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BYD, the Chinese electric car maker backed by Warren Buffett, has been making headlines with its impressive sales figures and ambitious expansion plans. The Chinese automaker sold three million battery-powered cars in 2023 – 1.6 million of them are fully electric. The total sales figure represents an increase of 62 percent over 2022. In contrast, BMW sold 2.5 million units in 2023 with a 15% share of electric vehicles (330,596 units). So one has to ask: Should BMW be worried about BYD’s rise in the global market?

Today, we will examine the strengths and weaknesses of both companies, and analyze the potential opportunities and threats they face in the electric car industry. We will also look at some of the key factors that will determine their success or failure in the future, such as innovation, customer loyalty, brand image, and environmental impact.

BYD: Strengths and Weaknesses

BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, was founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, and entered the car market in 2003. It has a diversified portfolio of products, ranging from sedans and SUVs to buses and trucks. It also has a strong presence in China, the world’s largest electric car market, where it enjoys government support and consumer preference. Some experts argue that BYD’s expertise in battery technology gives it an edge over competitors in terms of cost and performance. More recently, BYD announced a 1,000 hp rival for the BMW i5 M60 which could launch in the second half of 2024.

Additionally, BYD has proven so far the ability to innovate and adapt to changing customer needs and market trends. For example, it recently launched the Han sedan, which features a blade battery that can withstand high temperatures and punctures, and a DiLink system that allows users to control their car with their smartphone. Just like with most Chinese unicorn companies, BYD has vision to create a zero-emission ecosystem that integrates renewable energy, smart transportation, and digital services. For example, it has partnered with Didi Chuxing, China’s largest ride-hailing platform, to provide electric vehicles for its drivers and passengers.

Some Asian Customers Still Prefer Luxury and Premium Brands

When it comes to weakness, BYD still lacks the global recognition and reputation, especially in the premium segment, where it faces stiff competition from established brands like BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz. In a recent interview, BMW executives revealed that Chinese customers continue to hold a strong interest in German engineering and premium products. These items are often regarded as symbols of status in China.

Next we have the BYD’s dependence on the Chinese market, which accounts for more than 90% of its sales. This is potentially another weakness since it exposes the automaker to regulatory risks, geopolitical tensions, and market fluctuations. Of course, it has yet to break into the large U.S. market due to lack of a retail network and branding, and a 27.5% tariff on automobiles made in China. Additionally, in 2023, the Congress approved the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), introducing tax credits of up to $7,500 for consumers who purchase clean energy vehicles adhering to specific domestic sourcing and manufacturing criteria. This legislation aims to enhance U.S. automobile production and diminish the country’s dependence on the Chinese battery supply chain.

While BMW is also somewhat affected by the IRA, they are taking steps to rectify that by building a battery factory in South Carolina. The Bavarians are heavily invested in the U.S. market which still accounts for a large portion of the global sales. Of course, the BMW brand is also regarded as one of the top premium brands in America. It’s also sharing a similar status in China.

Market Position and Brand Perception

This brings us to the market position and brand perception of the two brands, arguably two important metrics for global success. BMW is still a major player in the Chinese market, thanks to a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. But a recent report by Automotive News Europe claims that Brilliance is looking to get out of the joint venture by selling its remaining 25% stake in BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA). How will that affect the market position for BMW in China? It remains to be seen, but here are a few points on this:

1. Brand Legacy vs. New Entrants: BMW has a strong brand legacy and is associated with luxury, performance, and quality. This reputation provides them with a loyal customer base. including in China. However, new entrants like BYD, who are exclusively focused on electric vehicles, might appeal to a new segment of environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability over traditional luxury brand values.
2. Market Diversification and Price Cuts: BYD has been aggressively expanding its market reach, not just in China, but globally. BMW needs to consider the implications of this expansion, especially in markets where it has traditionally held a strong position. Of course, China’s initial surge to the forefront in the electric vehicle sector can largely be attributed to substantial government backing that fueled the industry’s growth. With consumer financial incentives concluding by the end of 2022, car manufacturers, faced with the challenge of maintaining sales momentum, resorted to significant price reductions to attract customers. This strategy was widely adopted, notably by BYD among others, who launched additional price cuts in the autumn, further escalating the competitive pricing landscape.

