Carmaker1
Quattro Commander
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After the holiday, I want to outlay and discuss development history of various generations of not only the 7er, but other BMWs (plus other brands) and if possible, clear up any misconceptions on my part or others. In the meantime (until later in the week), this is stuff I have come across over the past several years and wondered if anyone else took note.
E38 1:1 Clay circa 1990, Prototype Testing of E32-based mule, E38 Prototypes Testing.
Interior Design Effort circa 1990-91
Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing
17 November 1993 Demonstation of E38 Infotainment LCD Display, first factory system in Europe for GPS Navigation. (I-Drive Ancestor)
This photos are from development of the E38 between 1991 and 1993, which I am under the impression had engineering sign-off in mid-1993 and started pilot production on July 23, 1993, ahead of what I believe to be a February 17, 1994 SOP, based on (gathered from) Harvard research done with BMW between 1991 and 1992, on the ongoing E38 programme.
My research on that, came from Harvard (I presume), where they were studying the prototyping process for the E38 programme, targeted for 1994 launch. This research stated, that on June 12, 1991, the E38 had been in development for just under 3 1/2 years. Naturally I assume, "under 3 1/2 years" points to January or February 1988, when development started. Makes sense, as it follows completion of E32 staggered launches in 1986 and 1987.
Over the years, I have seen some misconceptions, that claim Chris Bangle designed the E38. Naturally, that reads as rather misinformed, being fallaciously based on him design chief when the car was launched in 1994. As we all know, it doesn't matter if who is in the head design office when a car is launched. Lead times matter, especially as he started on October 1, 1992.
Similarly, Sensual Purity language of Mercedes-Benz didn't come to fruition in public until about late 2012-13, despite Wagener taking his position effective June 2008 from Peter Pfeiffer. You pretty much had "transitional" efforts in between that. Anyways, I digress.
Chris Bangle noted himself, believe it or not, that the E38 was in its final wrap-up as of October 1, 1992. August 1992 spy shots of the E38, agree with him (will post bigger resolution later).
My question is, when would it have been frozen with no major alterations? In 1991? Or was BMW's approach to settle on the design (4-5 years early), then wait until 18 months before production for design freeze (different from now)? According to the 1992 Harvard research, that was the case (and also that the Lexus LS 400, was a major threat and the E38 was developed in response to fend them off in key markets).
Upon E38 press reveal to Australia on May 13, 1994, BMW spokespeople claimed that the gaffe of the poorly received W140 S-Class in 1991, had no bearing on their decision-making process, as the E38 design had been approved before the W140 Benz was "released". Keyword of "released" is too murky and could have meant went on sale or simple reveal.
I have hard time over the years, concretely outlining development of that car. The E32 was easy, as project began in September 1979, the design was frozen in 1984 and previously approved in 1983 at 1:1 scale, before 1986 SOP. E65 is also easy, as has been F01 and G11 (somewhat). E23 development might have started in October 1972. No really talks about it, compared to other generations.
Anyway, the E38 though, was being finished up during a depressing, chaotic era for BMW's design department.
In April 1990, Claus Luthe stabbed his 33-year old drug addicted son during Easter and left BMW as a result. At that time, the E31 was being launched and E36 sedan was a few months away from reveal, plus other finishing touches being done on other variants of the E36 family.
The lone model redesign being heavily developed during that period, was the flagship that would replace the lauded E32, now 4 years on the market since 1986. By the dawn of May 1990, BMW no longer had an official design chief, which in some ways ended up being temporarily absorbed by BMW mastermind, Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, the vaunted ex-head of BMW R&D and who I consider, the key to BMW's magic that helped overtake Daimler-Benz AG in global sales in 1992.
However, on two occasions, former BMW designer Boyke Boyer (retired), has been heard complaining in retrospect about the 1990-92 period about egoistic BMW engineer(s), discarding the relevance of BMW designers. I cannot help but wonder, if he was indirectly referring to Reitzle's infamously arrogant personality and stubbornness, clashing on the E38 programme due to Luthe's absence?
When Chris Bangle was hired in 1992, much of the designs signed-off through 1999, had been micromanaged by Reitzle (and his board influence), especially the E46. It is obvious, up until the Z8. He had been rumoured to have involved himself in that aspect too much regarding production models, leaving his "pet" design chief to rally the designers for advanced projects (studies, concepts). In the end Bangle won of course, when he left.
In a Business Week publication dated August 12, 1991, Dr. Reitzle was quoted saying that he was imperative that the 1994 model year E32 replacement took just 36 months to engineer, unlike that of the E36 saloon at 42 months and E30 at 48 months. I question how easily that target was achieved for a more complex flagship, especially during infancy of CAD, considering that the later launched E39 5er took an estimated 38-39 months and same for the Z3 at 38-39 months, that were both developed in parallel. for that matter, what context does "engineer" refer to?
