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BMW 3-Series 1999

In Summer 1998 the new 3-series was launched. The cars will be produced in Munich and Regensburg, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa. The volume planned p.a. is 400,000, the 4-door version is 50%. The new 3-series is introduced as sedan 4-door, 2-door and as a caravan. A compact will follow.

Product & Process Development

Product development time took 24 months. The development was under the responsibility of Dr. Ziebarth, Director Small Cars. 90 simultaneous engineering teams were in place. The project team will stay together for the life cycle of the car and consists still of 100-120 people. During product & process development 30 key issues were defined, which were executed by teams of 3-4 people.

40 concept suppliers were integrated, selected out of 150.

Production

The car will be produced in Munich and Regensburg, Germany. Kits will be assembled in Rosslyn, South Africa.

About $ 600 Mill. is invested into manufacturing for the 3-series. In Regensburg a new bodyshop was installed for $ 320 Mill., the presshop was updated for $ 90 Mil. In Munich the assembly was restructured at a cost of $ 41 Mil. and the body shop renewed for $ 160 Mill.

The car is welded with 5,000 spots, using 350 robots in Munich and 475 in Regensburg. Body shop automation is at about 95%.

Some more Facts:

• Annual volume : 400,000

• 4-door : 200,000

• 18 supply modules

• 2,700 part numbers

• 25% of parts inhause

• 490 suppliers

• 30% outside Germany

• Product development time : 24 months

• 90 simultaneous engineering teams

• 40 concept suppliers out of 150

• 30 key issues defined and separately handled

• life cycle team : 100-120 people

• Plants : Munich and Regensburg, Germany, and Rosslyn, SA

• Total invest : $ 600 Mill.

• Invest into the Body Shop Munich: $ 150 Mill.

• Invest into Assembly Munich: $ 41 Mill.

• Invest into the Body Shop Regensburg : $ 320 Mill.

• Invest into Presshop Regensburg: $ 90 Mill.

• 5,000 spot welding points

  (September 1998)

Photos: BMW AG

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