Loading
Loading
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) was founded in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer, building V12 engines for the German air force during World War I. The company transitioned to motorcycles in 1923 and automobiles in 1928, initially building licensed Austin Sevens as the Dixi.
BMW built a reputation for sporting sedans with the 1936 328 roadster, which won its class at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. After World War II, the company nearly collapsed and survived by building motorcycles, kitchen equipment, and the Isetta microcar before the 1500 "New Class" sedan saved the company in 1962.
The 2002tii (1966) and the 3 Series (1975) defined the compact executive sports sedan segment that became BMW core identity. The 7 Series (1977) established BMW in the luxury segment, while the M division, founded in 1972, has produced performance variants including the M3, M5, and M1 supercar.
BMW acquired the Rover Group in 1994 (selling it in 2000), bought Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 1998, and has invested heavily in electric mobility with the i3 and i8 (2013) and the current i4, i5, i7, and iX models. The brand roundel, often said to represent a spinning propeller, actually derives from the Bavarian state colors.
The BMW M1 (1978) was BMW's first and only mid-engine production car, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Only 456 examples were built. [Note: the 2014 i8 was also technically mid-engine, so M1 was the first, not the only, mid-engine BMW if i8 counts as mid-engine.]
BMW introduced driver airbags in the 7 Series in 1987, expanding availability of the technology beyond the US market where Mercedes-Benz had pioneered it earlier.
The BMW i3 (2013) was the first volume-production car with a passenger cell made entirely of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, a material more common in supercars and motorsport.
The Valvetronic variable valve lift system, introduced in 2001, eliminated the throttle butterfly by controlling intake valve lift directly, reducing pumping losses and improving efficiency.
BMW has maintained a long-standing commitment to naturally aspirated inline-six engines, a configuration that has been a brand hallmark for decades, even as competitors moved to turbocharging. The company began transitioning to turbocharging in the 2010s.
Bayerische Motoren Werke was founded in Munich, initially manufacturing aircraft engines.
The 328 roadster established BMW sporting credentials, winning its class at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia.
The 1500 sedan saved BMW from financial collapse and defined the sporty sedan segment that became the brand identity.
BMW Motorsport GmbH (later M GmbH) was established, producing performance variants starting with the M1 and later the M3, M5, and others.
BMW introduced the i3 electric city car with a carbon-fiber passenger cell and the plug-in hybrid i8 sports car, marking a major push into electrification.
How the platform works for buyers and dealers