 325is (1989) which was powered by an Alpina-derived 2.7 litre engine.

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, Malaysia, 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.

BMW’s with a VIN number starting with “NC0” are manufactured in South Africa.

[edit]United States

BMW Spartanburg factory

 

 

BMW Manufacturing Co has been manufacturing the X5 and, more recently, the X6 in Greer near Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.[58]The smaller X3 has began production in Spartanburg. BMW’s with a VIN number starting with “4US and 5US” are manufactured in Spartanburg.

In 2010 BMW announced that it would spend $750 million to expand operations at the Spartanburg plant. This expansion will allow production of 240,000 vehicles a year and will make the plant the largest car factory in the United States by number of employees.[59]

[edit]India

BMW India was established in 2006 as a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region). A state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. Construction of the plant started in January 2006 with an initial investment of more than one billion Indian Rupees. The plant started operation in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series.[60]

[edit]China

Main article: Brilliance Automotive

Signing a deal in 2003 for the production of sedans in China,[61] May 2004 saw the opening of a factory in the North-eastern city of Shenyang where Brilliance Automotive produces BMW-branded automobiles[62] in a joint venture with the German company.[63]

[edit]Canada

In October 2008, BMW Group Canada was named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by the Toronto Star newspaper.[64]

[edit]Austria

The BMW X3 is also made by Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of a Canadian company, in Graz, Austria under license from BMW.[citation needed]

[edit]Egypt

Bavarian Auto Group is a multinational group of companies established in March 2003 when it was appointed as the sole importer of BMW and Mini in Egypt, with exclusive rights for import, assembly, distribution, sales and after-sales support of BMW products in Egypt.

Since that date, BAG invested a total amount of 100 Million US Dollars distributed on 7 companies and 11 premises in addition to 3 stores.

Currently, the facility enables Bavarian Auto the opportunity to offer a full range of locally assembled models; including the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and X3 which. In combination with a new range of imported models; including the BMW 1 Series, 6 Series, X5, X6 and various Mini models.

[edit]Related companies

A Combined BMW Mini dealership inMoncton, Canada

 

 

  • AC Schnitzer: A tuning company specialising in BMW vehicles.
  • Alpina: A Motor Manufacturer in its own right, who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
  • Automobilwerk Eisenach
  • Breyton: A tuning manufacturer specialising in BMW cars.
  • Dinan Cars: A tuning company specialising in BMW and Mini cars
  • G-Power: A tuning company specialising in BMW vehicles.
  • Glas
  • Hamann Motorsport: A Motor Styling and Tuning Specialist who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
  • Hartge: A tuning company specialising in BMW, Mini and Range Rover cars.
  • Husqvarna Motorcycles
  • Land Rover: Sold to Ford, now bought by Indian automaker Tata; the current Range Rover was developed during BMW’s ownership of the company and until recently was powered by their 4.4 L V8 petrol (gasoline) engine and BMW 3.0 L I6 diesel engine.
  • Mini: A small hatchback; inspired by the original Mini.
  • MK-Motorsport: A tuning company specialising in BMW cars.
  • Racing Dynamics: A tuning company and motor manufacturer specialising in BMW Group vehicles.
  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
  • Rover: Owned by BMW from 1994 to 2000, BMW retained the Mini after selling off the rest of the company (see MG Rover Group)
  • Turner Motorsport: A North American-based company specialising in tuning BMW vehicles for road and racetrack. Behind the factory-supported Schnitzer Motorsport team, Turner Motorsport has entered the highest number of professional races with BMW models.

[edit]See also

 

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

Type Aktiengesellschaft (FWB:BMW)
Industry Automotive industry
Founded 1916
Founder(s) Franz Josef Popp
Headquarters Munich, Germany
Area served Worldwide
Key people Norbert Reithofer (CEO), Joachim Milberg (Chairman of thesupervisory board)
Products Automobiles, motorcycles,bicycles
Revenue €50.68 billion (2009)[1]
Operating income €289 million (2009)[1]
Profit €204 million (2009)[1]
Employees 96,230 (2009)[1]
Subsidiaries Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
BMW Motorrad
Husqvarna
Website bmw.com

Contents

[hide]
Country Make Cars (2006) Cars (2008) Models
Germany BMW 905,057 901,898 Others
United Kingdom Mini 187,454 235,019 All Minis
Rolls-Royce 67 1,417 All Rolls-Royce
Austria BMW 114,306 82,863 BMW X3
USA BMW 105,172 170,741 BMW X5, X6
South Africa BMW 54,782 47,980 BMW 3-Series
Total 1,366,838 1,439,918
Year Total
2000 822,181
2001 880,677
2002 913,225
2003 928,151
2004 1,023,583
2005 1,126,768
2006 1,185,088
2007 1,276,793
2008 1,202,239
2009 1,068,771
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)
Question book-new.svg
 This section needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW Art Cars
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)
Factory 1b.svg Companies portal


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  64. ^ “Reasons for Selection, 2009 Greater Toronto’s Top Employers Competition”.

