The present naming conference of BMWs could seem logical now, but it surely hasn’t all the time been that means. This text supplies perception into the origins of BMW names and their evolution. Steve Saxty, creator of “BMW: Behind The Scenes,” delves into the complete story in his e-book. Right here, we provide a quick synopsis, exploring the historical past of BMW naming conventions.

Let’s begin with the 327 and 328 fashions that had been produced within the Nineteen Thirties. These pre-war automobiles had their numbers tied to the last decade, identical because the 501, 502, 503 and 507 have been associated to the Fifties. However as quickly as Neue Klasse automobiles arrived within the 60s, the naming conference modified. The 1500 mannequin was quickly joined by a 1600, then by the 1800 collection and finally, the enduring BMW 2000 and 2002. To distinguish between fashions, BMW started including suffixes, just like the “TI” (efficiency variant) or “C” (coupe).

Within the late 60s, BMW started engaged on a brand new midsize sedan, the E12, which was deliberate to switch the Neue Klasse sedans. American Bob Lutz, head of gross sales and market on the time, wished to name the E12 as merely the 2000-2.8, denoting its engine displacement. However Oskar Kolk, a gross sales supervisor at BMW, had a distinct and good thought: calling the smaller automobiles the three Collection, the mid-size fashions the 5 Collection and the posh limousines the 7 Collection.

Furthermore, the preliminary digit within the BMW mannequin names indicated the collection, whereas the next digits specified the engine dimension. This led to the creation of fashions just like the BMW 316, 318, or 320. When two gross sales managers introduced this new naming conference to the BMW CEO, regardless of dealing with preliminary resistance, he finally accepted it. Thus, the grid-based naming conference got here into existence. Apparently, the e-book discloses that Audi later adopted the same naming strategy with the A4, A6, and A8, proving profitable for the corporate.

In fact, over the many years, the BMW lineup expanded and the engine displacement turned much less related within the naming conference. At present, the badges are fairly advanced and relatively irrational, however they nonetheless comply with a considerably grid-based system. As we realized not too long ago, BMW is conscious of this subject and they’re engaged on revamping their naming conference when the brand new Neue Klasse rolls out in 2025.

So for those who’re all for studying extra BMW design behind-the-scenes tales, then the three-volume boxed set might be out there quickly – at a pre-order value of $299.95/€270/£78.11. Alternatively, the principal e-book, “BMW by Design” is out there instantly for $99.95/€90.02/£88.10; all with free delivery in USA, UK and EU.