BMW: The Driver’s Car

The initials BMW in full stand for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, but it is easier to just say BMW. Roughly, this translates to Bavarian Engine Works Company. The famous German name has its origin in Rapp-Motorenwerke GmbH, an aircraft engine producer that merged in 1916 with the factory that installed the engines, that merger forming the foundation of the famous brand we know today.

BMW Technology – The Beginnings

The company did not begin manufacturing cars at that point; when engine production ceased in 1918 the company began producing railway brakes and built-in motors. This was successful and the brand briefly disappeared when it was taken over by a brake manufacturer, only being resurrected in 1922 when another takeover formed the basis of the modern company.

In 1928, BMW began making cars, interestingly the first of which was a rebranded Austin Seven. They quickly expanded to make other models but by 1959 had run into serious financial difficulty. Fortunately, a couple of major investors halted a proposed takeover by Daimler-Benz and one particular car saved the day: The BMW 700 Coupé; the first BMW with a monocoque body. Motoring journalists were thrilled by the sporting nature and acceleration: 0-55mph in just twenty seconds! The company was saved to become a prestige brand, building cars that are always driver-focussed.

Today, the brand continue that sporting legacy but now also take into account the global concern for cleaner, greener motoring. That’s why, thirteen years ago the BMW engineers came up with Efficient Dynamics.

BMW Technology Today

Efficient Dynamics technology is consistently reducing fuel consumption year on year, and by association emissions, without any loss of the driving dynamics for which BMW cars are justly famous. In short, it’s possible to be more ecologically minded without any loss of driving pleasure. Their vehicles are meeting and will meet all the European Union regulations in full.

ED is about optimising every aspect of a vehicle. On the aerodynamics side for example, active air-flap control is now in its third generation. It has also been revealed that the new BMW iX3 scheduled for launch at the end of 2020 (subject to the current global crisis) will be fitted with the latest generation of BMW aerodynamic wheels. The technology behind the new wheels has resulted in a five percent reduction in drag coefficient they say, compared to conventional BMW X3 wheels, plus a 15% weight saving over the previous BMW wheel types.

The New 3 Series

The most aerodynamically efficient current model overall, the new BMW 3 Series Saloon, has a Cd figure of just 0.23, earning it the title of “best in segment”. Intelligent lightweight design has also led to some major efficiency-boosting advances. This has made it possible to reduce the weight of models from one generation to the next, despite increases in size and safety enhancements.

Further Improvements

The addition today of efficient internal combustion engines with 48V electrical systems enables plug-in hybrids and, in addition, all-electric vehicles: minimising the input while maximising the output, in a phrase. Additionally, the advent of 48V mild-hybrid technology greatly expands the possible uses of Brake Energy Regeneration, for future EV enhancements.

BMW are also continuing to work towards hydrogen power. The concept i-Hydrogen NEXT was shown to the public at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW engineers have been working with Toyota on fuel cell technology since 2013 although it’s very early days yet.

That’s why BMW cars are so successful. Couple this with the sheer driving pleasure these vehicles offer it is no surprise that the brand consistently has the best sellers across the various prestige sectors. Best of all, these days even brand new models can be serviced by a specialist independent garage.

German Autocentre – Independent BMW Specialist

For BMW owners, it has to be worth protecting these fine vehicles with a proper car maintenance schedule. Why not consult your local specialist car servicing garage that specialises in German brands? Call German Autocentre on 0114 327 2027

German Autocentre carry out all aspects of repair and maintenance of BMW cars. German Autocentre provide all services including MOT, servicing, cambelt change, timing chain replacement, clutch replacement, servicing, tyres and diagnostics.