xcel
08-09-2009, 06:15 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg Although offering excellent performance, the relatively poor_FE for the America’s should be coming to an end. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=226689)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1929_BMW_Dixi_3-15_PS_DA_2.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 9, 2009
BMW’s first – the 1929 BMW “Dixi” 3-15 PS DA-2
The Beginning
Anybody not invited read it in the papers: On the morning of July 9, 1929, (a great year to begin a motor car company :rolleyes:), full-page ads informed the public that BMW had become a car maker. Guests invited to BMW’s new showroom in Berlin were able to admire a small car bearing the model designation 3/15 PS DA 2, with the two last letters standing for “Deutsche Ausführung” or “German Version”. In popular language the car nevertheless soon took on a new name, BMW’s first production model remaining a legend to this day as the “Dixi”.
The first of these attractive small performers coming off the production line in BMW’s plant near the former Berlin-Johannisthal Airport set the foundation for BMW. Although the Dixi was largely taken over from an existing model with parts and components already in use, the car clearly bore the BMW’s own brand of DNA. Performance with efficiency and dynamics were an integral part of the brand. BMW had already made a great name for itself as a manufacturer of very economical high-performance aircraft engines and motorcycles well before entering car production.
The Dixi had been updated in technical terms and boasted an all-steel body. As a result the BMW 3/15 won the International Alpine Rally in its very first attempt in 1929, successfully completing all large passes in the Alps during the race lasting five days.
Apart from its reliability, the Dixi also appealed to a growing number of customers through its all-round economy and relatively low price.
Variable valve timing circa 1938
BMW’s engineers developed technologies to improve both efficiency and driving dynamics which led to a significant lead over its competitors. Even back in the 1930s, BMW looked into variable camshaft management and took out the first patent for this technology in 1938/39.
Several prototypes of the BMW 802 aircraft engine featured a technology in which the 2,500-horsepower aircraft engines intake and exhaust valves were controlled by cam discs adjustable on the fly while the engine was running.
In 1940 BMW introduced another highlight in one of the main areas of Efficient Dynamics: lightweight construction. The BMW 328 Kamm Racing Coupé is an outstanding example of performance in motorsport. The car’s tubular spaceframe was made of an extra-light electron alloy and weighed just 71 lb. Together with the outer skin made of aluminum and the six-cylinder power unit, overall weight was a low 1,676 lb. Superior aerodynamics created by Wunibald Kamm of Kammback fame, an early pioneer of modern streamlining, gave the car a drag coefficient of approximately 0.27. This, together with 136 HP from its 2.0L engine a top speed of 143 mph. We are talking 1940 here!
Post War Years
In 1961, BMW built the 700 RS which excelled thanks to its extremely light tubular spaceframe combined with light aluminum outer skin.
In road trim this small racer weighed a mere 1,389 lb. Its 70-hp two-cylinder engine displaced just 0.7L, giving the engine an output of 100 HP/L which helped accelerate the RS to a top speed of 99 mph. This combination was built for and succeeded at winning numerous hill climb events of the early 60’s.
1968 - BMW sets the standard
Following the success of 02-models, BMW was able to take up the great tradition of the 1930s with larger six-cylinder engines. The debut of the BMW 2500 and 2800 took the company up-market with large sedans and coupes.
The engines themselves were the same in both body variants: Fitted at an angle of 30°, the power units came with a crankshaft running in no less than seven bearings and incorporating twelve counterweights for vibration-free smoothness enhanced by an overhead camshaft. This led to the turbine-like smoothness of BMW’s six-cylinder engines which continue to this day.
One of the technical innovations of the two engines was a triple-hemispherical swirl-action combustion chamber interacting with appropriately designed pistons. This configuration ensured an even more intense fuel/air combustion process which provides even more power while still attaining good fuel economy. The 2.5L and 2.8L V6’s delivered a maximum output of 150 and 170 HP respectively.
1970’s - BMW technology progresseshttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1972_BMW_2002_Turbo.jpg
1973 BMW 2002 Turbo.
Efficient Dynamics proved its worth in the form of the BMW 3.0 CSL. A lightweight engineering platform served to make this model even more dynamic with sophisticated aerodynamics helping to optimize driving characteristics. An example is BMW introduced downforce flaps and a complete under body cover. Qualities of this kind made these light, powerful and fast coupés unbeatable for many years, with BMW winning all but one European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979.
The 1972 Olympics were a starting point for intense research on electric drive technology and a a small fleet of orange-colored BMW 1602’s boasting battery-powered electric motors became the symbol for the Munich Games.