Should BMW Be Worried About BYD?

BMW’s challenge will be to leverage its strengths while adapting to a rapidly changing automotive landscape where companies like BYD are emerging as strong competitors. Neue Klasse is certainly the right step in that direction since it will give BMW an EV-first platform with the latest and greatest battery technology. On the other hand, BYD has ambitions of its own in Europe. Just like BMW, BYD has entered the ring with plans to build a factory in Hungary which could boost its – still small – European sales figures.

In the dynamic and evolving automotive industry, there is one clear trend: the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is leveling the competitive field between established automakers and new entrants. BMW, renowned globally as a premium car brand, benefits from its extensive and rich history, which influences consumer decisions. However, it’s crucial for BMW to continuously innovate and expedite product updates, particularly in the rapidly advancing EV sector. Maintaining its commitment to its heritage and the high quality of its products remains a key factor in its ongoing success as a car brand.

So what do you think? Can BYD be the next Tesla? Should BMW pay closer attention to these new car brands?

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

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When it comes to performance and engineering excellence in the engine world, BMW has long been a name to reckon with.But among the many great engines that BMW has produced over the years, the M57 stands out as one of the most renowned and celebrated powerplants. The M57 won the 2.5–3.0 Liter category of the International Engine of the Year competition for 1999 through 2002, and again in 2009. Known for its robustness and impressive performance, the BMW M57 engine has garnered a dedicated following among enthusiasts and owners. In this article, we’ll delve into the reliability of the BMW M57 engine and explore what makes it such a sought-after choice for car enthusiasts.

A Brief Introduction to the BMW M57 Engine

The BMW M57 is a straight-six diesel engine that was introduced in 1998 and has been used in various models of BMW cars and SUVs. The M57 features a common rail injection system and a turbocharger. It was designed to provide a combination of power, efficiency, and durability, and it has seen several updates over the years. It initially made 148 horsepower before it reached its peak at 282 horsepower in 2006.

Reliability Factors

The BMW M57 engine is generally considered to be a reliable and durable engine, but it is not without its flaws. Some of the most common problems that affect the M57 engine are:

• Swirl flaps: These are small metal flaps that are located in the intake manifold and are designed to improve the air-fuel mixture at low engine speeds. However, these flaps can break off and get sucked into the engine, causing severe damage to the cylinders, pistons and valves. The swirl flaps can also get clogged with carbon deposits and restrict the airflow, reducing the engine performance and fuel economy. The best solution is to remove the swirl flaps completely and replace them with blanking plates or a new intake manifold without swirl flaps.
• Turbocharger: The turbocharger is responsible for boosting the air pressure in the engine and increasing the power output. However, the turbocharger can fail due to various reasons, such as oil leaks, worn bearings, cracked housings or faulty wastegates. A failed turbocharger can cause a loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, loud noises or oil consumption. The turbocharger should be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.
• Injectors: The injectors are responsible for spraying the fuel into the combustion chambers at high pressure. However, the injectors can wear out over time and cause various problems, such as poor starting, rough idling, misfires, smoke from the exhaust or reduced power. The injectors should be cleaned or replaced if they show signs of malfunction.
• Glow plugs: The glow plugs are responsible for heating up the cylinders before starting the engine in cold conditions. However, the glow plugs can fail due to age, corrosion or electrical issues. A failed glow plug can cause hard starting, white smoke from the exhaust or increased emissions. The glow plugs should be checked regularly and replaced if they are faulty.

Tuning

The BMW M57 engine is a popular choice for tuning enthusiasts who want to increase the power and performance of their vehicles. There are various ways to tune the M57 engine, but as always, they all come with their own long-term risks, so asses your need carefully:

• Remapping: This involves modifying the software of the engine control unit (ECU) to alter the parameters of the fuel injection, ignition timing, boost pressure and other factors that affect the engine performance. Remapping can increase the power output by up to 30% and improve the fuel economy by up to 10%. However, remapping can also increase the stress on the engine components and reduce their lifespan. Therefore, remapping should be done by a professional tuner who knows how to optimize the settings for each specific vehicle and engine condition.
• Upgrading: This involves replacing some of the stock parts of the engine with aftermarket parts that are designed to enhance the performance and durability of the engine. Some of the common upgrades for the M57 engine are:
  • Intercooler: A larger intercooler can reduce the intake air temperature and increase the density of the air, resulting in more power and efficiency. However, a larger intercooler can also increase the turbo lag and reduce the throttle response.
  • Exhaust: A freer-flowing exhaust can reduce the back pressure and improve the exhaust gas flow, resulting in more power and torque. However, a freer-flowing exhaust can also increase the noise level and emissions.
  • Air filter: A high-performance air filter can improve the airflow and reduce the restriction, resulting in more power and response. However, a high-performance air filter can also require more frequent cleaning and replacement.

