9 Interesting Facts About BMW

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German multinational company that produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. Founded in 1916, BMW is one of the most prestigious brands in the world, known for its focus on performance, engineering, and design. Headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, BMW’s iconic logo represents a stylized spinning airplane propeller, a nod to its early origins in aviation.

BMW is still family-owned, with the Quandt family holding the majority of shares. Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten, descendants of the original BMW shareholders, are among the richest individuals in Germany. BMW’s 2023 revenue was estimated at around €150 billion, making it one of the most profitable automakers globally.

Place Among Automakers

BMW is consistently ranked among the top luxury automakers in the world. It competes directly with Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus. As of 2023, BMW is considered the second-largest luxury car manufacturer globally, only behind Mercedes-Benz in terms of annual sales.

BMW’s focus on electric mobility, sustainability, and performance positions it strongly for the future of the automotive industry. It continues to be a leader in innovation and engineering, pushing the boundaries of what luxury cars can offer.

Interesting Facts About BMW

1. Origin in Aircraft Engines: BMW originally started as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916. The company’s focus shifted to motorcycles and automobiles after the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which prohibited Germany from producing warplanes.
2. The Iconic Kidney Grille: The kidney-shaped grille is one of BMW’s most recognizable design features. It first appeared on the BMW 303 in 1933 and has since become a defining element of BMW’s identity.
3. M Division Performance: BMW’s M Division is famous for its high-performance versions of regular BMW models. Cars like the M3, M5, and M6 are legendary for their power and handling. The M Division was born from BMW’s success in motorsports, particularly in touring car racing.
4. The World’s Fastest Motorcycle: BMW also has a strong presence in the motorcycle world. The BMW S1000RR, released in 2009, was one of the fastest production motorcycles globally, with a top speed exceeding 188 mph (302 km/h).
5. Hydrogen-Powered Cars: BMW has been working on hydrogen fuel cell technology for decades. In the early 2000s, the company introduced the BMW Hydrogen 7, a hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. Although the technology is not yet mainstream, BMW continues to invest in hydrogen as a future fuel option.
6. BMW in Hollywood: BMW cars have become synonymous with style and sophistication in movies. The BMW Z3 famously made its debut in the James Bond film GoldenEye (1995), cementing BMW’s image as a high-performance, luxury brand.
7. Self-Driving Technology: BMW is heavily investing in autonomous driving technology. In 2021, BMW introduced the iX, its flagship electric SUV, featuring Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, making it one of the most advanced cars in BMW’s lineup.
8. Recall of Over 1 Million Vehicles: In 2017, BMW recalled 1.4 million cars in North America due to issues that could cause engine fires. The recall affected models from 2006 to 2011, including the 3 Series and 5 Series. The problem stemmed from faulty heater valves and blower motor wiring, which could overheat and catch fire.
9. Breaking the Nürburgring Record: In 2018, BMW made headlines when the BMW M4 GTS set a record for the fastest lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife by a road-legal car. The M4 GTS completed the lap in 7 minutes and 27.88 seconds, showcasing BMW’s engineering prowess.