The birth of the BMW legend dates back to March 7, 1916, when aircraft engine manufacturers Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto merged their factories.
Our adventure, which started with the name of Bayerische Motoren Werke, continues today with the production of motorcycles and automobiles. With extraordinary innovations, impressive technology, and strong and passionate customer relationships, BMW has been shaping automotive history for more than 100 years. The value it attaches to innovation and sustainability sheds light on the present of mobility and inspires the future.
1916.
THE BIRTH OF BMW.
During the First World War, BMW was established as an aircraft engine manufacturer. March 7, 1916, the founding date of Bayerische Flugzeug-werke AG, one of the predecessor companies, is today accepted as the founding date of BMW. The legendary BMW logo in Bavarian white and blue was registered as a trademark in 1917. The propeller symbol, which marks the brand’s early activities, appeared in the 1920s.
1923.
R32 – BMW PHILOSOPHY EMBRACES BODY.
Aiming to continue its existence, BMW started motorcycle production, which is still one of its main activities today. Embodying the brand philosophy, the R32 aroused great admiration with its debut at the Berlin Motor Show. A symbol of elegance and sportiness, this motorcycle remains BMW’s trademark for almost a century.
1929.
THE FIRST CAR TO CARRY THE BMW SYMBOL.
In November 1928, BMW took over Eisenacher Fahrzeugfabrik, a licensed copy of the Austin Seven, which had just started producing the Dixi 3/15 PS at the factory. As of March 1929, as a result of some technical developments, Dixi became the BMW 3/15 PS DA2. The first vehicle to bear the BMW symbol, it marked the beginning of the company’s history in the automobile industry.
1933.
NEW BRAND FACE.
The 303 is BMW’s first car with a kidney-shaped radiator grille, which is still a typical design feature today. Far ahead of its time with its 6-cylinder engine and numerous technical innovations, the 303 is the pioneer of a tradition that combines high performance, comfort and safety.
1936.
THE BIRTH OF THE SPORTSCAR LEGEND.
With the 328, BMW launched one of the most beautiful sports cars of the 1930s. In addition to its high engine performance, the 328 has won the admiration of many sports car enthusiasts, thanks to its excellent handling. The 328 has triumphed on racetracks across Europe in a very short span of time. The BMW 328 has remained a legend in automobile history to this day.
1940.
BMW 328 COMPETES AT MILLE MIGLIA.
Four years after the successful debut of the BMW 328 on the international racetrack, the BMW 328 Touring Coupé raced in the Mille Miglia and won the most famous auto race of its time.
1952.
NEW BEGINNINGS.
The BMW 501 was an indicator of completely renewed automobile production at BMW after World War II. With its long wheelbase and elegant lines, the 501 was a true representative of comfort.
1955.
BMW 507 – A DESIGN ICON.
BMW demonstrates its mastery in this model created by designer Albrecht Graf Goertz, creating a breathtakingly beautiful, vivacious sports car with elegant lines and unrivaled performance. The BMW 507 is quite popular around the world even today.
1955.
BMW ISETTA.
The famous “Knutschkugel” BMW Isetta 250 and 300, which first surfaced in May, were remembered as the best-selling BMW of the 1950s. With 12 or 13 horsepower meeting the transportation needs of the time, the Isetta was seen as a symbol of Germany’s post-war reconstruction.
1962.
“A NEW CLASS”.
Sporty, compact, functional and versatile: the foundations for the style and success of modern BMW cars are laid with the BMW 1500. The BMW 1500 was the embodiment of a sporty mid-range limousine.
1966.
BMW 02 SERIES.
Compact dimensions, dynamic design and a sporty structure were the most important criteria that inspired automobile designers and engineers in developing the BMW 02 Series, a success story exported to America for the first time.
1968.
BMW 2800 CS.
This elegant Coupé with a 6-cylinder engine was presented by BMW at the Paris Motor Show. In the 1970s, this vehicle, which was further developed with a fuel-injected engine, aroused great excitement in the international auto racing scene.
1972.
BMW 5 SERIES.
The BMW 5 Series has set new standards for the middle class. This elite model, characterized by elegance, comfort, dynamism and driving pleasure, has an ongoing success story today. The BMW 5 Series has introduced a new model classification structure that has survived to this day.
1972.
MUNICH OLYMPIC GAMES.
As part of this global event, BMW introduced a prototype of an electric car. Based on the BMW 1602 and marking the beginning of “alternative drive concept research” at BMW, this prototype had a maximum power of 43 horsepower and zero emissions.
