Discover BMW’s Evolution—from Pioneering Aircraft Engines to Automotive Icons

BMW, a German multinational manufacturer of luxury cars and motorcycles, was established in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer. Its production ceased in 1917 and resumed in 1933, spanning from 1933 to 1945. This article explores BMW's rich history, highlighting its success as a testament to German engineering and automotive prowess, and aims to understand what has contributed to its current status.

History of BMW Motor Company, Ltd.

BMW's origins can be traced back to 1916 when Flugmaschinenfabrik Gustav Otto merged with Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG. In 1917, Karl Rapp renamed Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH to Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, which became an AG in 1918. In 1922, BMW AG moved its engine production operations to BFW. BMW, initially an aircraft engine manufacturer, initially produced the BMW IIIa in 1917. After WWI, it diversified into household items, farm equipment, motorcycle engines, and railway brakes. In 1923, it built its first motorcycle, the BMW R 32. BMW entered automobile manufacturing in 1928 by buying Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, a company specializing in Austin cars. In 1929, BMW built its first small car under license, replacing it with in-house designs by 1932. From 1933 to WWII, National Socialism led to BMW's transformation from an automobile company to an armaments firm specializing in aero engines, with the aero-engine business becoming its core business, while automobile and motorcycle production continued. 

During WWII, BMW focused on manufacturing aircraft engines, requiring slave laborers, primarily from concentration camps, including Dachau. In the 1980s, BMW began addressing and compensating victims of forced labor. During WWII, BMW factories in West Germany were bombed, leading to a transitional period of producing bicycles, pots, and pans. In 1948, they resumed motorcycle production with the R24. In 1952, BMW relaunched production with the BMW 501 luxury saloon, restoring its status as a high-quality car manufacturer. However, the 1950s were precarious for BMW, with nearly being taken over by Daimler-Benz in 1959. Herbert Quandt invested in shares and government financial assistance, leading to a 1960 restructuring under Quandt's management. 

In 1961, BMW introduced the 1500 model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, transforming the company into a successful modern carmaker. The 1960s and 70s saw growth in fortunes, production capacity, and model range expansion, including luxury sedans and coupes, with the 5 Series mid-size sedan, 3 Series compact sedans, 6 Series luxury coupes, and 7 Series large luxury sedans. In 1994, BMW acquired Rover Group, which was sold in 2000 after significant losses, while retaining the Mini brand. In 1998, BMW acquired Rolls Royce's branding and naming rights.

What is the meaning of “BMW”?

BMW, a German aircraft engine manufacturer, was renamed in 1917 to Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), referring to its home state of Bavaria and its core business of engine manufacturing.

Meaning of BMW Symbol

The myth that BMW's logo depicts a propeller is incorrect. BMW was created after Rapp Motorwerke GmbH was renamed to Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW), and BMW inherited Rapp's logo with a black ring around the company name. In 1917, the first BMW badge was registered as a trademark, featuring a round shape inherited from the Rapp logo, surrounded by two gold lines and bearing the BMW initials. The BMW badge features quarters of white and blue, representing Bavaria's state colors, in inverse order due to local trademark law prohibiting commercial use of state coats of arms or other sovereignty emblems, as per the company's home state.

The Propeller Myth

The myth that the BMW logo stylizes a rotating propeller originated from a 1929 BMW ad featuring an airplane propeller with the BMW logo, years after the first company logo was used.

New Logo

The new BMW logo represents the future's mobility, and the extent to which this change within the brand is reflected in the design.

“BMW becomes a relationship brand. The new communication logo radiates openness and clarity,” Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer & Brand BMW. 

“With this new transparent variant, we want to invite our customers more than ever to become part of the BMW world. In addition, our new brand design is geared to the challenges and opportunities of Digitization for brands. With visual restraint and graphics, we are equipping ourselves flexibly for the wide variety of contact points in communication at which BMW will show its presence online and offline in the future. The additional communication logo symbolizes the significance and relevance of the brand for mobility and driving pleasure in the future.”

Finally

BMW vehicles are renowned for their luxury, design, durability, and reliability, with their exceptional all-wheel-drive system, making them ideal for adventurers who can handle rugged terrains like snow. You can now check the BMW stocklist for more available models.