Maintenance

The BMW M57 engine requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Some of the maintenance tasks that should be performed on the M57 engine are:

• Oil change: The oil change should be done every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. The oil filter should also be replaced at every oil change.
• Coolant change: The coolant change should be done every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Fuel filter change: The fuel filter change should be done every 40,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first.
• Air filter change: The air filter change should be done every 20,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
• Spark plug change: The spark plug change should be done every 60,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first.

Owner Experiences

To gain insight into the real-world reliability of the BMW M57 engine, it’s valuable to consider the experiences of owners. Many M57-equipped BMWs have accumulated high mileage without major issues, attesting to the engine’s robustness. However, like any complex machine, occasional problems can arise. Common issues reported by some owners include:

• Turbocharger failures: While the turbochargers in the M57 engine are generally reliable, they can fail over time. This is not uncommon in high-mileage examples.
• EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system problems: Some owners have reported issues with the EGR system, which can lead to reduced engine performance and increased emissions.
• Injector problems: Fuel injector problems can occur, but they are usually addressed through routine maintenance.

It’s important to note that the prevalence of these issues varies depending on the specific M57 engine iteration and the maintenance history of the vehicle.

Engine Variants

M57D25 – 148 hp – 161 hp

• E39 BMW 525d

M57D25TÜ – 161 hp – 174 hp

• E60/E61 BMW 525d

M57D30 – 181 hp – 190 hp

• E39 BMW 530d
• E46 BMW 330d
• E38 BMW 730d
• E53 BMW X5 3.0d

M57D30TÜ – 201 hp – 268 hp

• E46 BMW 330d
• E53 BMW X5 3.0d
• E60/E61 BMW 530d
• E83 BMW X3 3.0d
• E65/E66 BMW 730d

M57D30TÜ2 – 194 hp – 232 hp

• E90/E91/E92/E93 BMW 325d
• E60/E61 BMW 525d
• E60/E61 BMW 530d
• E65/E66 BMW 730d
• E70 BMW X5 xDrive30d
• E71 BMW X6 xDrive30d

M57D30TÜ2 TOP – 282 hp

• E60/E61 BMW 535d
• E63/E64 BMW 635d
• E70 BMW X5 3.0sd
• E71 BMW X6 xDrive35d
• E83 BMW X3 3.0sd
• E90/E91/E9 BMW 335d

In conclusion, the BMW M57 engine is generally regarded as a reliable and durable powerplant, favored for its combination of performance and efficiency. With proper maintenance and responsible modifications, it can provide years of trouble-free service. Like any engine, it’s essential to address issues promptly and follow recommended maintenance schedules to ensure its longevity.

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Although BMW never sold the M3 E30 in South Africa, the company’s regional division did come out with the 325iS and the 333i performance models. The car featured at the bottom of this page is neither since it’s a custom build created to mimic the appearance of the original M3. With the sports sedan’s value increasing over the years, the owner couldn’t afford to buy the real deal. He decided to take matters into his own hands and build an M3 lookalike.

Built in South Africa by Big Boss Auto, the M3 replica took about two years to complete, starting with completely stripping down the car. It uses the M20 engine from a 1986 325, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-six with 121 horsepower on tap. The intent was to mimic the M3’s look rather than its performance, so it’s more along the lines of a relaxing cruiser rather than a hardcore sports sedan.

It’s not just a regular 3er with an M3-esque body kit since the car has been subjected to other changes. It has a coilover suspension and borrows the Recaro front seats from a first-gen 3 Series (E21). From the gauges to the lever of the five-speed manual gearbox, just about every little detail is a tribute to a real M3. It also has pop-out quarter windows and period-correct BBS wheels that nicely fill those arches.

