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The history of the Bavarian Motor Works is a history of innovation,
dedication and determination.
These achievements are reflected in the BMW emblem, symbolizing a rotating airplane propeller from BMW's early years as an aircraft engine manufacturer. Today, the emblem signifies a global company that annually
produces hundreds of thousands of engines, motorcycles, and cars.
 Explore
BMW history here, from the beginnings to the current time.
Click on a year for news from that decade. |
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Karl Rapp establishes Rapp-Motorenwerke
in a former bicycle factory near Munich. He begins
manufacturing his own aircraft engines. They suffer from
problems with vibration that Rapp is unable to fix, so he
switches to building Austro-Daimler aircraft engines under
license. More... |
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Martin Stolle (center) designs the M2 B 15 engine for the "Victoria" model motorcycle.
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BMW's first motorcycle engine |
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The air-cooled radial engine is much in demand in the early Thirties, thanks to its excellent power/weight ratio.
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Made to order: for the Mille Miglia, BMW commissions a streamlined body made of a new, ultra-light aluminum/magnesium
alloy.
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The BMW R 51/2, BMW's first motorcycle with a Boxer engine, goes into production.
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A best-seller: on July 15, 1960, the 20,000th
BMW 700 leaves the factory.
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Still in the model stage: first step in the construction of the "Four Cylinders," BMW's head office in Munich.
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Debut for the mass-production Enduro R 80 G/S: this newly styled bike is the first to be equipped with BMW's single swing-arm
"monolever". Weight is reduced and maintenance is easier.
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