Just a year later BMW introduced the BMW 2002 turbo, the first production car in Europe to feature a turbocharged engine.
BMW’s next step in efficient technology came in 1978 with the BMW M1 and its four-valve technology. BMW optimized cylinder charge technology and included it in future BMW M models including the M635CSi, the M5 and the M3.
In 1979 the first Digital Motor Electronics in the BMW 732i set new standards helping to provide more power on less fuel. This improvement was enhanced with fuel cut-off reducing fuel consumption to zero in certain deceleration phases of operation.
1980’s - The FCD was born!
BMW was one of the true pioneers in engine control electronics. BMW never lost sight of the driver and his or her particular role in achieving better fuel economy. One of the milestones to enhance efficiency occurred in 1981 with the introduction of the world’s first fuel consumption gauge in the BMW 5 Series. This new display sensitized the driver to the issue of fuel economy with feedback showing how to drive far more economically. To this day, the fuel consumption display plays an important role in the context of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics strategy and is even included on their latest bikes. Yet another industry first!
Diesels comes of agehttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1983_BMW_524td.jpg
1983 BMW 524td.
A decision by BMW to enter the fiercely contested diesel car market was revolutionary in the history of the Company.
The BMW 524td introduced in June 1983 featured a diesel engine combining the benefits of diesel technology with typical BMW qualities including dynamic performance and supreme refinement. This led to the future development of BMW’s turbodiesel based on the existing range of straight-six power units between 2.0 and 2.7L’s.
Using turbocharger technology and large flow cross-sections on the intake and outlet valves of the 2.4L engine, BMW’s engineers were able to increase power to a substantial 115 HP while still using the swirl-chamber combustion process which minimized fuel consumption and reduced combustion noise. BMW’s first modern Turbodiesel achieved 32 mpgUS on the European test cycles of the time while offering a top speed of 112 mph and acceleration to 60 mph in under 13 seconds, well above the standard for the early 80’s and besting all diesels of its size and fuel efficiency from that era.
1990’s - Ecology and performance refinement
In 1992 BMW introduced infinitely variable valve management as a world-first in the M3 sports car, improving both power and torque as well as fuel economy and the management of emissions.
In 1995, the next generation BMW 5 Series entered the market as the forerunner in intelligent lightweight construction. This was the world’s first large-scale production car to feature a chassis and suspension made completely of light alloy and reducing the weight of the entire vehicle by approximately 30 percent.
In the same year BMW introduced the 316g and 518g, Europe’s first natural gas cars to enter series production. This alternative fuel technology served to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20 percent and the formation of ozone-building hydrocarbons (HC) by an even more significant 80 percent.
Twenty-first century – The modern era
BMW introduced its multi-valve control VANOS technology into a fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management system that runs the gasoline engine without a throttle butterfly and to this day, remains unique the world over. In the four-cylinder power unit of the BMW 316ti, this meant more performance on less fuel, particularly under part load, thus reducing fuel consumption versus the former model by up to 12 percent.
BMW began using VALVETRONIC control in the four-cylinder engines of the MINI beginning in 2006.
Today
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_BMW_116d.jpg2009 BMW 116d.
BMW EfficientDynamics has enhanced BMWs quest for greater fuel economy combined with improved driving dynamics. BMW’s base technology in Europe includes Regenerative Braking, Auto Start/Stop function, a gearshift point indicator, ancillary units operating only on demand including a detachable A/C compressor, intelligent lightweight engineering and active aerodynamics through precise management of the car’s air flaps are now featured in new models.
BMW’s best with regards to fuel efficiency comes from the top down designed EfficientDynamics European 116d with its 2.0L turbo-diesel. The BMW 116d comes equipped standard with Regenerative Braking, Electronic Power Steering, Auto Start/Stop and gearshift indicator (manual gearbox models), reduced rolling resistance tires, intelligent lightweight technology, air flap control, map-controlled oil pump and a detachable A/C compressor.
Mated to a supremely efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel, the 116d is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles available on the planet at 53.5 mpgUS combined on the NEDC (60 mpgUS combined on the highway) while still retaining the ability to hit 60 mph in under 10 seconds. All the while able to trailer over 2,600 pounds!
BMW’s Future
BMW will more than likely follow everyone else into the world of electrified propulsion with a number of BEV’s offered at a price we all hope more will be able to afford.