As with every project car out there, this E30 build is always a work in progress. The owner wants to tweak the six-cylinder engine a bit more. Meanwhile, he’s pleased with the progress so far and is particularly happy when people mistake his car for an authentic M3. The owner says he previously had two 325iS examples but he reckons those have become a lot more common due to the sheer number of replicas built in recent years.

This M3 E30 replica was for sale but only temporarily as the owner had a change of heart. It seems he’s not willing to part ways with his pet project just yet.

Source: Cars.co.za / YouTube

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The cargo volume of a BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60) depends on the type of powertrain you choose. If you opt for versions equipped with a gasoline, diesel, or a plug-in hybrid setup, you’ll have 520 liters of cargo space. However, if you choose the fully electric i5, the available capacity drops to 490 liters.

In a test conducted by YouTuber Bjørn Nyland, the limits of the i5 M60’s cargo space were put to the test. The M Performance version of the EV could only accommodate four banana boxes with the rear seats in place. Folding the bench increased the capacity to 17 boxes. Unfortunately, the i5 M60 ranked among the worst performers in this unconventional practicality test, a result exacerbated by the absence of a front trunk.

For comparison, the BMW i5’s rival, the Mercedes EQE, proved more spacious for carrying stuff. With the seats up, it held six boxes and expanded to 21 after folding them down. Even the i4 fared better than the i5 thanks to its more practical tailgate, accommodating four boxes with the bench in the upright position and 17 boxes after lowering it.

Of all the BMWs that underwent the banana box test, the i7 was the best, with 5 boxes in the trunk area and a total of 22 boxes scattered inside the cabin. The full-size luxury EV is in third place overall, behind the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Mercedes EQS.

Let’s keep in mind that BMW is weeks away from introducing the 5 Series Touring, together with an i5. The Munich-based automaker has confirmed an i5 M60 wagon and that should be far more practical than this sedan. Not only will the cargo area be bigger but the raised roof will facilitate carrying taller items that otherwise wouldn’t fit in the sedan because of its trunk lid.

The world premiere of the next-generation 5 Series Touring is locked in for February 2024. We’re hearing BMW is cooking up another electric estate by developing an i3 Touring on the Neue Klasse platform for a possible release in 2027.

Source: Bjørn Nyland / YouTube

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It’s impossible not to appreciate what BMW has done with the M3 Touring. The super wagon is not only powerful and fast but also practical, spacious, and luxurious. The G81 is the ideal all-arounder, as long as you can live with the polarizing kidney grille and can afford to pay the steep asking price. We have yet to see a build that didn’t look good, and this long-roof M3 is the chef’s kiss.

Painted in Dravit Grey, the M3 wagon features the black 826 M set of staggered wheels, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. It’s not completely standard, as the daytime running lights now have a yellow look to echo race cars and recent special M road-going models such as the M4 CSL, M3 CS, and the ultra-rare 3.0 CSL. The expectation is that BMW might produce an M3 Touring from the factory with the yellow DRLs, as an M3 CS Touring could hit the market as early as 2025.

The interior oozes a classy ambiance with Merino leather, boasting a Tartufo finish that extends onto the bottom half of the dashboard. This G81 build goes beyond its feature-rich specification, as the exhaust system has been modified to accommodate an aftermarket midpipe, unlocking a few more decibels. The engine’s music is notably enhanced, delivering an improved soundtrack right from the moment you fire it up, even with the flaps closed.

BMW offers an alternative to the standard exhaust with its M Performance upgrade that also sounds significantly more aggressive. It makes extensive use of titanium to shave off about 7 kg (15 lbs) compared to the regular setup. However, the layout of the quad tips is a bit unusual since they’re stacked vertically and brought closer to one another near the center of the diffuser.

As the M3 Touring is essentially a wagon version of the G80, it shares compatibility with numerous aftermarket parts designed for Bavaria’s Audi RS4 Avant competitor. BMW is currently in the process of implementing changes for the G81, with a mild Life Cycle Impulse expected to arrive as early as this year. The hardcore CS variant, mentioned earlier, will be based on the LCI model and is likely to be available for about a year, starting at some point in 2025.

