All you need to know about BMW.
DATE OF BIRTH: 1923
NATIONALITY: German
In 1913 Karl Rapp began building aircraft engines which gained a reputation during WW1 for reliability and were praised by no less than "The Red Baron" von Richthofen. Rapp and aircraft builder Gustav Otto merged their efforts in 1917, eventually forming BMW and in 1923 built their first motorcycle. In 1928 the first car was a version of the Austin Seven built under licence. In the early 1930s BMW developed a light six-cylinder engine for the classic 328 sports cars.
During World War II BMW again made engines for the German air force, most famously for the FW190.
In post-war Europe BMW made saloons and sports cars as well as the Isetta "bubble" car. The 1960s saw the introduction of the "Neue klasse" 1500 and the 02 Series. During the 1960s and 1970s BMWs dominated touring car races in Europe and the US, and the company later successfully moved its engines into Formula 2 racing. In 1982 it entered Grand Prix Formula 1 racing.
In 1987 BMW introduced the 7 Series, and in 1988 the 5 Series, acclaimed as the best car in its class. Niche vehicles at the time included the composite-and-steel BMW Z1, and electric E1.
In 1990 the coupé 850i featured a 12-cylinder engine, pop-up headlights, a self-steering rear suspension system and multiplex electronics. In 1991 BMW intro- duced the new 3 Series which became the most successful ever BMW. 1994 saw the launch of the new generation 7 Series, and the same year BMW bought Rover Group, later divesting the Rover and Land Rover brands but retaining the Mini and developing the very successful new version.
In 1996 the fourth generation 5 Series was introduced with new 6-cylinder and 8- cylinder engines that achieved greater power, lower fuel consumption. In
1996 the Z3 roadster
was launched, and
the Z4 successor this
year. The latest 7 Series
set new luxury standards in
late 2001.
BMW motorbikes continued. In September 1983 it introduced the K100, the first major engine design change in 60 years. During 1993 a new Boxer was introduced, and in 1994 the new single-cylinder F650. In 1997 came the K1200 RS.
The company returned to Grand Prix in 1997 through a new partnership with FIA Formula One World Championships, Williams Grand Prix Engineering.
BMW has been represented in Ireland for the last 37 years by Frank Keane, founder of Motor Import Ltd.
Best Car: the current (outgoing) 5 series.
Worst Car: The Isetta (left). It least represents BMW's image, but Elvis had one.
Most Beautiful Car: The 1959 507, which nearly brought BMW to its knees it cost so much to make. Elvis had one of these too.