BMW BEV’s from past to present
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/BMW_1602_-_325iX_-_3_Series_EV_-_E1.jpg
1972 BMW 1602 - 325iX - 3 Series EV – and 2009 E1
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1929_BMW_Dixi_3-15_PS_DA_2.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 9, 2009
BMW’s first – the 1929 BMW “Dixi” 3-15 PS DA-2
The Beginning
Anybody not invited read it in the papers: On the morning of July 9, 1929, (a great year to begin a motor car company :rolleyes:), full-page ads informed the public that BMW had become a car maker. Guests invited to BMW’s new showroom in Berlin were able to admire a small car bearing the model designation 3/15 PS DA 2, with the two last letters standing for “Deutsche Ausführung” or “German Version”. In popular language the car nevertheless soon took on a new name, BMW’s first production model remaining a legend to this day as the “Dixi”.
The first of these attractive small performers coming off the production line in BMW’s plant near the former Berlin-Johannisthal Airport set the foundation for BMW. Although the Dixi was largely taken over from an existing model with parts and components already in use, the car clearly bore the BMW’s own brand of DNA. Performance with efficiency and dynamics were an integral part of the brand. BMW had already made a great name for itself as a manufacturer of very economical high-performance aircraft engines and motorcycles well before entering car production.
The Dixi had been updated in technical terms and boasted an all-steel body. As a result the BMW 3/15 won the International Alpine Rally in its very first attempt in 1929, successfully completing all large passes in the Alps during the race lasting five days.
Apart from its reliability, the Dixi also appealed to a growing number of customers through its all-round economy and relatively low price.
Variable valve timing circa 1938
BMW’s engineers developed technologies to improve both efficiency and driving dynamics which led to a significant lead over its competitors. Even back in the 1930s, BMW looked into variable camshaft management and took out the first patent for this technology in 1938/39.
Several prototypes of the BMW 802 aircraft engine featured a technology in which the 2,500-horsepower aircraft engines intake and exhaust valves were controlled by cam discs adjustable on the fly while the engine was running.
In 1940 BMW introduced another highlight in one of the main areas of Efficient Dynamics: lightweight construction. The BMW 328 Kamm Racing Coupé is an outstanding example of performance in motorsport. The car’s tubular spaceframe was made of an extra-light electron alloy and weighed just 71 lb. Together with the outer skin made of aluminum and the six-cylinder power unit, overall weight was a low 1,676 lb. Superior aerodynamics created by Wunibald Kamm of Kammback fame, an early pioneer of modern streamlining, gave the car a drag coefficient of approximately 0.27. This, together with 136 HP from its 2.0L engine a top speed of 143 mph. We are talking 1940 here!
Post War Years
In 1961, BMW built the 700 RS which excelled thanks to its extremely light tubular spaceframe combined with light aluminum outer skin.
In road trim this small racer weighed a mere 1,389 lb. Its 70-hp two-cylinder engine displaced just 0.7L, giving the engine an output of 100 HP/L which helped accelerate the RS to a top speed of 99 mph. This combination was built for and succeeded at winning numerous hill climb events of the early 60’s.
1968 - BMW sets the standard
Following the success of 02-models, BMW was able to take up the great tradition of the 1930s with larger six-cylinder engines. The debut of the BMW 2500 and 2800 took the company up-market with large sedans and coupes.
The engines themselves were the same in both body variants: Fitted at an angle of 30°, the power units came with a crankshaft running in no less than seven bearings and incorporating twelve counterweights for vibration-free smoothness enhanced by an overhead camshaft. This led to the turbine-like smoothness of BMW’s six-cylinder engines which continue to this day.
One of the technical innovations of the two engines was a triple-hemispherical swirl-action combustion chamber interacting with appropriately designed pistons. This configuration ensured an even more intense fuel/air combustion process which provides even more power while still attaining good fuel economy. The 2.5L and 2.8L V6’s delivered a maximum output of 150 and 170 HP respectively.
1970’s - BMW technology progresseshttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1972_BMW_2002_Turbo.jpg
1973 BMW 2002 Turbo.
Efficient Dynamics proved its worth in the form of the BMW 3.0 CSL. A lightweight engineering platform served to make this model even more dynamic with sophisticated aerodynamics helping to optimize driving characteristics. An example is BMW introduced downforce flaps and a complete under body cover. Qualities of this kind made these light, powerful and fast coupés unbeatable for many years, with BMW winning all but one European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979.
The 1972 Olympics were a starting point for intense research on electric drive technology and a a small fleet of orange-colored BMW 1602’s boasting battery-powered electric motors became the symbol for the Munich Games.