Source: AutoTopNL / YouTube

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As long as your bank account can handle it, BMW offers a vast array of personalization options for the M4 Coupe. This high-end build is a prime example of how someone with deep pockets can go wild with the configurator and spend a not-so-small fortune on the performance coupe. A German dealer in Wuppertal has kindly allowed us to share these images of a stunning G82 decked out with numerous upgrades.

Made famous by the limited-run M5 CS, the Frozen Deep Green matte paint from the Individual catalog looks great on the M4 Competition. Another feature this car has in common with the four-door rocket is the striking gold finish of the wheels. This is a 1000 M set from the M Performance Parts catalog, providing a striking contrast to create an even more eye-catching coupe. A subtle carbon fiber body kit rounds off the list of tweaks on the outside.

As for the cabin, whoever configured this brand-new car decided to go with a daring specification considering we’ve rarely seen green cars with the Silverstone/Black interior. Since this is a hotter Competition version, power is routed to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can only get the manual on the base M4. The CSL was also auto-only, much like the CS coming later in 2024.

Speaking of the CS, the hot derivative is likely to come in a special spec considering last year’s M3 CS Sedan had some extra personalization goodies over the standard model. You won’t be losing the rear seats on the M4 CS since the special edition won’t be as hardcore as the two-seater CSL. Another difference between the two will be the adoption of xDrive instead of sticking to a rear-wheel-drive layout.

But before the M4 CS sees the light of day, BMW is expected to give the regular M4 a mild Life Cycle Impulse very soon.

Source: Procar Automobile GmbH M-Stützpunkt Wuppertal

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With emissions and sound regulations getting stricter in Europe and other parts of the world, cars sound duller as the years go by. Thankfully, the aftermarket scene is always ready to address these bottlenecks by unlocking those extra decibels you would expect from a performance car. Such is the case with Akrapovič and its titanium exhaust system for the M2 G87.

Launched last year, the beefy quad-pipe setup stars in a new promo video in which the compact M car signs its inline-six tune. Not only does it make the car sound better, but it also shaves off 7.3 kilograms (16 pounds). That makes it roughly a third lighter than the standard exhaust. In addition, it delivers an extra 5 hp and 13.5 Nm (10 lb-ft) from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter “S58” engine.

M2 owners don’t necessarily have to opt for a custom exhaust to make their cars sound meaner because BMW offers an optional M Performance exhaust. However, you might not like how it looks since it has pairs of vertically stacked tips positioned near the center of the diffuser. Akrapovič sticks to the usual placement but spruces things up with carbon fiber finishers shaped like a hexagon.

The aftermarket exhaust is compatible with M2s fitted with the gasoline particulate filter (GPF/OPF) and can be combined with other goodies from the Slovenian tuner. There’s also a large carbon fiber rear wing available, along with a high-gloss or matte diffuser made from the same lightweight material. Akrapovič offers carbon side mirror caps and its Sound Kit system allowing owners to alter the sound coming from the exhaust while inside the car.

How does it work? It’s essentially a receiver to control the actuators that open or close the valves by using a smartphone app. When you’re driving away early in the morning, using the quiet mode will make sure your neighbors won’t be bothered by the sound of the six-cylinder engine.

Source: Akrapovič / YouTube

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While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, we can all agree that the new BMW X2 brings a massive visual improvement over its predecessor. The F39 was more along the lines of a jacked-up hatchback, whereas the far more stylish U10 finally lives up to its Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) status. It looks particularly fetching in M Performance guise, as seen here with an all-black X2 M35i.

Photographed at a dealership in the United Kingdom, the range-topping version of the new BMW X2 is painted in Sapphire Black and has the darkened Shadowline headlights. Substantially larger than the old model, the new coupe-SUV can be fitted with 21-inch wheels, including this two-tone set contrasted by brake calipers in red as the only splash of color.

As seen in the mechanically related X1 M35i, the sleeker version has the M-specific quad exhaust system and side mirror caps that were once reserved for actual M cars. We can say the same thing about the “M” letter on the kidney grille, and there’s another one on the engine cover. With its new wave of M Lite models, it seems that BMW wants to narrow the visual gap to the real M cars.

The X2 technically fits below the X4 in BMW’s vast lineup, but there will come a time when it’ll serve as its indirect replacement. We’re hearing the X4 will be retired after this generation, although a fully electric iX4 on the CLAR platform is reportedly in the works. In the meantime, the German luxury brand is selling both, likely until late 2025, when the X4 G02 is rumored to retire.

