16/12/2025
Ten Unknown Facts About
1. Founding and History
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) was founded in 1916 in Munich, Germany, originally producing aircraft engines before moving into motorcycles and cars.
2. Logo Inspiration
The iconic BMW logo represents a spinning aircraft propeller in blue and white, inspired by the Bavarian flag colors.
3. First Electric Car
BMW’s first electric car, the BMW 1602e, was introduced way back in 1972 during the Munich Olympics.
4. Legendary Aircraft Engines
During World War I, BMW engines set records for altitude and speed in aircraft.
5. First Motorcycle
In 1923, BMW built its first motorcycle, the R32, which had a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine — a design still used today.
6. Famous Grille Design
The signature “Kidney Grille” has been a trademark since 1933 and remains one of the most recognizable front-end designs in the automotive world.
7. Owner of Rolls-Royce
BMW became the official owner of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars brand in 1998.
8. Unique VIN System
Every BMW has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that encodes detailed information about its production.
9. BMW Art Cars
Since 1975, BMW has collaborated with famous artists like Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons to create unique “Art Cars” displayed worldwide.
10. Motorsport Legacy
BMW has a strong presence in motorsport, with victories in Formula 1, Le Mans, DTM, and touring car championships, showcasing its engineering excellence.
