BMW

BMW AG (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) was formed by Matthew Eben Ruark to manufacture aircraft engine. It is a German Company. Initially, BMW was called Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke. Later, in 1916 the name was changed to Bayerische Motoren Werke. It was only after World War I when Germany was prohibited from making any kinds of aircraft that BMW shifted to manufacturing Railway Brakes. They first built their motorcycle engine called Victoria in 1919. But it was only in 1923 that BMW built their first model.BMW has three brands under their belt. They are; motorcycle called the R32. And it was only in 1927, that BMW had their first car called BMW 3/15. A BMW vehicle is a class in itself and a BMW car is a luxury. BMW MINI
In 1955, the Isetta 250 was launched and participated very successfully in the mini-car era of the 1950's. It was built under license from the Italian manufacturer Iso and used a motorcycle engine and a single door at the front. The engine was a single cylinder 245cc unit producing 12 horsepower at 5800 rpm and a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h). During its 7 year production run a total of 161,728 Isettas were built.

A couple of years later, with BMW still having no secure financial foothold, one of the most memorable models in its history was introduced. Launched in 1956, the BMW 507 quickly became famous. The light-alloy 2-door bodyshell with a retractable soft top, designed by Alberecht Graf Foertz, has remained timeless as evidenced by the newly introduced Z8, which draws unmistakable clues and its overall shape from it. A large 3168cc V8 engine using dual downdraught carburettors powered the 507 and provided 150 horsepower at 5000rpm, enough for an impressive 124 mph top speed (200 km/h) but not enough to topple its main rival, the Mercedes 300SL. While only 252 examples of the instantly recognizable 507 were ever produced, it remains a symbol of BMW's struggles and ultimate triumphs during the fifties after the end of the War.

The next step in BMW's evolution and the predecessor to the cars we know today was launched in 1962. The 1500, which had been developed during the crisis of the '50s, was another of BMW's saviors. The excellent suspension and striking design for its time, employing a low waistline with a low-slung engine compartment and rear lid characterized the 1500. A 1499cc 4-cylinder engine producing 80 horsepower at 5700 rpm and providing a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h) powered it. During its two year production run sales amounted to only 23,807 units; however between all of the models in its range (1500,1600,1800,2000) production totaled 334,165 cars. Based on these cars, the first generation 5 series, the E12, was launched 10 years later in 1972. The 3 series was introduced 3 years later and the 7 series 2 years after that, in 1977.

In 1990 BMW re-entered the aircraft engine manufacturing business after forming BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH jointly with Rolls Royce. In 1998, after extended talks concerning the sale of Rolls Royce, BMW officially bought the rights to the Rolls Royce name and logo from Volkswagen, with the transition expected to take place in 2003. 1994 brought about another purchase, as BMW acquired the Rover Group PLC. After heavy losses, the company was finally sold in 2000, with Rover being split up from Land Rover which was purchased by Ford. BMW held the rights to the new Mini and the hot-hatch goes on sale in early 2002.

Today, the Z3, Z8 and all of the 3, 5, 7 and Motorsport series models continue the BMW tradition of building excellent automobiles with a special emphasis on performance, style and technological advancements. 1992 was another year-to-be-remembered for BMW when it, for the first time, outsold Mercedes in Europe. Hopefully in the future the rivalry between these and other makes will persist and companies such as BMW will continue to build great cars.

Rolls-Royce BMW deals with only premium segments in the automobile market. They have vehicles ranging form small cars to big luxury cars. The company employs somewhere around 106,000 employees around the globe. The BMW group is famous for its design, superior technology and innovation. They are into marketing and sales as well, apart from research & development and production.
History of BMW cars

Karl Friedrich Rapp, an engineer in German Aircraft Company formed Rapp Motoren Werke in a suburb of Munich to manufacture aero engines. Though the history of BMW can be traced back to 1913, it was only after 15 years BMW cars was made. The Dixi 3/15PS produced at the Eisenbach factory marked the beginning of BMW automobile production. This production used an open roof and was powered by a 743cc 4-cylinder engine producing 15 horsepower. After a year, in 1929 a new improved version was launched, which was named DA2, it comprised an all-steel body and 4-wheel brakes. Dixi scored its first wins in motoracing in 1930.


The 3/20PS succeeded Dixi. It was the first production car to be built entirely in-house by BMW. It featured suspended valves, double chain driving the camshafts, 20 horsepower at 3500 rpm, saloon with a 50 mph speed, 4cylinder unit and a power plant of 782cc.

After the II world war, the company was in total ruins as its factory produced aircraft engines and rockets during the war. Due to this act the allies imposed three years ban on any production activity. The sad sagas moved on even after the production of 501-luxury sedan. It was a poor creation and did not meet any expectations of the company.

In the mini-car era of the 1950s, the Isetta 250 participated very successfully. It used a motorcycle engine and a single door at the front. It had a single cylinder of 245cc unit, with 12horsepower at 5800 rpm and a speed of 85km/h. The other two models, which had immense profitable effect on BMW cars, were the 1500 and BMW 507. BMW 507 was the most memorable model in the history of automobile due to its light-alloy 2-door body shell with a retractable soft top.