Just a year later BMW introduced the BMW 2002 turbo, the first production car in Europe to feature a turbocharged engine.
BMW’s next step in efficient technology came in 1978 with the BMW M1 and its four-valve technology. BMW optimized cylinder charge technology and included it in future BMW M models including the M635CSi, the M5 and the M3.
In 1979 the first Digital Motor Electronics in the BMW 732i set new standards helping to provide more power on less fuel. This improvement was enhanced with fuel cut-off reducing fuel consumption to zero in certain deceleration phases of operation.
1980’s - The FCD was born!
BMW was one of the true pioneers in engine control electronics. BMW never lost sight of the driver and his or her particular role in achieving better fuel economy. One of the milestones to enhance efficiency occurred in 1981 with the introduction of the world’s first fuel consumption gauge in the BMW 5 Series. This new display sensitized the driver to the issue of fuel economy with feedback showing how to drive far more economically. To this day, the fuel consumption display plays an important role in the context of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics strategy and is even included on their latest bikes. Yet another industry first!
Diesels comes of agehttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/1983_BMW_524td.jpg
1983 BMW 524td.
A decision by BMW to enter the fiercely contested diesel car market was revolutionary in the history of the Company.
The BMW 524td introduced in June 1983 featured a diesel engine combining the benefits of diesel technology with typical BMW qualities including dynamic performance and supreme refinement. This led to the future development of BMW’s turbodiesel based on the existing range of straight-six power units between 2.0 and 2.7L’s.
Using turbocharger technology and large flow cross-sections on the intake and outlet valves of the 2.4L engine, BMW’s engineers were able to increase power to a substantial 115 HP while still using the swirl-chamber combustion process which minimized fuel consumption and reduced combustion noise. BMW’s first modern Turbodiesel achieved 32 mpgUS on the European test cycles of the time while offering a top speed of 112 mph and acceleration to 60 mph in under 13 seconds, well above the standard for the early 80’s and besting all diesels of its size and fuel efficiency from that era.
1990’s - Ecology and performance refinement
In 1992 BMW introduced infinitely variable valve management as a world-first in the M3 sports car, improving both power and torque as well as fuel economy and the management of emissions.
In 1995, the next generation BMW 5 Series entered the market as the forerunner in intelligent lightweight construction. This was the world’s first large-scale production car to feature a chassis and suspension made completely of light alloy and reducing the weight of the entire vehicle by approximately 30 percent.
In the same year BMW introduced the 316g and 518g, Europe’s first natural gas cars to enter series production. This alternative fuel technology served to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20 percent and the formation of ozone-building hydrocarbons (HC) by an even more significant 80 percent.
Twenty-first century – The modern era
BMW introduced its multi-valve control VANOS technology into a fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management system that runs the gasoline engine without a throttle butterfly and to this day, remains unique the world over. In the four-cylinder power unit of the BMW 316ti, this meant more performance on less fuel, particularly under part load, thus reducing fuel consumption versus the former model by up to 12 percent.
BMW began using VALVETRONIC control in the four-cylinder engines of the MINI beginning in 2006.
Today
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_BMW_116d.jpg2009 BMW 116d.
BMW EfficientDynamics has enhanced BMWs quest for greater fuel economy combined with improved driving dynamics. BMW’s base technology in Europe includes Regenerative Braking, Auto Start/Stop function, a gearshift point indicator, ancillary units operating only on demand including a detachable A/C compressor, intelligent lightweight engineering and active aerodynamics through precise management of the car’s air flaps are now featured in new models.
BMW’s best with regards to fuel efficiency comes from the top down designed EfficientDynamics European 116d with its 2.0L turbo-diesel. The BMW 116d comes equipped standard with Regenerative Braking, Electronic Power Steering, Auto Start/Stop and gearshift indicator (manual gearbox models), reduced rolling resistance tires, intelligent lightweight technology, air flap control, map-controlled oil pump and a detachable A/C compressor.
Mated to a supremely efficient 2.0L turbo-diesel, the 116d is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles available on the planet at 53.5 mpgUS combined on the NEDC (60 mpgUS combined on the highway) while still retaining the ability to hit 60 mph in under 10 seconds. All the while able to trailer over 2,600 pounds!
BMW’s Future
BMW will more than likely follow everyone else into the world of electrified propulsion with a number of BEV’s offered at a price we all hope more will be able to afford.
BMW BEV’s from past to present
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/BMW_1602_-_325iX_-_3_Series_EV_-_E1.jpg
1972 BMW 1602 - 325iX - 3 Series EV – and 2009 E1