BMW Motorcycles For Sale In United Kingdom

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BMW, "Bayerisch Motoren Werke", (BMW, Bayerisch Motoren Werke AG), a German automobile company specializing in the production of cars, sports cars, off-road vehicles and motorcycles. The headquarters is located in Munich.

In 1913, on the northern outskirts of Munich, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the internal combustion engine Nikolaus August Otto, set up two small aircraft engine firms. The outbreak of the First World War immediately brought numerous orders for aircraft engines. Rapp and Otto decide the volumemove to one aircraft engine plant. This is how an aircraft engine plant appeared in Munich, which in July 1917 was registered under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke ("Bavarian Motor Plants") - BMW. This date is considered to be the year of the founding of BMW, and Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are its founders.

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

In 1923, the first R32 motorcycle leaves the BMW factory. At the 1923 Motor Show in Paris, this first BMW motorcycle immediately gained a reputation as a fast and reliable machine, which was confirmed by absolute speed records in international motorcycle races of the 1920s and 1930s.

At the same time, the "Motor-4" engine is being developed, the final assembly of which is carried out in other European countries. In 1919 Franz Diemer on an airplane with this engine,rising to an altitude of 9,760 meters, sets the first BMW world record. Production receives an additional impetus after the conclusion of a secret agreement with Soviet Russia to supply it with the latest aircraft engines. Most of the Soviet record flights of the 1930s were carried out on airplanes equipped with BMW engines.

In 1928, the company acquires car factories in Eisenach (Thuringia), and with them a license for the production of a small car Dixi (it was licensed English Austin 7). Its production begins in 1929. Dixi is the firstth car BMW. In a period of economic difficulties, the small car becomes the most popular car in Europe. By the beginning of World War II, BMW was one of the most dynamically developing companies in the world, producing equipment with a sports orientation. She has several world records to her credit: Wolfgang von Gronau crosses the North Atlantic from east to west on an open seaplane Dornier Wal powered by a BMW, Ernst Henne on an R12 motorcycle equipped with a cardan drive, hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork (fromthe acquisition of BMW), sets the world speed record for motorcycles - 279.5 km / h, unmatched by anyone for the next 14 years.

In 1933, the production of the model "303" began - the first BMW car with a 6-cylinder engine. It was this model that was the first to acquire the characteristic radiator grille. popularly called "nostrils" BMW. These nostrils have become a typical design element of all BMW vehicles.

In 1936, BMW produced the famous 328, one of the most successful sports cars. For that time, these were just avant-garde technicalNew items: tubular frame, six-cylinder engine with light alloy head, new valve train system with rods. With the 328 model, BMW became so famous in the second half of the 30s. that all subsequent cars with the two-color logo were perceived by the public as a symbol of high quality, reliability and beauty. With its appearance, the ideology of BMW was finally formed, which to this day defines the concept of new models: "A car for the driver". The main competitor, Mercedes-Benz & raquo ;, follows the principle: "Car - for passengers". Since then, each company has gone its own way, proving that it was her choice that was correct.

The winner of a myriad of competitions - circuit races, rallies, hill climb races - the BMW 328 was addressed to sports car connoisseurs and left all production sports cars far behind.

1938 BMW acquires Pratt-Whitney engine license. Then the model 132 is developed, which is installed on the famous Junkers J52. In the same year, the fastest pre-warmodel of a motorcycle with a capacity of 60 hp. and a maximum speed of 210 km / h. In 1939, German racer Georg Mayer becomes the European champion on this motorcycle. And for the first time a foreigner on a foreign motorcycle wins the British "Senior Tourist Trophy" race.

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

In 1944, BMW launched the world's first jet engine, the BMW 109-003. Rocket engines are also being tested. The end of World War II was a disaster for the concern. Four factoryand, which ended up in the Eastern zone of occupation, were destroyed and dismantled. The headquarters plant in Munich was dismantled by the British. In connection with the production of aircraft engines and missiles during the war, the winners issue an order banning production for three years.

Both Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, who have not changed their love for motors, decide to start all over again from scratch. A 1-cylinder motorcycle R24 is being developed, assembled in workshops almost handicraft. It becomes the first post-war BMW product. In 1951, the first post-war passenger car model appears."501". However, it does not bring financial success.

1955 saw the launch of the R 50 and R 51 models, opening a new generation of motorcycles with fully sprung chassis, and the Isetta runabout, a strange symbiosis of motorcycle and car. A three-wheeled car with a door that opens forward in traffic was a huge success in impoverished post-war Germany. But because of the ensuing enthusiasm for large limousines and the associated losses, the company is on the verge of collapse. This is the only time in the history of BMW whenthe economic situation was calculated correctly and the cars thrown onto the market had no demand. There is a question about the sale of the company. Mercedes-Benz hastened to announce its purchase, but this was prevented by small shareholders, employees of the company, its sales agents.

By restructuring its capital structure, BMW is able to continue its operations. For the third time, the firm starts all over again.

1956 - New York-based designer Albrecht Graf Hertz creates a sensational sports car. "BMW has beaten even the Italians." - so they wrote to the gasyou're in 1956 when this car was introduced. The BMW 507 was offered as both a roadster and a hardtop. Eight-cylinder aluminum engine with a volume of 3.2 liters and 150 hp. accelerated the car to 220 km per hour. A total of 252 such cars were sold from 1956 to 1959. Today it is one of the rarest and most expensive collectible cars.

1959 - With the new BMW 700 air-cooled model, the group managed to overcome the internal crisis and create the basis for the continued success of the brand as a whole. Success was not only achievedin the field of sales. The coupe version enabled BMW to achieve sporting victories.

