(July 6, 2018) DINGOLFING, Germany — BMW Group Plant Dingolfing began series production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé this week, the sports car that will launch the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. An amount in the low three-digit-million euro range has been invested in the site in Lower Bavaria in preparation for the new model series.

A large number of digital innovations have also been integrated into the production process, including self-driving transport systems and smart devices.

Dr. Andreas Wendt, head of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing said, “As the plant that builds the BMW 7 Series sedans, BMW Group Plant Dingolfing has outstanding expertise in producing vehicles for the luxury segment. We are optimally prepared for production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé. I am sure our customers around the world will love this luxury sports car."

Intelligent lightweight construction, with a mix of materials, including steel, plastic, aluminum and carbon fibre, is used in the body of the new sports car. In addition to the supporting structures at the front and rear of the vehicle, other components, such as the roof, doors, bonnet and the front firewall of the all-new BMW 8 Series Coupé, are made of aluminum.              

For the first time in a series-production BMW model, the roof is available in carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) — which is also manufactured at the Dingolfing location in an innovative wet-pressing process.

Thanks to the BMW production system’s high level of flexibility, it was largely possible to integrate the new BMW 8 Series Coupé into existing production structures. The luxury sports car, which will roll off the assembly line alongside BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models, relies on tried and tested manufacturing processes.

In parallel with ramp-up of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé, digitalization of logistics and production processes in Dingolfing continues apace. For example, in door assembly, parts are delivered to the line by autonomous tugger trains; on the finish line, collaborative robots measure gaps and misalignments.

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing increasingly makes use of wearables. These mobile computer technologies worn on the body support staff with their tasks. In addition to the ProGlove smart glove scanner, a so-called “exotics alarm,” for example, will use the vibrating alarm of a smartwatch to alert staff when a car with non-standard equipment options is coming up and requires special attention.

Two engine choices will be available when the new BMW 8 Series Coupé goes on sale in November. The V8 engine in the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe delivers impressive power. The latest generation of the 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine has been completely redeveloped to deliver a performance topping out at 530 hp and a torque of 750 Nm.

The BMW 840d xDrive Coupé relies on a diesel engine unlike anything else in the competitive environment to deliver superior traction and low fuel consumption. The 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder diesel power unit generates a maximum output of 320 hp and a maximum torque of 680 Nm.

Plant Dingolfing is one of the BMW Group’s 30 global production sites.