BMW is one of the most respected car manufacturing brands in the world. Founded in 1916, the company has become the pioneer of the automobile industry. The name of the company today is synonymous with high-performance vehicles that are sophisticated in both their appearance and performance.
While many luxury car manufacturers focus on high-end market only, BMW diversifies its operations by catering to all types of customers. Today, BMW requires no introduction, as it has become the torchbearer of the automobile industry, as it sets standards in all the aspects of car manufacturing.
While everyone is aware of the quality of the vehicles the manufacturer creates, there is little information regarding the finer details. Here is a list of 15 little known facts about the world’s best sports and luxury cars that you might not know.
15 BMW Initially Manufactured Aircraft Engines
The company BMW came into existence during the First World War to tackle Germany’s shortage of fighter planes. The company was founded after a merger between Rapp Motor and Otto Werke Corporations.
BMW stopped production of planes after the war was over, as the Treaty of Versaille forbade any German company from manufacturing fighter planes.
14 BMW Began Making Cars After The Versailles Treaty
Since the Treaty of Versailles banned all German companies from manufacturing warplanes and engines, BMW decided to diversify their operations to stay in business. Initially, the company shifted to creating motorcycles before it began making cars in 1929. If not for World War 1, the history of BMW would have been completely different.
13 Dixi Was The First Car Launched By BMW
The first car that BMW manufactured was called the Dixi. After moving to the automobile manufacturing industry the company bought Automobilwerk Eisenach, to get the rights of building the Dixi. The car went on sale 81 years ago in 1929.
12 The Logo Colors Symbolize Bavaria
The BMW logo includes 4 different "slices" of blue and white that is enclosed in a circle. The colors used to symbolize the free state of Bavaria. The letters BMW are placed at the top of the circle and they stand for Bayerische Motoren Werke.
11 Production Of Electric Cars
Many people consider electric cars a modern invention. However, this is not true, since car manufacturers have tested the concept since the 19th century. BMW left its competitors far behind by manufacturing its first electric vehicle in 1972. This model was called the BMW 1602e. Although the model failed to leave a mark on the industry, it set the tone for future electric car production.
10 BMW Owns Rolls Royce
BMW owns the British firm Rolls Royce, meaning that BMW now produces all cars owned formerly by the brand. Many people are not aware that the popular British car brand is now owned by a German company.
9 BMW Owns Mini Cooper
Another British automobile brand that BMW owns is the Mini Cooper. Like the Rolls Royce, BMW now looks after the production of the various models developed in the past by the British brand.
8 The Headquarters Are Designed To Represent A 4-Cylinder Engine
The BMW headquarters have a rather unusual design. Apparently, the design represents the popular four-cylinder engines of the brand. An Austrian architect was given the responsibility of designing the headquarters.
7 BMW Kind Of Built A Lamborghini
It may come as a surprise to many, but BMW and Lamborghini agreed to build a car together. Initially, BMW was responsible for providing parts and Lamborghini would perform the work, but in the end, BMW took on full responsibility for the project when Lambo faced financial problems. The project would become known as the BMW M1.
6 Mercedes Almost Acquired BMW
The 1950s was a turbulent time for the BMW, as Mercedes almost took over the company. The Cold War damaged BMW sales around the world, as it went bankrupt by 1959. Shareholders of BMW prevented the takeover with the help of an aggressive counter attack, involving the re-purchase of shares.
5 The Signature Grille Is Called A Kidney Grille
The grille is one of the most distinctive features of the BMW. This is the feature that makes the vehicle instantly recognizable, making it even more distinct and unique than the BMW logo.
4 They Built The World’s Fastest Motorbike
In 1937 BMW manufactured the world’s fastest motorbike which could achieve speeds as high as 278km/h. The motorcycle division of the company was called BMW Motorrad, and it was responsible for creating top-of-the range bikes.
3 BMW Is Involved In Aerospace And Train Industries
While Automobiles are still the main focus of BMW, they have not let go of the aerospace industry. The company to date designs airplane interiors. They are renowned for designing the interiors of Singapore Airlines
2 At The Forefront Of Aerodynamic Design
An essential part of automobile design is aerodynamics. No other company understands its significance better than BMW. For long BMW has been the frontrunner in the world of aerodynamics and creative design.
1 They Still Make Classic Parts
Owners of classic cars or motorcycles find it challenging to get their hands on parts that are no longer available. BMW has made life easier for classic car enthusiasts, as it still manufactures parts of vehicles made during World War 2. Owners can now order brand new parts for their models, instead of looking for a second-hand option.