In 1962 the concept of the 1500 is a lightweight. compact. sports. four-door car - has been accepted in the market with such enthusiasm. that the production capacity was not sufficient to meet the demand for these vehicles.

In 1966, the two-door 1600-2 was introduced for the first time. It served as the basis for the successful series of turbocharged models from 1502 to 2002. The successes of the "new class" contributed to the development of the entire model range. The BMW concern was able to afford inrevive the tradition of the 30s and launch six-cylinder models. 1968 saw the premiere of the 2500 and 2800 models, which allowed BMW to re-enter the ranks of the enterprise. producing large sedans. Thus. The 60s were the most successful in the entire previous history of the enterprise.

1969 BMW moves motorcycle production to Berlin. The production of a new series of "opposed" motorcycles begins. In 1976, a full-size fairing was installed for the first time on the R100 RS motorcycle. In 1983, one of the most popular motorcycle models was produced - K100 with a 4-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. In the year of the century of the motorcycle, in 1985, the Berlin plant produces more than 37 thousand motorcycles. In 1989, the presentation of the K 1 motorcycle takes place.

In the 1970s, the first cars of the famous BMW series appeared - models of the 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series. With the launch of the 5 Series, the production of a fundamentally new generation of BMW models began. If earlier the concern occupied mainly the niche of sports cars, now it has taken its place in the segment of comfortable sedans.ov. Coupe 3.0 CSL. which has won six European championships since 1973. makes BMW particularly successful. This coupe hid many technical innovations. It was the first to use a six-cylinder BMW engine with four valves per cylinder. and its braking system was equipped with ABS - a complete novelty for those times.

In 1977, a new breakthrough in the luxury class. With the introduction of the 7 Series, the fundamental renewal of all BMW series has ended.

Since 1986, the BMW M3 has been the most successful road race car in the world. CompactThe two-door model was developed in parallel for both series production and motorsport. The result was simply triumphant for BMW. In 1987, the Italian Roberto Raviglia wins first place in the world championship in road racing. And for the next five years, the BMW M3 dominated the sports scene.

In 1987, a new roadster, which was originally conceived simply as an experimental model, continued the tradition of BMW roadsters from the 30s and 50s. BMW Z1 was built in 8000 copies and became a carrier of ultra-modern technologiesgiy. The aerodynamics of this car were also exemplary. In 1987, BMW was one of the first in the world to use an electronic engine power control system.

In 1990, a new coupe dream: the BMW 850i. The heart of this sleek luxury coupe was a twelve-cylinder engine that could literally shoot the car forward at any speed. The completely new integral rear axle combined sporting qualities with the highest level of comfort in a completely unique way.

In the year of German reunificationthe concern, having founded the firm BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, returns to its roots in the field of aircraft engine building, and in 1991 presents a new aircraft engine BR-700. In the early 1990s, the third generation compact sports cars of the 3 Series and the 8 Series coupes appeared on the market.

A not bad step for the company was the purchase in 1994 for 2.3 billion German marks of the industrial group Rover Group ("Rover Group"), and with it the largest complex in the UK for the production of cars of the brands Rover, Land Rover and MG. With the purchase of this company, the list of BMW cars was replenished with insufficientsmall cars and SUVs.

Since 1995, all BMW vehicles have been fitted with an airbag for the front passenger and an anti-theft engine lock system as standard equipment. In March of the same year, the touring of the 3 series was launched. The new car was distinguished not only by its modern design, but also by the most advanced technology. For example, for the first time in the automotive industry, the undercarriage was made almost entirely of aluminum.

Also 1995 - the debut of the new 5-Series BMW. The main principlein its development - the creation of a harmonious concept. The new car was distinguished not only by its modern design, but also by the most advanced technology: for the first time in the automotive industry, the chassis was almost entirely made of aluminum. The use of new materials made it possible to increase the vehicle utilization rate up to 85 percent. The extremely rigid body provides an unrivaled level of passive safety.

In 1996, the BMW Z3 7 Series is equipped with a diesel engine for the first time. A unique synthesis of dynamism and classic designyna is just a delightful concept. Additional advertising for the car is created by the film "Golden Eye", in which the super agent 007 James Bond drives around on the Z3. BMW Z3 has become a bestseller. The new plant in Spartanburg does not have time to fulfill all orders.

In 1997, the motorcycle that can not leave you indifferent - the Model R 1200 C, represents a completely new interpretation of the road bike. Sensational design that combines traditional and futuristic elements. He got the biggest op everpositive BMW engines. Its working volume is 1170 cm3. and the developed power is 61 hp. In the same year, BMW presents another dream car. This is the M Roadster, which, like no other, is the true embodiment of a thoroughbred open sports car.

In 1997, BMW unveiled the dream car that made the hearts of connoisseurs jump. The M Roadster embodied the ideal of a purebred sports car like no other BMW before. Its 321-horsepower M3 engine guarantees a thrilling ride.

Spring 1998 debutOval is the fifth generation of the successful 3 Series sedans. Redesigned in many details, the new 3 Series not only offers exceptional looks, but also the most advanced engines, the latest suspension technology and best-in-class safety standards.

The beginning of 1999 saw the debut of the BMW X5, the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle: a vehicle that uniquely combines elegance and practicality, thus opening up new dimensions of mobility.

And one more first place: BMW Z8, ledcue sports car, celebrated its premiere in 1999 and delighted James Bond fans in The World Is Not Enough.

In 1999, BMW also surprised automotive enthusiasts at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the futuristic Z9 gran turismo concept.

BMW, which started out as a small aircraft engine plant, currently manufactures its products at five factories in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries scattered around the world. It is one of the few car companies that does not usein robot factories. All assembly on the conveyor is done only by hand. The output is only computer diagnostics of the main parameters of the car.