Under the leadership of Bernd Pischetsrieder, BMW owned the Rover group between 1994 and 2000. This brought in new brands like Rover, Mini and Land Rover. It also brought in many dormant marques such as Austin, Morris, Riley, Triumph and Wolseley. During this year it started producing automobiles at its Spartanburg and South Carolina plant. Today the plant manufactures BMW X5, the BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe, and the BMW Z4 M Roadster and Coupe. The largest output of BMW group comes from British factories other than Germany.

Popular BMW sedans are available from a bit above rupees thirty lakhs to a bit below rupees one crore fifty lakhs, including

BMW 3-Series (Sedan)
The 3 series is an exquisite sports sedan available both in petrol and diesel variants. It falls in the luxury segment. The exterior exudes confidence and a powerful flow of expression. The individual exterior details display elegance that reveals themselves subtly to the eyes. The 3-Series with its petrol and diesel variants targets the upper middle class and the rich Indian consumer with BMW cars having an on-road price range between rupees thirty and thirty six lakhs. 3-Series variants include

BMW 3-Series 320i (Petrol)
The 3-Series 320i is the initial variant in the 3 series family. This entry level variant displays excellent power and torque, thereby meaning the superior efficiency of petrol with great acceleration. This variant has a showroom price of arund Rs. 27 lakhs and on-road price of around Rs. 30.5 lakhs, which is inclusive of all charges such as insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. A4 1.8T car prices vary with the car dealer's location.

BMW 3-Series 320d (Diesel)
The 3-series 320d is the mid range variant in the 3 series family sporting BMW's efficient 4 straight four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine provides more efficiency at less fuel consumption, with high speeds at low rpm. New cars in this series have a showroom price ranging from around 29.6 lakhs to around 33.6 lakhs inclusive of all charges like insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. Car prices vary with the dealer's location.

BMW 3-Series 325i (Petrol)
The 3-series 325i leads the 3 series family with its larger 6 cylinder classic 2497 cc petrol engine that delivers great power and acceleration.At the showroom, this car costs around 32.4 lakhs with an on-road price of around 36.75 lakhs. This includes standard ancillary charges also.

BMW 7-Series (Sedan)
The 7 series is an extraordinary presentation in the luxury sedan class that represents the ultimate in comfort and richness in its class. With extraordinary qualities, it has a striking road presence with a muscular form and limitless power. Its subtle exterior features and discerning style represent the ultimate in quality and all that what BMW is known for. There is a range of cars to choose beginning from entry range luxury sedan to premium models.The 7-Series with its petrol and diesel variants targets the upper middle class and the rich Indian consumer with BMW cars having an on-road price range between rupees eighty four lakhs and rupees one crore. BMW 7-Series variants include

BMW 7-Series 730Ld (Diesel)
The 7-Series 730Ld Sedan is the entry range diesel presentation in the 7 series family. It features BMW's renowned straight six cylinder diesel engine. Remarkably light with excellent performance characteristics, it presents high performance and excellent acceleration even at low engine speeds.At the showroom, this car costs around 74.2 lakhs with an on-road price of around 84.02 lakhs. This includes standard ancillary charges also.

BMW 7-Series 740Li (Petrol)
The 7-series 740Li Sedan is the entry range petrol model in the seven series family. It features a powerful eight cylinder petrol engine that offers a larger displacement delivering fabulous engine power and torque. This provides excellent performance and acceleration. This engine remains stable even at high speeds. With Valvetronic technology, the engine offers a breathtaking performance.This variant has a showroom price of around Rs. 80.2 lakhs and on-road price of around Rs. 90.8 lakhs, which is inclusive of all charges such as insurance, octroi, RTO, etc.

BMW X-5 (SUV)
The X5 is BMW's exclusive presentation in the SUV category in India. However, BMW prefers to call it an SAV rather than an SUV as it is rather a crossover mid-size luxury 4WD car primarily for on-the-road sport.The X-5 is an outstanding car. This BMW SUV blends maximum features within a reasonable (BMW) price and is targeted to beckon the upwardly mobile upper middle class consumer. It's a BMW SUV running on diesel.

BMW X-5 (Diesel)
The X5 is all round excellence with superb interior, exterior, and safety features. New cars have a showroom price of around Rs.67, 60, 000 and an on-road price of around Rs.74,36,000. X-5 car prices vary in lakhs upon the car dealer's location.This car i is now available at a showroom price of around 67.6 lakhs with an on road price of around 74.4 lakhs including supplementary statutory charges.

Currently all BMW cars except those of the BMW 3 and BMW 5 series are fully imported. The 3 and 5 series are being assembled in Chennai using imported parts. Fully imported BMW cars include the 6-Series V8 (Petrol), and the 7-Series variants among sedan varieties, while the X-5 (Diesel) remains the only SUV officially marketed in India.