On 19 September 1983 at La Napoule in the south of France, took place on the international press launch of the first BMW motorcycle to four cylinders: the K 100 the new line of motorcycles four-cylinder water-cooled called simply "K". The K series bikes soon became a symbol of technological revolution of BMW Motorrad. The Antilock Braking System (ABS) BMW was for the first time introduced on a K 100 RS in 1988. Also be added to this list of innovations, is the first cruise control for motorcycles, appeared on the K 1200 LT, along with the saddle of heated. In 2005, was introduced the Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) on the K 1200 S.

The "K Series" was launched on the market in 1983 with a single model, the Naked K 100. The BMW seemed radically new ultra modern for that time and was made only by a new concept of engine - a 987cc, flat-4 longitudinal, visible on her left side with the cylinder heads on the left the crankshaft on the right. It was nicknamed "The 4-cylinder sole" because of the appearance of the engine.

Over the years there have been many types of motorcycles K, each with a particular vehicle. The K 100 launched the eight valve four-cylinder with telescopic front forks. Soon after, there was the K 100 RS. Continuing with the expansion of the range, were also offered Touring models, the K 100 and K 100 RT LT.

BMW introduced in 1993 the front suspension Telelever Boxer engine, but to see it applied on K series must wait until 1997. The first K which mounted the Telelever was the K 1200 RS.

The year 2004 was historically important for BMW. This was the year when BMW Motorrad has introduced a new philosophy of product. The vision of BMW engineering is to produce motorcycles that not only remain faithful to guidelines that go to quality, reliability, engineering and advanced security, but also they become highly competitive in the areas of performance and design. With this new goal, combining weight - power became the new guideline of BMW Motorrad.

The BMW motorcycle, which usually were the heaviest in their respective categories are now the most read. For example, the new K 1200 S is the lightest in class "Hypersport" as the K 1200 GT is in motion tour. This new production of "Series K" has also launched a new front suspension, other than the trusted Telelever. BMW called this new system, BMW Motorrad "Duolever."

The K 1200 S was followed by the futuristic K 1200 R and K 1200 GT - un'agile and comfortable Gran Turismo. The K 1200 R Sport was introduced in 2007.

After 25 years the four-cylinder is no longer determined by single letter "K", but in April 2008 BMW Motorrad has launched another acronym for a motion performante represent "S" Series. BMW Motorrad it is next to enter the world of Superbike racing with its new series "S".

Both the new BMW 320d Convertible and 125i Coupe will receive their
world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March - alongside an
EfficientDynamics concept car and a raft of other new models.

The German marquee recently unveiled the BMW M3 Convertible at the
high-performance end of the convertible market, and is following the
move with the 320d at the more frugal end.

Available in both SE and M Sport guises, the new 320d uses the same
1,995 cc engine from other 320d models in the 3 Series range to offer
177hp and 350Nm of torque.

It has a single-turbocharged two-litre diesel engine propels, which is
capable of zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of
139mph.

The car is also the most efficient of the BMW open-topped 3 Series,
delivering 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just
140g/km.

The 320d is priced at $76,000 on the road with the M Sport model
priced at $70,000 with both going on sale in March.

Furthermore, the BMW 1 Series Coupe range has been strengthened with
the addition of a fourth derivative.

The six-cylinder 125i joins the twin-turbo 135i M Sport, the
four-cylinder 120d, and the 123d that features the world's most
powerful four-cylinder diesel engine in a production car.

Generating 218hp from its 2,996 cc engine, the new 125i Coupe
accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and achieves a top speed
of 152mph.

The new 125i Coupe SE costs $47,000 on the road while the M Sport
derivative, with its 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and body
styling, costs $51,000

The Geneva Motor Show takes place in the Swiss city from March 6th.
See also: totallymotor.co.uk

• Set for launch in 2010
• Based on 7 Series
• Closely resembles Concept CS

This striking computer-generated image shows how BMW's new Gran
Turismo might look.

Based on the luxurious 7 Series, it should go on sale in 2010 and
closely resembles the Concept CS shown at Shanghai last year.

Dubbed the Gran Turismo (the final name has yet to be decided), the
car should boast many of the 7 Series' features and engines, and will
challenge the forthcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

The Gran Turismo is likely to be even longer than the 7 Series, and
will also lose a seat, giving occupants even more room.

BMW is hoping to attract buyers of both luxury saloons and sports
cars, thanks to the car's four-door design and coupe styling.

The system works using an embedded navigation device, which knows the
exact location of the car at all times.

Depending on the level of information or help required, the driver can
use the system to contact the emergency services, BMW's breakdown
service or a BMW call centre for local information such as the
location of a restaurant or cinema.

If the car is involved in an accident where an airbag is deployed, the
system will automatically contact the emergency services. If the
emergency operator doesn't receive feedback from the car's occupants,
they will then be sent the car's exact location.

Drivers of cars fitted with Connected Drive can also use the system to
alert the emergency services if they see an accident, allowing them to
exactly pinpoint where it has happened.

In addition, the system allows drivers to browse Google maps at home
or work and send route information to the car's sat-nav via a
dedicated website. Owners can also use the website to set up RSS news
feeds that will be sent direct to their car.

Connected Drive will be supplied as standard with all BMWs equipped
with satellite-navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

The diesel 6-Series is a take on the two-door, 2+2 luxury coupe that BMW expects to account for three-quarters of UK sales. It’s a significant car alright. It was launched in 2007, along with a facelift for the entire 6-Series range. Now the controversy over the car’s styling has worn off, it’s easy to appreciate what an aggressive, distinctive-looking machine it is. This visual impact is likely to appeal to younger buyers. The 635d is available in both coupe and convertible guise, with a choice of two trims - standard and Sport, the latter offering more focused suspension, larger wheels and delectable sports seats. There currently isn’t a premium two-door diesel rival, but Mercedes offers the four-door coupe CLS in diesel guise, and there are also oil-burning versions of the cheaper Audi A5. No Jaguar XK diesel yet, though.

The 635d has a straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel that’s hard to fault. It offers even more torque than the V10 M6, and there’s no arguing with 0-60mph in a mighty 5.7 seconds. On the road, it feels extremely fast, especially in kickdown. However, it’s the effortless nature with which it gains speed that really impresses, while the engine remains unruffled even when pushed hard. Through corners, the BMW continues to impress. There’s lots of grip, the steering has good feedback and it remains composed. However, this involvement does lead to a firm ride and a surprising amount of road noise. It’s not comfortable enough to be a true GT.

Like all BMW models, build quality is immaculate, but there are grips. There’s a lack of stowage, and the iDrive control system is fiddly - though eight programmable buttons do make things easier. The 635d is well suited to accommodating two people as well - the cabin is spacious up front and the electrically adjustable, figure-hugging seats of the Sport model offer excellent support and comfort. However, the two-door body means access to the rear is tricky, and the seats themselves are cramped. The BMW is also expensive, as are options - so it’s a good job retained values are rated at well over 50 per cent. It’s also economical, as you would expect from a diesel. Even during testing, it averaged over 30mpg, with 37mpg potential on a cruise.