Even as one, I do ask this question. Work on the E38 began in early 1988 and production started 6 years later, so does 36 months refer to the period before Job 1 (in Feb 1994) and after design freeze or basic final approval? Or does it even point to 36 months before pilot production in July 1993. Context with all this so called info is rather difficult in fully grasp, as the interviewer and interviewee may not mutually understand each other.
Starting in February and March 1991, German magazine publications started posting near-accurate renderings of the E38. None of them (currently accessible examples) really had spy shots per se, until about 1992.
E38 Rendering Juli 1991
Late Februar 1992 Rendering of E38 from AB.
A similar pattern happened with a July 1, 1992 edition of a Auto Car magazine, discussing "BMW's new sports car" which was ironically just 38 months before the Z3 entered production in September 1995. The E37 design was set in June 1992, from what I can observe. However, Chris Bangle noted that while the E38 was finalized, he stated that the E39 and E37 Z3, were "in the oven", but already designed a few months beforehand.
Considering that Carl-Peter Forster became chief engineer in 1993 for the E39, I can speculate both cars were frozen in early 1993 (past archived interview, spoke on E39 cockpit being finished in 1993).
The first prototypes were built in 1993. First E37 renderings at this point, emerged when the final design was chosen internally. Nowadays not quite like that with magazines, but back then that pattern seems to make sense. Magazines didn't waste time speculating too early on designs that had not even been even finished internally (like G20 renderings from early 2015). If I am wrong, please correct me.
I am trying to determine if Claus Luthe would've preceded over final selection of the E38 design before he left in April 1990. I can't imagine he would be able to, as he left nearly (45-46 months) 4 years before production began in 1994. Reitzle had a notable role in the E38, but to what degree with design? Bangle had no involvement in that car, save for some small input on the E38 LCi efforts during 1995-96.
Some research I have found, tells me that the E38 design might have been approved as early as 1990, but more likely the second half after Luthe left. By the time Luthe returned as an external consultant in 1992 (allegedly helping with E39 and Z3 in mid-1992), the E38 was pretty much done, so who was the design chief for it? If not Luthe, was it Wolfgang Reitzle? If Luthe was there prior to full-scale model stages for the E38, does he get any credit?
On another note, in some Deustche language sites, I keep seeing a fallacy, that claims the E38 was unveiled at the IAA 1993. I am strongly convinced that it wasn't, as only Audi's Aluminium Space Frame Concept was showcased and the E38 was still in camouflage up until then. The E38 was revealed during the spring period of 1994, usually pointing to May 1994 (although some publications posted on it earlier than May 1994).
I will continue add to this thread any information on development of the 7er/Siebner/7-Series nameplate from 1972 to present.
(There are some photos missing, so I will add them later.)
E38 1:1 Clay circa 1990, Prototype Testing of E32-based mule, E38 Prototypes Testing.
Interior Design Effort circa 1990-91
Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing
17 November 1993 Demonstation of E38 Infotainment LCD Display, first factory system in Europe for GPS Navigation. (I-Drive Ancestor)
This photos are from development of the E38 between 1991 and 1993, which I am under the impression had engineering sign-off in mid-1993 and started pilot production on July 23, 1993, ahead of what I believe to be a February 17, 1994 SOP, based on (gathered from) Harvard research done with BMW between 1991 and 1992, on the ongoing E38 programme.
My research on that, came from Harvard (I presume), where they were studying the prototyping process for the E38 programme, targeted for 1994 launch. This research stated, that on June 12, 1991, the E38 had been in development for just under 3 1/2 years. Naturally I assume, "under 3 1/2 years" points to January or February 1988, when development started. Makes sense, as it follows completion of E32 staggered launches in 1986 and 1987.
Over the years, I have seen some misconceptions, that claim Chris Bangle designed the E38. Naturally, that reads as rather misinformed, being fallaciously based on him design chief when the car was launched in 1994. As we all know, it doesn't matter if who is in the head design office when a car is launched. Lead times matter, especially as he started on October 1, 1992.
Similarly, Sensual Purity language of Mercedes-Benz didn't come to fruition in public until about late 2012-13, despite Wagener taking his position effective June 2008 from Peter Pfeiffer. You pretty much had "transitional" efforts in between that. Anyways, I digress.
Chris Bangle noted himself, believe it or not, that the E38 was in its final wrap-up as of October 1, 1992. August 1992 spy shots of the E38, agree with him (will post bigger resolution later).
My question is, when would it have been frozen with no major alterations? In 1991? Or was BMW's approach to settle on the design (4-5 years early), then wait until 18 months before production for design freeze (different from now)? According to the 1992 Harvard research, that was the case (and also that the Lexus LS 400, was a major threat and the E38 was developed in response to fend them off in key markets).
Upon E38 press reveal to Australia on May 13, 1994, BMW spokespeople claimed that the gaffe of the poorly received W140 S-Class in 1991, had no bearing on their decision-making process, as the E38 design had been approved before the W140 Benz was "released". Keyword of "released" is too murky and could have meant went on sale or simple reveal.
