BMW
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) was founded in Munich in 1916, initially manufacturing aircraft engines before expanding into motorcycles and automobiles during the 1920s. Headquartered at its iconic four-cylinder tower in Munich, the German automaker built its global reputation around rear-wheel-drive chassis dynamics and inline-six engines, positioning its cars directly around driver engagement.
As the flagship brand of the BMW Group - which also owns Mini and Rolls-Royce - the company structures its core lineup around sedan lines such as the 3 Series and 5 Series, the X-line of SUVs, and high-performance variants developed by its M division. Under its "i" sub-brand, BMW is progressively shifting its portfolio toward modular electric architectures and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Data
Official recall campaigns.
Facts
The Z8 was the first production BMW fitted with a separate engine-start button.
The Z8 used the 5.0-litre S62 V8 familiar from the E39-generation BMW M5, producing about 400 hp.
The BMW Z8 used a largely aluminium structural frame and aluminium body panels to reduce the roadster's mass.
The road-going BMW M1 produced 277 hp, with BMW quoting a top speed of roughly 262 km/h.
The road-going M1 engine used four valves per cylinder, mechanical fuel injection and individual throttle bodies.
The M1 was powered by a 3.5-litre M88 inline-six mounted behind the passenger compartment.
The roadster used a light-alloy V8 displacing 3,168 cc and producing about 150 bhp.
The 507 used a chassis derived from the BMW 502, shortened by approximately 35.5 cm.
The 507's bodywork was made from aluminium, helping to control the weight of the luxury roadster.
BMW Group Classic records a total production of 5,703 Z8s.
More facts about BMW
Showing 1–10 of 30 facts