1972.
DYNAMIC ELEGANCE.
A work of French designer Paul Bracq, the BMW 6 Series combines dynamic performance and elegance in a very special way.
it does. This car has succeeded in combining long-distance suitability with elegance and driving dynamics in a way that almost no other car has achieved before. The 13-year production period has also been an indicator of the intense popularity of this series.
1972.
FIRST M CAR.
The BMW M1, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, represents a high-end sports car. The BMW M1 was produced in limited numbers for those who like elite cars. The other 44 racing versions could reach speeds as high as 310 km/h. In 1979, a special racing series called the Procar Series was created for these cars.
1975.
THE SUCCESS STORY BEGINS.
THE LEGEND OF THE 3 SERIES IS BORN.
The BMW 3 Series combines sportiness, innovative technology, excellent performance and modern design. Featuring a driver-oriented cockpit for the first time, the 3 Series is class-leading just like the 5 Series.
1977.
SUPREME – BMW 7 SERIES.
Launched in May 1977 and the originator of the series, the BMW 7 Series marked the beginning of a new era for premium BMW automobiles. This sedan combines stylish design with technical innovation: the BMW 7 Series was the first car to have a fully-fledged electronic ABS as standard. The BMW 745i, with its 252 horsepower 6-cylinder turbo engine, was the pioneer of the first series.
1983.
PIQUET: FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION.
Four cylinders – 1.5 liters – turbocharged – 600 horsepower: all these are the technical characteristics of the Brabham BMW BT52, which helped Brazilian racing driver Nelson Piquet win the Formula One World Championship.
1983-85-86
BMW SPA WINS 24 HOUR RACES.
Outstanding racing performance, the BMW 635 CSi Coupé won the European Touring Car Championship three times (1981, 1983 and 1986), as well as the Spa 24 Hours, and also won the German Touring Car Championship in 1984.
1983.
FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY.
Initially just a concept vehicle, the BMW Z1 eventually reached a production volume of 8,000 units. A pioneer of its time, this car advanced in aerodynamics and suspension. The retractable doors were a feature that underlined the car’s unique design.
1989.
BMW 8 SERIES.
Combining agility, sportiness and comfort with first-class technology, the BMW 8 Series took a strong stance in the premium coupé segment. The coupé was launched with a powerful 12-cylinder engine. The 850 CSi, produced in 1992, was the most powerful model in this series and had 380 horsepower.
1991.
ELECTROMABILITY.
A big step on the road to electromobility: the E1, an all-electric car made entirely by BMW, was a testament to the brand’s technical leadership in energy savings in the 1990s. Development activities in the field of electromobility continue today.
1995.
MANUFACTURING IN AMERICA.
The BMW Z3 is the first BMW model produced in Spartanburg, on the other side of the Atlantic. Even before its release, the Z3 caused great excitement with its striking design and featured in the James Bond series “GoldenEye”.
1999.
BMW WINS LE MANS RACES.
For the first time, a BMW factory team has won first place in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
1999.
A NEW SEGMENT.
BMW is creating a stir by presenting a new model at the Detroit Auto Show: the BMW X5 is laying the foundations for a new segment in sporty off-road vehicles. The all-wheel drive BMW X5 is equipped to handle any terrain perfectly.
2004.
RECORD-BREAKING CAR H2R.
This test vehicle only works with hydrogen. Looking for an alternative to fossil fuels, BMW produced the first clean vehicle that reached a maximum speed of 301.95 km/h with 232 horsepower, thus breaking various speed records since day one.
2004.
BMW 1 SERIES.
The BMW 1 Series perfectly embodies all the hallmarks of the brand in terms of a compact segment: the typical BMW rear-wheel drive engine with unrivaled dynamic performance and agility offers you everything you desire thanks to its 6-cylinder as well as a range of safety equipment and comfort devices.
2006.
BMW HYDROGEN 7.
A pioneer in this field, BMW has been conducting research on hydrogen combustion engines since the 1980s. The result of this research was the BMW Hydrogen 7, the first limited edition luxury sedan powered by hydrogen. The combustion engine, which showed a performance worthy of a first-class car, had almost no harmful emissions to the environment.
2009.
BMW X5M.
A perfect combination of flexibility and superior handling. The BMW X5 M redefines the concept of a sporty off-road vehicle with a stylish combination of spaciousness, comfort and typical BMW M sportiness.
2010.
BMW CONNECTED DRIVE.
With BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW has become the first automobile manufacturer to offer unlimited in-car Internet use. In this way, BMW has once again pioneered in-car online services.
2011.
“VISION CONNECTED DRIVE”.
BMW debuted at the International Motor Show in Geneva with the “Vi
sion Connected Drive” revealed the idea of the future automobile. A glorious future where cars intelligently connect with each other, offering an extremely high level of comfort and safety.
2011.
BMW i8 CONCEPT.
BMW i8 Concept – A handy city car with low fuel consumption, but as fast as a sports car. Launched by BMW, which has been trying to achieve particularly high efficiency levels in its cars for years, the BMW i8 Concept is a big step towards sustainable cars with exciting driving pleasure.
2013.
BMW i3.
Environmentally friendly, agile, perfectly designed for the urban mobility requirements of today and the future, the BMW i3 redefines the future of the automobile. The innovative eDrive traction function, designed as part of BMW EfficientDynamics technology, offers an emission-free and quiet driving experience.
2013.
BMW 4 SERIES.
A breathtakingly sporty aesthetic: the BMW 4 Series Coupé is the first car in the BMW 4 Series. In 2014, the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé complemented the newly produced series.
2014.
THE BMW i8.
Vehicle development has reached its peak with the mass production of the BMW i8, a hybrid vehicle with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car, as well as the looks and breathtaking performance of a sports car. And of course, the apparent contrast between efficiency and dynamics has disappeared.
2014.
THE FIRST BMW COMPACT FREIGHT CAR.
BMW’s versatility and agility come together in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW’s first compact van. Defined for BMW by the product developers and engineers, this segment strikes the perfect balance between usability and driving dynamics.
2015.
BMW 7 SERIES.
The BMW Group has a long history of creating the future of the automotive industry. With the BMW 7 Series, we are producing tomorrow’s comfort today, thanks to groundbreaking innovations, exemplary comfort and contemporary design, as well as impressive and highly effective dynamics.
2016.
THE NEXT 100 YEARS.
In 2016, the BMW Group celebrated its corporate anniversary under the slogan NEXT 100 YEARS. The company, which has always defined itself as a forward-looking and pioneering brand, draws its strength from an extraordinary team with a passion for mobility. Discover the transportation of the future.
2017.
BMW 5 SERIES.
The modern sedan is embodied in the BMW 5 Series. Thanks to its dynamic and elegant appearance, it meets all the expectations of its class: aesthetic agility and driving pleasure with the most advanced technology.
2017.
BMW X2.
Introduced under the name BMW Concept X2 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and launched in 2017, the BMW X2 clearly emphasizes its sporty claim at first glance. Thanks to its strong athletic qualities, it offers unrivaled dynamics and agile performance in this class. With high-quality interior design and many innovative technologies, it creates the extrovert character of the new age.
2018.
BMW 8 SERIES.
Years later, the BMW 8 Series is here with its second generation and its claim is stronger than ever. Available in Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé bodies, the BMW 8 Series cars perfectly blend premium quality, luxury and maximum performance.
2018.
BMW 3 SERIES.
It created its own class nearly half a century ago, and for the past six generations it has blended driving pleasure, innovation and premium values with the spirit of the times. The seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series remains true to BMW traditions, while at the same time embodying unique technologies that shed light on BMW’s near future.
2018.
BMW X7.
A brand new and breathtaking very special model. This car, which was heralded at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show under the name Concept X7 iPerformance in 2017, was introduced as the BMW X7 in 2018. Despite its ostentatious appearance, the BMW X7, which has a light and agile impression thanks to its simple design and athletic style, also offers superior comfort up to the third row of seats, together with the interaction of spaciousness, privilege, functionality and freedom of the interior design.
2019.
BMW 1 SERIES.
The third generation of the BMW 1 Series arrives to draw admiring glances. Its modern design language makes it distinguishable at first glance. The same goes for the interior design, which has a modern atmosphere and inspires with its premium quality and spaciousness. Efficient diesel and petrol engines, front-wheel drive for the first time in the BMW 1 Series and the latest chassis technologies ensure a dynamic and agile driving experience.
2019.
BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPÉ.
A brand new authority with a bold character comes to the compact class: the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. With its uncompromising and performance-oriented aesthetics, this brand new model prefers extravagance instead of elegance, individuality over the traditional, and extraordinary over the ordinary.
2020.
BMW 4 SERIES.
The BMW 4 Series models are here in their second generation. The BMW 4 Series Coupé sets itself far beyond current trends.