The Century-Long Story of the German Automotive Giant BMW

The BMW legend was born on March 7, 1916, when Gustav Otto and Karl Rapp merged their aircraft engine manufacturing factories. This merger resulted in the formation of a company known as Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works in our language. The unforgettable logo that has stayed with the brand to this day is comprised of the blue and white colors specific to the Bavarian region. This iconic logo was registered as the brand's logo in 1917.

The companies that formed BMW were originally based in Munich. The first aircraft engine produced by these companies was developed by Max Friz in 1913. These aircraft engines were among the first to be capable of high-altitude flight, and at that time, they received 600 orders for the initial prototype. In 1919, BMW-branded high-altitude aircraft engines began breaking records, and the company's fortunes began to soar. After the end of World War I, BMW shifted its focus to producing automobile engines.

Challenges Faced by BMW

Following Germany's defeat in World War II, the Allied Forces entered the country and began destroying factories. BMW's factory in Munich was among those affected. During these difficult years, BMW shifted its focus from producing vehicle engines to manufacturing electric kitchen and garden appliances. By selling these products until 1950, the company managed to recover and make a strong comeback in the industry. The motor vehicles produced in the 1960s greatly contributed to BMW's resurgence. From those years to the present, BMW has achieved great success by adhering to the principles of excellence in automobile production, forward-thinking, and pure quality.

The First BMW Vehicles

The R32 model motorcycle, produced in 1923, was the first motorized land vehicle to embody the BMW philosophy. Despite a century passing since then, BMW still continues to manufacture motorcycles. The first automobile bearing the BMW emblem was the Dixi 3/15 PS DA2 model, produced in 1929. This model is significant as it represents BMW's entry into the automotive sector. In 1933, the 303 was produced, marking the company's first model with kidney-shaped radiator grilles. With a 6-cylinder engine, the 303 was one of the first cars to successfully combine performance, safety, and comfort. BMW's production of sports cars began in 1936 with the development of the 328. The 328 offered excellent handling and was a high-performance vehicle, making it one of the most beautiful sports cars of its time. Upon its release, the car achieved success in European automobile races.

In 1983, the company's Piquet model won the Formula 1 championship. In the same year, the BMW SPA also won the 24-hour races. By 1995, BMW had begun producing vehicles in the United States, and the Z3 model, produced there, was even featured in the James Bond Golden Eye film.