Origin of the term "BIMMER" ?

[Ted_E]

BMW = Bavarian Motor Works (Bayerische Motoren Werke in German), but what's the origin of the term Bimmer? I always thought it was "BEEMER" until I saw the spelling :p

[madajb]

'Cause it's quicker to say than Bee eeM Double-U?
Beemers are bikes. Bimmers are cars.
-ajb

[Ted_E]

hmm I guess I was thinking too hard about that one, anyway I like your avatar...one of the all time classic christmas movies!

[madajb]

heh, well, I was being slightly sarcastic.
So, as it was explained to me(and I make no claims that this is anything other than urban legend), BMW bikes are called "Beemer"s because it was similar to the term "Beezer", which was used to describe BSA bikes in the '50s.
So, presumably, BMW cars would be called "Bimmer"s to differentiate them from the bikes.
This could all be complete crap, naturally, so take it as you will. For what it's worth, I've seen the Beemer/Beezer connection reprinted in several BMW bike mags, so it could have a slight grain of truth behind it.

-ajb
(As long as you don't confuse me and Ralphie, we'll get along fine. heh)