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      04-26-2009, 06:15 PM   #1
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Why do so many call a BMW a "Beemer" vs a "Bimmer"?

Let me be right upfront,to the best of my recollection, I don't know if I ever heard anyone call a BMW a "Bimmer" prior to getting interested in the 135 Series several months ago. I have heard actual BMW owners call their car "Beemers" for the last several decades and never heard the term "Bimmer". I have read that the term "Beemer" is the "proper" designation for a BMW Motorcycle while "Bimmer" is the car. I would be interested in hearing from the BMW experts on the forum as to their explanations. Thanks. Nick
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      04-26-2009, 09:44 PM   #2
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Beemer is easier to say.... I speak Engrish GOOD LOL
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      04-26-2009, 09:50 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by driftdriven View Post
Beemer is easier to say.... I speak Engrish GOOD LOL
Truthfully I think there's something to that. I find bimmer somewhat awkward to say. Also I think my dentist is about the only person I've ever heard use bimmer. Seems like most people I talk to call it a bmw or beamer. Bimmer is just not that well known in the US.
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      04-26-2009, 09:53 PM   #4
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What;s the difference?

Can you write them phonetically? I'm not sure what the difference is.
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      04-26-2009, 10:13 PM   #5
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it's like "simmer" with a B. versus beamer like beam+er
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      04-27-2009, 01:04 AM   #6
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I use beamer to describe our cars. It sounds and rolls of the tongue better.
I have never heard anyone say bimmer before in real life.
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      04-27-2009, 01:12 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbynoway View Post
I use beamer to describe our cars. It sounds and rolls of the tongue better.
I have never heard anyone say bimmer before in real life.

same, i always hear "beemer" since it does feel more natural to the tongue. Tho when I type, it's bimmer
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      04-27-2009, 07:32 AM   #8
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Thanks for the replies. I think I will use Beamer. Of course when I say Bimmer I sound like an Englishman. "Buffy is out in her Bimmer shopping for Grey Poupon". Sorry, I use to write comedy. You can see why I starved doing that. Nick
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      04-27-2009, 09:02 AM   #9
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I think using either term in public makes you sound like a douchbag, but that's JMO.
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      04-27-2009, 09:17 AM   #10
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"sim simmer who's got the keys to my bimmer". that is a very old reggae song.
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      04-27-2009, 09:39 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cagekicker View Post
"sim simmer who's got the keys to my bimmer". that is a very old reggae song.
I love that bloody song. I remember this club going crazy. You'd think they all drove Bimmers. The song is at least 15 yrs old.
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      04-27-2009, 09:40 AM   #12
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That was the only line in the song I could understand!
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      04-27-2009, 09:44 AM   #13
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I agree "bimmer" does not pronounce well in North American English and "beemer" is more recognizable since phonetically, BMW is pronounced, "bee em dubuhyew."
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      04-27-2009, 12:10 PM   #14
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I use the Deutsch term - BMW - pronounced "Bay - Em - Vay".
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      04-27-2009, 01:20 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtle View Post
I use the Deutsch term - BMW - pronounced "Bay - Em - Vay".
Aaaaaand... you sound like a douchebag unless you're actually German.
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      04-27-2009, 01:45 PM   #16
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I just use the modern slang and call it a BM.


No debate
Bimmer = Car
Beemer = Bike
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      04-27-2009, 05:03 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrRoboto View Post
I just use the modern slang and call it a BM.


No debate
Bimmer = Car
Beemer = Bike
Bowel Movement?
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      04-27-2009, 06:01 PM   #18
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There's a shop in my town that's a BMW specialist and the place is called Bimmerworks. I always thought the name sounded goofy.
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      04-27-2009, 06:42 PM   #19
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I just spell it bimmer, and pronounce it "bee-mer"...I've heard people say BM before and I just think bowel movement. I try to refrain from using any abbreviations, just say "bee em double u"
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      04-27-2009, 10:52 PM   #20
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The site uses BimmerPost...and of cousre, it is the ultimate authority.

I use Bimmer - I was started on it years ago by someone that was a BMW afficinado, before I even heard the term Beamer. I have to admit, I kind of cringe when I hear the term beamer since it is typically used by those that are completely clueless about the brand.
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      04-27-2009, 11:31 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amsfoto View Post
I just spell it bimmer, and pronounce it "bee-mer"...I've heard people say BM before and I just think bowel movement. I try to refrain from using any abbreviations, just say "bee em double u"
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      04-27-2009, 11:36 PM   #22
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i think asians (chinese specifically?) are more apt to call it "BM". i know my parents/family say it like that. perhaps because "double you" is too hard to say for them.
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