Production: Optimised processes for uncompromising quality
Joint production of the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series at the BMW Dingolfing plant.
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Process and component communalities guarantee efficient production and luxury-class quality standards.
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Longstanding expertise in the production of large sedans, Coupes and convertibles.
Like the two other models in the 6 Series family, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is produced jointly with the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series at the BMW Dingolfing plant. This is traditionally the factory for the large BMW Coupes and sedans within the BMW Group production network.
This new luxury-class model in the premium segment is based on a newly devised vehicle architecture also used for the luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series. This manufacturing concept incorporates the use of components across different series, resulting in highly efficient production and achieving maximum standards in terms of finishing quality.
Since 1967 the BMW plant in the Lower Bavarian town of Dingolfing has belonged to the company’s global production network, which today encompasses more than 25 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries. 1973 saw the commencement of production of BMW automobiles at the newly erected factory 2.4 at this location, where previously more than 8 million BMW vehicles had been built. Over 18,500 persons are currently employed at this facility.
Integrated production for quality and efficiency at the highest level.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe reaps the benefit of sharing processes and process modules with the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series – which, firstly, ensures the highest level of quality right from the start and, secondly, helps reduce labour time and cost by means of synergetic effects. In this way it is also possible to realise a start-up curve of just two months.
Intelligent use of synergies for all technologies.
Aluminium cast parts, pressed parts made of aluminium and steel, but also plastic components are used on the coachwork of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. This construction method of incorporating different materials facilitates the highest degree of stiffness, whilst keeping weight to a minimum and also adhering to the BMW design philosophy.
For example, when assembling the front end and floor assembly of the
BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, it is possible to utilise existing manufacturing facilities for body construction. Later, the vehicle is sent to a self-contained assembly line where differentiating bodywork components are added. When add-on parts are attached, the Gran Coupe shares the assembly line – and hence all processes – with the other two BMW 6 Series models.
In the paint shop, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe runs according to body colour through the existing paint shop lines along with the other models produced at Dingolfing. The new vehicle is special in that, like all other add-on parts, the wings can be assembled beforehand at the body shop thanks to the use of inline-compatible thermoplastics. Therefore, attaching these components at the paint shop becomes unnecessary.
The BMW 6 Series Coupe is assembled jointly with the BMW 7 Series, the BMW 6 Series Convertible and Coupe and some of the BMW 5 Series in the so-called “flexible assembly shop” at the Dingolfing plant. There, many already established assembly processes guarantee stable operations and high-quality standards right from the word go.
High demands on sustainability.
Like all other plants within the BMW Group production network, the Dingolfing location also attaches major importance to social, economical and ecological sustainability. Last year, the plant received the Future Prize awarded for the first time within the framework of the competition “Factory of the Year” for the creation of workplaces that are attuned to aging. The accolade honours cutting-edge manufacturing processes that take the lead in social, technical and organisational development, serving as an example for other business enterprises.
