An amount in the low three-digit-million euro range has been invested in the site in Lower Bavaria in preparation for the sportscar that will launch the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment.
Two engine choices will be available when the 8 Series Coupé goes on sale in November. The V8 4.4-litre engine in the M850i xDrive Coupé has been completely redeveloped to deliver a performance topping out at 530hp and a torque of 750Nm.
The 840d xDrive Coupé relies on a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine to produce peak output of 320hp and peak torque of 680Nm.
The new sportscar has a body that's made of a mix of materials, including steel, plastic, aluminium and carbon fibre. 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 are made of aluminium.
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 a wet-pressing process.
As a result of a flexible production system, it was possible to integrate the 8 Series Coupé into existing production structures. The luxury sportscar, which will roll off the assembly line alongside 5 Series and 7 Series models, relies on tried and tested manufacturing processes.
In parallel with ramp-up of the new model, digitalisation 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.
The Dingolfing plant 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.
Virtual reality glasses have also been used for the first time in training assembly staff: Specific assembly processes for the new 8 Series Coupé were videoed and viewed by employees through VR glasses. This enabled them to familiarise themselves with the new model and the correct fitment process before production ramped up.
