Tag Archives: Auto Shows

BMW 1602 Electric Car at IAA 2021

While the BMW i3 is largely credited as the brand’s first electric car, it actually isn’t. In fact, the first-ever electric BMW debuted all the way back in 1969, with the BMW 1602 Electric.

Back in ’69, BMW constructed two experimental vehicles off of the BMW 02 Series with the aim of investigating the suitability of an electric drive unit for real-world driving. A DC shunt-wound motor, with a peak output of 32 kW, that had been developed by Bosch and whose power was directed to the rear wheels via the intermediate gearing and prop shaft provided the propulsion. A thermostat-controlled 140W radial fan took care of cooling. The 85-kilogram electric motor drew its power from 12 standard 12V lead-acid batteries from Varta, which were positioned on a pallet in the engine bay.

bmw 1602 electric 04 830x553bmw 1602 electric 04 830x553

Because of the massive lead-acid battery pack up front, the BW 1602 was quite heavy. In fact, just the battery pack up front checked in at 350 kg (771 lbs), though it did fit in as one unit, so it could be removed and swapped with a fully-charged pack.

BMW officially displayed the 1602 Electric at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and let’s just say the track and field runners were probably faster. The little BMW 1602 Electric got from 0-50 km/h (31 mph) in eight seconds and had a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). If driven at a constant speed of 50 km/h, it could achieve a range of 30 km (19 miles). Interestingly, though, back in the ’70s, the BMW 1602 Electric even had regenerative braking.

bmw 1602 electric 06 830x553bmw 1602 electric 06 830x553

The BMW 1602 Electric is currently on display at the 2021 IAA, next to all of BMW’s radical futuristic concept cars. When looking at where BMW started, it’s interesting to see where BMW is going, in the world of electrification. The 1602 Electric is such a charming little vintage electric car, with technology that seems archaic today. However, it was the beginning of the brand’s interest in electric technology, which is going to be our future.

11 Chicagoland BMW dealers hosted virtual car events showcasing new BMW models

Continue Reading Below

BMW Cares Siebert28BMW Cares Siebert28

Nearly three weeks ago, we partnered with eleven Chicagoland BMW dealerships to present and highlight some of the latest BMW models. With most auto shows either delayed or canceled altogether, not many current and potential customers have the chance to experience some of the new BMW products.  So we wanted to use the online medium as a way to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts. This way, our followers were able jump on the livestream with your friends and check out the new BMWs together.

Therefore, on February 16, we began to stream live on our Facebook and Instagram pages a series of virtual car events. Each one of the eleven Chicagoland BMW dealerships picked a different model to showcase, from the new M2 CS and M5 Competition, to the high-volume sellers like the BMW X5 and 5 Series sedans. Here were the participating dealers:

What was even more exciting about this project was the level of commitment from the BMW dealers in presenting the cars. Most of the video hosts were either BMW Geniuses or Client Advisors, and most of them have never been on camera before. Let alone streaming live in front of millions of people. But if there was one thing that emerged from this virtual events was their knowledge of BMW products and passion for the brand.

We would also like to thank them for inviting us into their homes and we encourage you to visit your local dealer for more information on the new BMW products. So without any further ado, we would like to show you the 11 livestreams:

Just another WordPress site