 The BMW Z1, only 8000 were produced |
 The BMW 850I, was created to replace the 6 series |
- 1980-1990
- 1990-2005
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In 1980 the mass-produced R 80 G/S is unveiled. This motorcycle is the first to be
equipped with BMW's single swingarm "monolever." The development of the Formula 1
engine begins. ABS goes into production. In 1981 BMW becomes the first European
carmaker to establish a subsidiary in Japan. In 1982 the Steyr production facility
starts up as the fifth BMW manufacturing plant. A decision is taken to establish a
sixth plant at Regensburg. In 1983 BMW incorporated Diesel engines for cars into its
ranges. In 1985 BMW Technik was founded. Their first product is the Z1 prototype.
Also BMW produces more than 37,000 motorcycles in the year of the centenary of the two-wheeler.
BMW celebrates the completion of the BMW Research and Engineering Centre.
The BMW 325 iX is the first BMW with four-wheel drive. In 1986 BMW produced
the 745i with direct fuel injection. This car is also the first in Europe to have a
liquid hydrogen tank and internal fuel preparation. US sales peaked in 1986,
but dropped steeply partly due to two new luxury vehicles - Lexus, made by Toyota, and
Infiniti, made by Nissan. In 1987 BMW presents the first German twelve-cylinder
automobile engine in half a century, develops an electronic diesel injection system,
implements on-board diagnostics in models of all series, and, with the M3, wins the
only World Touring Car Championship that has ever been held. In 1988 BMW becomes the
world's first motorcycle company to produce a motorcycle with electronic-hydraulic
antilock braking system (ABS). Also in 1988 the Z1 roadster is launched.
The collapse of the Berlin wall in 1989, led to a boom in cars sales.
Also in 1989 BMW has another first by producing half-a-million cars.
The company also has a turnover of DM 20 million, and acquires Kontron GmbH,
a specialist in process engineering. The year sees the launch of the K1 motorcycle
and the 850I Coupe.
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