Why BMW bikes are "Beemers" and the cars are "Bimmers."

[patrick2000]

Ever wonder why BMW bikes are "Beemers" but the cars are "Bimmers." I found the following at Wikipedia.


[BMW] Culture


The term "beemer" started as an acronym for the abbreviation "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of BSA (as "beeser" or "beezer"), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles.
The term "bimmer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts, because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is completely arbitrary, to this day, the media, movies, and most people still use the term "beemer" to refer to the automobiles. Interestingly, in the German language, the common pronunciation of the term "bimmer" is "beemer."

Wikipedia (2006). Culture. Retrieved December 26, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bmw

[grahamw]

BMW bikes and cars tend not to converge:

BMW launches BellEndTronic:


With the launch of the acclaimed new 3-series, BMW has also revealed details of a sophisticated new electronics package that is aimed straight at the new car's core market. Dubbed Bellendtronic, the new system is fully integrated into the car's control systems and allows a range of functions including full disablement of the indicators, perilously late activation of the brakes and an adapted radar cruise control that allows the driver to sit 4mm from your back bumper in the outside lane of the M6.
Amongst other neat touches, Bellendtronic can also apply light brake pressure at all times, covering the wheels in dust, something that will be a particular benefit if your fleet manager wouldn't let you specify alloy wheels and you want to disguise ugly plastic rim covers or the fact that if you weren't such an aspirational little twat you'd have gone for a rather better equipped Honda Accord. Initially Bellendtronic will be available on the forthcoming 316i and 318i models only, but the system is expected to become standard fitment for all models in the smaller 1-series range within a year.
Other German makers are expected to follow BMW's lead, including Audi who is poised to make certain versions of the A4 available with a rival system dubbed 'Pushytwat Plus'.

[rando]

Such a bunch of knowledge to digest! I did not know that bikes had to be called "beemers" and bikes were "bimmers". I thought they were interchangeable. Thank goodness for Wikipedia and it's contributors.

As for the Bellendtronic, I guess it probably also comes with the parts necessary to change the "318i" to a more exotic number like "356i" or the like. So that other, less in-the-know folks won;t know that you;re driving a BASE model. Kinda like putting a "sport" decal on the base models of other manufacturers' vehicles. Makes you think you;re getting something til you get it home and realize you only got a few decals and a milk crate for a seat.

I had a Dakota "Sport" once. Not much sporty about a 4 cyl/5speed in a truck that size. With absolutely no options other than A/C.

Speaking of Audis, I owned an Audi Fox once. I figured out that the English equivalent to "audi fox" is " A fool and his money are soon parted". It would have been an awesome car, had it not spent most of it's days under the care of a mechanic. WHEN it ran (not often) it was pretty cool. The A/c was unpredictable, including one time when I had heat from the dash vents, and cold A/C from the floor vents. The rest of the electrical system had to be "systematically" rewired to bypass the bank of relays under the dash. The brakes were broken a lot. And it quit on numerous occasions for no apparent reason other then it had a penchant for tow trucks. If you ownde a Fox, you also owned at least one other parts car, in my case a VW Dasher that sat in the drive until it was nothing but a hulk. I aslo knew the location of evey other fox in the county junkyards.

It did manage to survive one crash into a Nissan that totaled the nissan and only minor dmage to the Fox.

I think I got $150 for it after all was said and done.

That really veered off topic. Sorry.

Rando

[messenger13]

When I first joined bmwlt.net, Mr. Shealey was very quite to straighten me out on this one. I made the mistake of calling a BMW cage a "Beemer". I'll never do that again. :o

[Zotter]

So, it really is 'Beemer' and not 'Beamer', eh?

[zippy_gg]

and all along the wings riders thought our bikes were called "bummers":eek: :D

[Matt]

From everything I've seen riding this year, BMW does not have an exclusive market on the Bellendtronic. Hell, even 20 year old Festivas have it as standard equipment as does just about all the other makes and models here in MI.

[dshealey]

When I first joined bmwlt.net, Mr. Shealey was very quite to straighten me out on this one. I made the mistake of calling a BMW cage a "Beemer". I'll never do that again. :o

I had the bike for a little while before I found out myself. I work with another engineer who has an M3, is a member of the San Diego BMW club (cars), and does a lot of autocross etc. with his car. I called it a Beemer once, he straigtened me out quick. Bought in copies of the "Bimmer" magazine. Seems they are as critical of people calling their cars Beemers as we would be if someone called our bikes Bimmers.

I knew of the origin of Beemer very well when I had my BSA in the early 60's. They were called Beezers, it followed on very well that the BMWs would be known as Beemers.

[hawg]

Beezers? From the 60's? :eek:

Does that make US "geezers"??? :rolleyes:

Maybe that's why I still can't find the "boat"!

[Steve_R]

[QUOTE=hawg]Does that make US "geezers"??? :rolleyes:[QUOTE]
It doesn't make us "geezers" but it since you started driving the TD it made you one. http://www.smileymania.at/Happy/smileymania.at_19419.gif

[jayjacobson]

....Speaking of Audis, I owned an Audi Fox once. I figured out that the English equivalent to "audi fox" is " A fool and his money are soon parted". It would have been an awesome car, had it not spent most of it's days under the care of a mechanic. WHEN it ran (not often) it was pretty cool. The A/c was unpredictable, including one time when I had heat from the dash vents, and cold A/C from the floor vents. The rest of the electrical system had to be "systematically" rewired to bypass the bank of relays under the dash. The brakes were broken a lot. And it quit on numerous occasions for no apparent reason other then it had a penchant for tow trucks. If you ownde a Fox, you also owned at least one other parts car, in my case a VW Dasher that sat in the drive until it was nothing but a hulk. I aslo knew the location of evey other fox in the county junkyards....Rando
You are really bringing back the memories now. As I recall, the Dasher was FWD with a N/S 4 cylinder engine. Very unusual, as most FWD veh's use a E/W engine. Yes, a better bit of VW engineering (not!).

[hawg]

[QUOTE=hawg]Does that make US "geezers"??? :rolleyes:[QUOTE]
It doesn't make us "geezers" but it since you started driving the TD it made you one. http://www.smileymania.at/Happy/smileymania.at_19419.gif


Wrong! I am the YOUNGEST in this elite gathering of old geezers...am even referred to as the youngster! :rolleyes:

Not only THAT but I ride in style!! Albeit a lot sloooooower...but that's okay...just smellin the roses along the way... :D:D:D

[jayjacobson]

Ever wonder why BMW bikes are "Beemers" but the cars are "Bimmers?"

Fascinating! But, in all honesty, being the co-village idiot, I could never remember the difference in a million years!

[patrick2000]

Ever wonder why BMW bikes are "Beemers" but the cars are "Bimmers?"

Fascinating! But, in all honesty, being the co-village idiot, I could never remember the difference in a million years!


I fully agree as I cannot remember either. That is why I searched Wikipedia, but if someone asked me tomorrow I would tell them there is a difference, but I just dont know what it is without looking it up. Dang, that is what got this thread started in the first place. In retrospect, it doesn't matter Beemer, or Bimmer.

Happy New Year to all.