Aspects Of Compound Production Of Diesel And Otto Engines For Passenger Vehicles

In the new engine factory of BMW Motoren Gesellschaft m.b.H. in Steyr, the manufacturing equipment was planned and realised for the production of both Diesel and Otto (i.e. Gasoline or Petrol) engines for passenger cars in form of a compound production system. Various aspects of compound production are presented with examples of the plant and the subsequent experience gained with it. A cost analysis comparison is presented between a production system using separate facilities and a compound production system. An essential requirement for the realisation of this concept was the harmonisation of the development aims for both Diesel and Otto engines. The resulting semi-flexible manufacturing system enables the production of both engine types on a continous basis. This system makes it possible to cater for changing customer demands whilst retaining the cost benefits.