The video about her passion – especially for her classic BMW R 80 – was clicked on more than one million times on YouTube. Beatriz González Eguiraun lives with, for and from motorcycles. As a trade journalist, tester and moderator of a TV programme about motorcycles, the Spaniard is able to get astride a machine every day: “I was already dreaming about doing this when I was a little girl!”

For a long time, diesel engines were ridiculed as slow and loud “oil burners”, useful at best only as power units for trucks and ships. All that changed when BMW presented its first diesel model in 1983. From that point onwards, the diesel engine was given the scope to flex its muscles and demonstrate its sporting talent. Ultimately, strategic development of the technology even resulted in an astonishing success on a racing track. In June 1998, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Christian Menzel, Marc Duez and Andreas Bovensiepen drove a BMW 320d to victory in the 24 Hour Race at the Nürburgring. This was the first victory ever achieved by a touring car powered by a diesel engine in an endurance race. And the diesel engine now had a new image: as a torquey, durable, reliable and fuel-efficient endurance runner.

An insider tip: The best place is an outside table in Cafe “Mo66”. This gives visitors a privileged view of the classic beauties driving up to the “Wheels & Weißwürscht” meet held on the premises of BMW Group Classic at Moosacher Straße 66. On 4 May, it kicks off again. From that date on, every first and third Saturday in the month: looking, presenting, talking shop, exchanging anecdotes. Fans and owners of classic cars and modern classics of all marques are very welcome here. Delicacy number one: During the morning, expert guides give tours of the BMW Group Classic vehicle collection. Delicacy number two: The Bavarian breakfast classic featuring white veal sausages is included for everyone who arrives with a classic vehicle.

30 years ago, the BMW Z1 rolled onto the road for the first time. The roadster with sheet-steel monocoque, plastic external skin and retractable doors was originallya research project carried out by the fledgling BMW Technik GmbH. Today, the BMW Z1 manufactured in a small series of 8,000 automobiles is a highly collectible modern classic. The original taillights of the roadster will be sparkling on its landmark birthday rather than candles. They are now available in the Parts Shop of BMW Group Classic.