BMW Motors in Berlin

[OlivierB]

I visited the BMW factory in Berlin yesterday. Super cool to see the entire production line, engine testing, assembly etc!
Even heard some rumours about a 1300GS and saw a wrapped up bike that kinda looked like a XR in another testing hall, (maybe a facelift?)

Along the factory tour you see how a bike comes together, they only start the production when an order is placed. So along the assembly line they have many different bikes coming together. I saw one 1250GS coming to live with about every option possible, a true sight to behold.

The way they test every engine is also very interesting, a cold test that checks if all the compression and engine performance is there before it gets sent off to the production line. Quite handy, that way if there’s an issue after assembly you know it can’t be the engine.

In the production hall they were also building a brand new section, lots of high tech robots and connections to all the parts areas.
On the factory grounds they were also changing an entire building to become a production and assembly area for electric motors. I presume for now it’s mostly scooter type bikes like the ones already on sale, 130km +/- range and a top speed of 120km/h. Not really for me but still very cool to see the concepts and the progress to a real model.

Unfortunately I was not allowed to take any photos, just took one in the lobby of the M1000R

Highly recommended if you have the time and are in Berlin!

[Diavel]

Sounds like a great visit. Did you book online or can you just show up and buy tickets? TIA 👍🏽

[Salem]

I'd  like to know too, looks like I could combine it with a ride in the Hartz area 

Very short cold testing has been used the last 15 years ro so. Even though the engine is cold, all parts are at the same say 20-21C and one gets much better statistical data from which one can predict what the warm performance will be. As soon as the engine starts to warm up the data becomes less reliable, until everything is stabilized again at operating temperature. It obviously saves time and money too, only a few engines are being completely tested to verify the relation between variations in cold ambients and warm

[OlivierB]

I booked my tickets through the iFactory website. It’s a partner of BMW and takes care of the factory tour bookings, they also do tours in other plants in Germany!

https://www.visit-bmwgroup.com/erleben/fuehrung-werk-berlin/

The Berlin factory is super easy to reach as its on the border of the city. Both metro or bus can get you there, but bonus points if you show up on your bmw of course!

There’s also a BMW shop at the plant, they sell official merchandise such as shirts and hoodies. Also full bike gear is sold here :)
Unfortunately no direct parts store but maybe something in the future, who knows hahaha!

[JTL]

Originally Posted by OlivierB

saw a wrapped up bike that kinda looked like a XR in another testing hall, (maybe a facelift?)

The M1000XR hopefully.