I have hard time over the years, concretely outlining development of that car. The E32 was easy, as project began in September 1979, the design was frozen in 1984 and previously approved in 1983 at 1:1 scale, before 1986 SOP. E65 is also easy, as has been F01 and G11 (somewhat). E23 development might have started in October 1972. No really talks about it, compared to other generations.
Anyway, the E38 though, was being finished up during a depressing, chaotic era for BMW's design department.
In April 1990, Claus Luthe stabbed his 33-year old drug addicted son during Easter and left BMW as a result. At that time, the E31 was being launched and E36 sedan was a few months away from reveal, plus other finishing touches being done on other variants of the E36 family.
The lone model redesign being heavily developed during that period, was the flagship that would replace the lauded E32, now 4 years on the market since 1986. By the dawn of May 1990, BMW no longer had an official design chief, which in some ways ended up being temporarily absorbed by BMW mastermind, Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, the vaunted ex-head of BMW R&D and who I consider, the key to BMW's magic that helped overtake Daimler-Benz AG in global sales in 1992.
However, on two occasions, former BMW designer Boyke Boyer (retired), has been heard complaining in retrospect about the 1990-92 period about egoistic BMW engineer(s), discarding the relevance of BMW designers. I cannot help but wonder, if he was indirectly referring to Reitzle's infamously arrogant personality and stubbornness, clashing on the E38 programme due to Luthe's absence?
When Chris Bangle was hired in 1992, much of the designs signed-off through 1999, had been micromanaged by Reitzle (and his board influence), especially the E46. It is obvious, up until the Z8. He had been rumoured to have involved himself in that aspect too much regarding production models, leaving his "pet" design chief to rally the designers for advanced projects (studies, concepts). In the end Bangle won of course, when he left.
In a Business Week publication dated August 12, 1991, Dr. Reitzle was quoted saying that he was imperative that the 1994 model year E32 replacement took just 36 months to engineer, unlike that of the E36 saloon at 42 months and E30 at 48 months. I question how easily that target was achieved for a more complex flagship, especially during infancy of CAD, considering that the later launched E39 5er took an estimated 38-39 months and same for the Z3 at 38-39 months, that were both developed in parallel. for that matter, what context does "engineer" refer to?
Even as one, I do ask this question. Work on the E38 began in early 1988 and production started 6 years later, so does 36 months refer to the period before Job 1 (in Feb 1994) and after design freeze or basic final approval? Or does it even point to 36 months before pilot production in July 1993. Context with all this so called info is rather difficult in fully grasp, as the interviewer and interviewee may not mutually understand each other.
Starting in February and March 1991, German magazine publications started posting near-accurate renderings of the E38. None of them (currently accessible examples) really had spy shots per se, until about 1992.
E38 Rendering Juli 1991
Late Februar 1992 Rendering of E38 from AB.
A similar pattern happened with a July 1, 1992 edition of a Auto Car magazine, discussing "BMW's new sports car" which was ironically just 38 months before the Z3 entered production in September 1995. The E37 design was set in June 1992, from what I can observe. However, Chris Bangle noted that while the E38 was finalized, he stated that the E39 and E37 Z3, were "in the oven", but already designed a few months beforehand.
The first prototypes were built in 1993. First E37 renderings at this point, emerged when the final design was chosen internally. Nowadays not quite like that with magazines, but back then that pattern seems to make sense. Magazines didn't waste time speculating too early on designs that had not even been even finished internally (like G20 renderings from early 2015). If I am wrong, please correct me.
I am trying to determine if Claus Luthe would've preceded over final selection of the E38 design before he left in April 1990. I can't imagine he would be able to, as he left nearly (45-46 months) 4 years before production began in 1994. Reitzle had a notable role in the E38, but to what degree with design? Bangle had no involvement in that car, save for some small input on the E38 LCi efforts during 1995-96.
Some research I have found, tells me that the E38 design might have been approved as early as 1990, but more likely the second half after Luthe left. By the time Luthe returned as an external consultant in 1992 (allegedly helping with E39 and Z3 in mid-1992), the E38 was pretty much done, so who was the design chief for it? If not Luthe, was it Wolfgang Reitzle? If Luthe was there prior to full-scale model stages for the E38, does he get any credit?
On another note, in some Deustche language sites, I keep seeing a fallacy, that claims the E38 was unveiled at the IAA 1993. I am strongly convinced that it wasn't, as only Audi's Aluminium Space Frame Concept was showcased and the E38 was still in camouflage up until then. The E38 was revealed during the spring period of 1994, usually pointing to May 1994 (although some publications posted on it earlier than May 1994).
I will continue add to this thread any information on development of the 7er/Siebner/7-Series nameplate from 1972 to present.
(There are some photos missing, so I will add them later.)
I hope next will be w222 or w221
Sadly, they sold it almost 12 years ago when she acquired a 2006 model year E66 760Li on December 27, 2005 as a surprise again (like 5 years earlier). It has been a tradition of my father's to surprise my mother on her birthday with a new 7er. This very model generation of E38 runs very close to my heart and is why I have great passion over it, being the very first tech-laden and dynamic automobile I had close access to as a child.