[edit]External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW
[show]v · d · eBMW motorcycles
[show]v · d · eBMW road car timeline, 1920s–1950s — next »
[show]v · d · e« previous — BMW road car timeline, 1950s-1980s — next »
[show]v · d · e« previous — BMW road car timeline, 1980s–present
[show]v · d · eBMW aircraft engines
[show]v · d · eBritish Leyland – car companies and marques
[show]v · d · eGermany DAX companies of Germany

January 28, 2011 Posted by | AV Bimmer Repair, AV BMW Repair, AV BMW Service, AV only BMW, Lancaster BMW | , , , , | Leave a comment

Love of BMWs goes into a Business

LANCASTER – Even at 11 years old, Victor Vega was fascinated by BMWs. Vega watched his older brother race against BMW 1600 and 2002 models on the streets of his home-town in Guadalajara, Mexico. “One time I tagged along with my brother,” Vega said. “I saw this little box on wheels and wanted to know what kind of cars those were. I asked one of the drivers what they were. He told me it was a German car – a BMW” Vega said his curiosity led him to the library to research BMWs. “It just` amazed me that the company started building aircraft engines in the first World War and then motorcycles,” Vega said. “The engineering that goes into building
the car – it’s one of the best handling cars in the world.” Vega’s obsession with the Ger-
man luxury car eventually led him to open his own BMW repair shop – Vic’s Bimmer Shop Inc.

The road to opening the business was not an easy one, Vega said. Fresh out of high school, Vega moved, to America with his family in 1979. A year later Vega started work as a “lot boy” cleaning cars and chauffeuring customers at Bob Smith BMW in Canoga Park; “I was a lot boy for about six months,” Vega said. “Then I told my manager that I wanted to do more ‘than that. I didn’t want to push the broom anymore – I wanted to be a

mechanic.” About six months later Vega became a BMW-certified technician. For the next few years Vega said he worked for several independent BMW repair shops and he dreamed of something more 4 owning his own repair business. Vega said he turned to his friend, mentor and employer for advice. “My old boss told me that I would never be able to open my own shop,” Vega said. “That was like a challenge to me. I wanted to prove him wrong.” –

Vega continued to work hard to save his money and study English. In 1987 Vega went to visit his brother who lived in Rosamond to discuss his business idea. “On a Sunday morning he drove me to breakfast in Lancaster and I noticed there were quite a few BMW s driving around,” Vega said. “I noticed there was a BMW dealership on Sierra Highway I said it would be a great place to open a BMW repair shop.” Vega said the next day he found a classified advertisement in the newspaper, listing a repair bay for rent on Avenue I and Beech Street.

“It was a sign,” he said. Vega said he sold all of his personal possessions that were not a
necessity and obtained a loan from his brother. With $10,000 Vega started Vic’s Bimmer Shop.
“The first year was very very difficult because I didn’t know anything about business, I just knew how to repair cars. I learned the business aspect as I went along.” Before Vega could afford advertising he would leave his business card on the windshield of every BMW he came across.

Half a year into the business, Vega said he considered shutting down his shop altogether after a slow Friday “My investment ran out and I called the landlord and said I don’t think I’m going to make it,” Vega said. “It was on the brink of closing.” Vega said he attended Mass that Sunday and prayed. “I left everything in His hands. I said, ‘If this is your will (to close the shop), so be it.” On Monday the phone was ringing off the hook, Vega said.

In 1994 Vega moved the shop to a larger location on Avenue L and 10th Street West. Five years later he moved his business again to its current location at 45253 Trevor Avenue. Through the years Vega said he has built up his clientele through hard work, competitive prices and exceptional customer service. “We have a friendly atmosphere at our shop. We treat customers as our friends.”

While most of Vega’s customers are from the Valley drivers have come from as far away as Long Beach, Thousand Oaks and San Diego.Ron Hawkins of Antelope Acres said he has been taking his BMWS to Vic’s Bimmer Shop since 1988 when he asked Vega to inspect a BMW he was looking to purchase.“I told (Vega) I wanted to know what was going to go wrong with the car within the next 20,000 miles and how much it would cost,” Hawkins said. “He spent two hours looking at it and wouldn’t let me pay him.” Hawkins said he has continued bringing his BMWs to Vega for more than 22 years because of his expertise and integrity “I don’t think I would own a BMW in the Antelope Valley if he wasn’t around, honestly,” Hawkins said. .‘He’s a good mechanic and a good man too.”

Vega’s son, Victor Vega Jr., 30, has worked alongside his father since 1997. Vega said, with auto-mobiles becoming far more technical since he opened his garage 23 years ago, he has to constantly stay up to date on the newest technology Vega and his son attend classes

and seminars to remain current. “We have the latest in diagnostic equipment. We can do whatever the BMW dealer can do. We are constantly updating ourselves and our equipment.” Although Vega spent two years repairing vehicles manufactured by Volvo and Mercedes-Benz he eventually decided to stick with BMWS, including Mini Coopers, which’ are
owned by the car manufacturer. “I “love BMWs – they are the love of my life,” Vega said.-“There’s no comparison to when you actually drive it. BMW is still at the top of the technological advance- When BMW talks, every-one listens.”
Vic’s Bimmer Shop is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday It is closed Friday through Sunday
For details, call (661) 949-1990
or visit www.avbmwrepair.com.
ahoffman@avpress.com

January 21, 2011 Posted by | AV Bimmer Repair, AV BMW Repair, AV BMW Service, AV Mini Cooper Repair, Lancaster BMW | , , , , | Leave a comment