BMW, S Little Known Facts

Brand: BMW Model: S

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The 3-series E30 was initially planned to have a pop-up headlights design but due to development issues, it was changed to the now-iconic single unit headlight.
BMW S series engines were initially called M10 in some markets, with the primary difference being in tuning specifics and the addition of an anti-knock system in later models.
The BMW 2002 Turbo (S102) had a power output that was nearly double that of its normally aspirated counterparts, due to the turbocharger's ability to force more air into the combustion chamber.
In the early days of the M series, BMW engineers considered building a racing version of the 3-series, but ultimately decided on using the then-new E30 chassis as their base model for competition cars.
The E24 6-series was initially meant to be a coupe version of the E23 7-series, but its design evolved into something entirely different and more in line with BMW's modern body style philosophy.
BMW's first V12 engine (S70) was used in the E31 8 series, which marked a significant departure from their traditional inline engines.
Some early models of the M3 came equipped with a driver-adjustable rear differential known as an M-Tech system, allowing for customized traction control based on driving style and conditions.
The first BMW turbocharged engine was the S14 in the E30 M3, which boasted impressive performance given its era but also had reliability issues early on.
The 5-series (E28) was initially not intended to be a high-performance vehicle; however, it eventually became a solid competitor and platform for future BMW models.
BMW considered building an S-series based M1 in the 1970s, but decided against it due to financial constraints and the desire to focus on other projects at that time.
Some early versions of the M50 engine (used in E36 chassis) came with a manual gear shift linkage designed by ZF Sachs, known for its smoothness and precision.
The BMW E28 5-series had an optional 'Comfort Package' which added features like leather upholstery and power windows to the vehicle's already impressive array of standard equipment at that time.
The M3 (E30) was originally planned to be called the "M3 Evolution", with a name change happening before its official release due to marketing decisions.
BMW first used the term 'S-package' for performance upgrades on certain models starting in the 1980s, which included improvements to engine, transmission, and other components tailored specifically towards enthusiasts.
In some European markets, the E34 5-series was sold as a higher-performance model, with engines that were tuned to produce more power than standard versions available elsewhere.
A version of the BMW M3 (E30) was tested at the Nurburgring with a massive 4-liter inline-6 engine producing around 600 horsepower in development, but never made it into production.
The E32 7-series had an advanced system for driver assistance and safety, known as 'Comfort System', which included options like automatic headlights and rain sensors.
BMW's M50B25 engine (used in the E36 chassis) featured a unique intake manifold design meant to improve low-end torque while keeping high-revving performance capabilities intact.
The S14 turbocharged engine from the E30 M3 was also used as a base for the early BMW S series engines, demonstrating the company's focus on modularity and efficiency in their engineering practices.
BMW considered building an all-wheel-drive version of the M3 during its development, but decided against it due to reliability concerns and performance compromises.
The 6-series (E24) had a high-performance version called the 633CSi, which boasted impressive acceleration and handling for its time period.
Some BMW S series engines featured oil sump designs that helped reduce wind resistance at higher speeds, further emphasizing their focus on performance and efficiency in even the smallest details.
The M6 (E63) was initially intended to be a standalone model, before being integrated into the 6-series production line due to market demand and technical considerations.
BMW engineers considered using a unique 'paddle shift' system for their manual transmissions in certain models, which would have allowed drivers to manually shift gears without interrupting engine speed or torque output, but never materialized due to production complications.
The E28 5-series had an optional driver's aid system called the "DSC" (Dynamic Stability Control), precursor to modern electronic stability control systems found in many vehicles today.