Beemer Bimmer History

[El bartman]

I had my first BMW in the 60's. We called it a beemer.

Now I see reference to BIMMER.

I phoned a buddy who's had bmw's forever. I asked him the spelling bimmer/beemer. His reply BEEMER.

So what's the scoop?

 

[Big Daddy]

Your buddy is incorrect, it is and always has been Bimmer, as Beemer (or Beamer) refers to the motorcycle division, See this thread: Bimmer, Beamer or Beemer I also moved this thread to the "General Car Chat" section as it fits better here.

 

[Kirby]

In addition to Dan's info, there is a German/English pronunciation difference that contributes to the error. The word "Bimmer" is pronounced in English as a short I, as in BIG. In German, the letter I is pronounce as a long E. So in German, "Bimmer" (the car) is pronounced "Beemer". We speak english, so short I is the way to pronounce it.

And (in my useless opinion) since it is slang, the final "authority" is the BMWCCA, the unofficial authority on all things BMW. BMWCCA says Bimmer=car, Beemer=motorcycle.

 

[El bartman]

Thanks. Yes my first BMW was a 1960 motorcycle.

Also since I live in Mexico, we pronounce the I as an E.

Makes sense, thanks.

bart