Sharing its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with the X1 M35i and the future M135i and M235i, the X2 M35i has 296 horsepower in Europe and 312 hp in the United States and other regions with more relaxed emissions regulations. BMW sells the hot crossover exclusively with xDrive and a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of country, that four-pot is good for 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

An adaptive M suspension is standard on these cars, but you will have to pay more for the M Compound brakes. This X2 M35i didn’t have them as the beefier setup comes with gray calipers. It uses four-piston calipers with 385-mm discs at the front axle and single-piston calipers hugging 330-mm discs at the rear. These upgraded brakes are lighter and are derived from M cars.

We’ll remind you the new BMW X2’s market launch is scheduled for March 2024.

Source: tim1king / Instagram

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In 2025, BMW is embarking on a new era with the introduction of the “new” Neue Klasse, marking another phase of reinvention. However, this article will provide a concise overview of BMW’s history, tracing back to the 1940s, highlighting that this isn’t the brand’s inaugural transformation.

As 1948 dawned on Germany there was still a lot that needed to be done to recover from the ravages of World War II – a most fateful decision was currency reform which led to the eventual split of Germany into two, the Federal Republic of Germany, west, and the German Democratic Republic, east.

BMW’s Eisenach Factory

BMW did not escape the war in any condition to continue operations – aero engine manufacture was forbidden (and tooling and test apparatus were being seized as war reparations). BMW’s Eisenach factory straddled the border of east and west, unfortunately it was on the eastern side. This was the factory where the charming, and celebrated, 327 and 328 models had been produced in the 1930s.

BMW tried anything, even making metal housewares, to keep people employed. But that wasn’t enough and management had a set of hard decisions to make. On one hand they could attempt to go for volume – a small car, the cute little 531 concept comes to mind, or they could try to carve a niche at the high end. Given VW’s small car and facilities that might not have been quite ready for volume production, BMW chose to build the 501 and 502, the 503 and 507, various BMW Isettas (250,300,600) and eventually the Michelotti 700. But this was a hodgepodge collection of vehicles with no consistent brand message between them.

BMW Needed To Understand Its Brand

In “BMW by Design”, Steve Saxty describes the process that led BMW to understanding its brand again. BMW survived thanks to the financial intervention of the Quandts in 1959/1960 and the brand new 1500. The Neue Klasse car, designed by Michelotti and realized by Wilhelm Hofmeister, the Head of Bodywork Development, was a perfect entry into the mid tier class of cars on the West German market. Hofmeister left his mark with the eponymous kink that appeared on the 1500 (though that dog-leg C pillar treatment had been seen previously in the 1948 Cadillac 62 Club Coupe).

The Hofmeister Kink Was Born

The 1500 brought relief that allowed BMW to blossom and now possibly a Styling Department could be maintained. Paul Bracq came to BMW, having been at Daimler Benz in Sindelfingen with a bevy of designs to his credit. This hire started what we know as BMW’s golden era of design. Along the way BMW started using model designations for its concepts beginning with the letter E, for Entwicklung (development).

In 1972, the 5 series E12 arrived replacing the older mid-range sedans. Bracq then worked on a two-door replacement for the 2002 which resulted in the creation of the E21 3 Series. Bob Lutz, who had been brought in to BMW to replace Paul Hahnemann, took a look at the curtailed rear of the proposed car and asked that it be revised to include a workable trunk (the concept was to re-emerge as the 318ti). Eventually the new 3 series would gain two more doors for European markets that wanted smaller family cars.

That left the big car segment uncovered and work had started on the E23 7 series, with Paul Bracq out, BMW hired the designer of the extraordinary NSU Ro80, Claus Luthe. Under his guidance BMW fielded a lineup that could compete with their rivals in Stuttgart.

Paul Bracq’s contributions are covered lovingly in the second chapter of Steve Saxty’s, BMW’s Hidden Gems’. Reading Saxty’s, “BMW by Design”, simultaneously will detail the transition from Bracq to Luthe. The drawings and photos in both books bring the stories to life. Seeing a drawing that Paul Bracq used to help engineers understand the reasons for why a certain design worked is worth the price of admission. The three-volume boxed set will be available soon – at a pre-order price of £244.95, around $300.

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