Posts Tagged ‘Things’

5 Things You Don’t Know About Bmw

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

5 Things You Don’t Know About BMW

Most people think that they know everything they need to know about BMW when they go to the dealership, read about BMW in Consumer Reports or Car & Driver magazine or go online and do some “research”. You can’t go wrong by doing any of those things.

But the truth is my friend, there is so much more to the BMW experience than just the usual brochures and information.

When you own a BMW you’re not just buying a luxury car. You’re buying a tradition of quality and excellence. And to show you what I mean, let me tell you about some “little known” insider information about BMW. This is going to be like a trip through your family tree. And just like you are the way you are because of all members of your family that came before you, the same is true of BMW.

Why should you care about any of this?

First, just like you, every BMW has its own special personality that started almost a century ago in 1913. Even then the obsessive need to create great mechanical machines was born. And like most true stories of “greatness”, BMW has its roots in failure. Karl Rapp started the company as an aircraft engine manufacturer. With a gleam in his eye and a dream in his heart, his watched as his aircraft engines struggled to overcome vibration problems.

But all would not end well for Karl.In about three years the dreams of Karl Rapp were dead.

The financial problems of the company were just like a bullet through his heart. And there was no way he could survive this massive trauma. So in 1916 he sells out to Franz -Josef Popp and Max Fritz. For the next four years the company does well with the aircraft engine business. But it was not enough.

As the old saying goes, the only thing that stays the same is “change”.

Secondly, BMW started building motorcycles in 1921. And the reason this is important to you dear reader is because this was another turning point for the company. During the next six years the company has great success with its R32 and R37 motorcycles. In fact from 1924 to 1929 all German championships in the 500 ccm category were won by BMW. Can the vehicle you drive today boast of such an inspiring heritage?

1928 was a very good year. This was the year in which all descendants of every BMW model in existence today began to take shape. For like all visionaries, the owners of the company knew they had to find other markets for their engines because the world economy was changing. And they needed to change with it.

Why is the factory at Eisenach/Thuringia important to you?

Because, and this is the third thing you don’t know about BMW, this was the first factory the company owned that was licensed to build small cars. It’s sort of like saying what hospital you were born in and on what date. Do you feel the connection?

The fourth thing you don’t know about BMW is that 1932 was the first year the company entirely developed the first model BMW called the AM4. With this car BMW wins the Concours d’Elegance in Baden-Baden. Not a bad start for a car that would become a legend—-right?

And finally, the fifth thing you don’t know about BMW is that in 1933 BMW introduced the 303 saloon. This was the first inline-six cylinder engine produced by the company. This configuration is still in use in many more recent models.

Now you can no longer say that there are, “5 Things You Don’t Know About BMW”.

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At A Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. His passion for everything BMW is what he likes to share with others.

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

Things To Consider Before Buying Replacement Bmw Parts

Friday, April 11th, 2008

BMW is a quality car company with a reputation for style and performance. When the time comes to repair or replace any parts, many BMW owners do not consider buying aftermarket BMW parts. They turn toward generic car parts in an effort to save a few dollars.

Not choosing BMW replacement parts to service your car is a common mistake that can diminish the quality and performance of a BMW. While original BMW parts are crafted from the highest quality materials, the same is not true of aftermarket parts. In terms of BMW parts, the higher price isn’t just because of the brand name.

Replacing a few nuts and bolts with generic parts may not appear to be a problem. However, even the smallest components of a car can cause major damage if made of substandard materials. For example, a loose bolt that was not designed for a BMW can fly off while the car is in motion, causing major damage and possibly bodily harm as well. Saving a few pennies can cost much more overall.

Maintaining the Structural Integrity of A BMW

BMW has established a tradition of well made cars that meet a quality standard for their customers. When other parts are used on a luxury car, it weakens the value of the car. The BMW no longer meets the specifications of the original model. This increases the rate of depreciation of the car, making the investment less valuable.

Depending on the parts that need to be replaced, the BMW warranty could be voided if other replacement parts are used. This is an important point to consider when deciding between BMW aftermarket parts and generic parts. Choosing BMW aftermarket parts is the only way to ensure that the car will always be in the best possible condition.

When generic car parts are used on a BMW, it also dilutes the purity of the brand. After adding various car parts, a BMW effectively becomes a hodgepodge of different brands and levels of quality. The same could be said of a glass of water with a drop of motor oil in it. The glass of water would no longer be considered water, because of the addition of the oil. A BMW could rightfully not be considered a true BMW, because of the addition of generic aftermarket parts.

Aftermarket vs. OEM BMW Parts

Ultimately, the option of whether or not to use aftermarket or OEM parts on your BMW is the owner’s choice. Many people have replaced their BMW parts with generics with no trouble at all. However, with generic car parts, there is no assurance about the exact quality of the product being put on the BMW. With BMW replacement parts, there is no question that the car will perform to the exact specifications that it was designed to in the factory.

Price is certainly a valid consideration when choosing replacement parts for your vehicles. In most cases, OEM parts will be more expensive than generics. However, by leveraging the internet, you can likely find OEM parts at a far lower cost than by getting them straight from the dealership or from the repair shop.

Cyril Joseph is an author for Above All Motorwerks, an online auto parts retailer that educates visitors about BMW parts and other car topics. Above All Motorwerks is a solid resource for BMW owners and other car lovers who want to learn more about how to maintain their car.