History of BMW

BMW (Bayerisch Motoren Werke AG) is a well-known German automaker whose main specialization is the production of cars and sports cars, SUVs and motorcycles. The company headquarters is located in Munich.

In 1913, two small aircraft engine companies appeared in the northern part of Munich, the founders of which were Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, the son of Nikolaus August Otto, who is credited with creating the internal combustion engine. With the outbreak of the First World War, the number of orders for aircraft engines increased dramatically. Rapp and Otto decided to merge their companies into one aircraft engine plant. Thus, an aircraft engine factory appeared in Munich, which in 1917 was registered under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works). This date is considered the year of foundation of the BMW concern.

When the First World War ended, the company found itself in a difficult situation, because according to the Versailles Treaty, the Germans could no longer produce aircraft engines, and at that time engines were the only products of BMW. However, the enterprising Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto figured out how to save the company – the plant set a course to create motorcycle engines first, and then the motorcycles themselves.

In 1923, the company created the first R32 motorcycle. The novelty appeared before the public at a motorcycle show in Paris, where it instantly established itself as a fast and reliable model, which was later confirmed at international motorcycle races of the 20s and 30s, where the first BMW motorcycle broke all speed records.

The Motor-4 engine was soon developed and assembled in other European countries. In 1919, at the helm of an aircraft equipped with such an engine, Franz Diemer sat down, who set the first BMW world record, having risen to a height of 9760 meters. The company’s affairs were going uphill sharply, this was facilitated by the conclusion of a secret agreement with the Soviet Union on the supply of the latest aircraft engines. Many of the record Soviet flights of the 1930s were the merit of aircraft equipped with BMW engines.

In 1928, the company acquired car factories in Eisenach (Thuringia), and then a license to manufacture a Dixi subcompact car. In 1929, the production of this model was launched, it is worth noting that Dixi was the first BMW car. During the economic crisis, the small car was wildly popular throughout Europe. By the beginning of the Second World War, BMW had become one of the most developed companies in the world in the production of sports equipment. At that time, the company could boast of new world records: Wolfgang von Gronau crossed the North Atlantic from east to west in an open seaplane Dornier Wal powered by BMW. At the same time, Ernst Henne set a world speed record at the wheel of a R12 motorcycle equipped with a cardan drive, telescopic fork and hydraulic shock absorbers (an invention of BMW), reaching a mark of 279.5 km / h, which was not possible for anyone else over the next 14 years.

In 1933, the production of the 303 car, the first BMW model with a six-cylinder engine, was launched. It was this model that for the first time received a kind of radiator grille, popularly nicknamed the “nostrils” of BMW. In the future, these nostrils have become an integral attribute of the design of all cars of the company.

In 1936, the famous BMW 328, one of the company’s most successful sports models, rolled off the assembly line. In those days, the novelty received a unique technical filling – a tubular frame, a new valve mechanism with rods and a six-cylinder power unit with a light alloy head. The 328 model glorified BMW so much in the second half of the 30s that all subsequent models with a proprietary two-color emblem were perceived by the public as a symbol of high reliability, excellent quality and beauty. At that time, the BMW ideology was finally formed (“A car for the driver”), which determines the concept of new models today. The main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, adheres to the principle “The car is for passengers”. Since then, each company has gone its own way, proving the correctness of its choice.

The BMW 328, addressed to sports car enthusiasts, has won first place in many competitions, including rallies, circuit races, hill climbing competitions … With its introduction, all mass-produced sports cars have been left far behind.

In 1938, the company acquired a license for Pratt–Whitney power units. Next, model 132 was created, which was installed on the legendary Junkers Yu52. In the same year, the fastest motorcycle model at that time was created with a 60-horsepower engine, thanks to which the novelty accelerated to 210 km / h without any problems. In 1939, the German racer Georg Mayer became the European champion on this motorcycle. And for the first time, the British Senior Tourist Trophy was won by a foreigner on a foreign motorcycle.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, the production of cars was again suspended. The company again headed for the production of aircraft engines.

In 1944, BMW produced the world’s first jet engine, the BMW 109-003. At the same time, tests of rocket engines began. By the end of World War II, the concern was in a critical position. Four factories that fell into the Eastern zone of occupation were completely destroyed. The main plant in Munich was dismantled by the British. The production of aircraft engines and rockets was banned for three years, but the history of the company did not end there.

Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto decided to start again from scratch. The 1-cylinder motorcycle R24 was developed, which became the first post-war BMW machine, while it was assembled in workshops almost handicraft. 1951 was marked by the appearance of the first passenger car model “501”. Unfortunately, the novelty did not bring financial success.

In 1955, the production of the R50 and R51 models was launched, which opened a new generation of motorcycles with a fully sprung chassis. Soon the small car “Isetta” was presented to the public – an unusual combination of a motorcycle with a car. A three-wheeled vehicle with a door that opens forward in motion became wildly popular in impoverished post-war Germany. However, the course was followed by the production of large limousines, as a result, the company suffered losses and soon found itself on the verge of bankruptcy. In the entire history of BMW, this is the only case when the economic situation was calculated incorrectly, and the cars thrown onto the market turned out to be of no use to anyone. The company was almost acquired by the Mercedes-Benz concern, but this was prevented by the company’s employees, small shareholders and sales agents.

The change in capital structure allowed BMW to continue its operations. And for the third time, the firm started all over again.

In 1956, a sensational car was introduced, created by designer Albrecht Graf Hertz, who lived in New York. The newspapers wrote that this athletic handsome man left behind even the Italians. The BMW 507 was offered in a roadster version, and there was also a hardtop version. The novelty was equipped with a 150-horsepower eight-cylinder aluminum engine with a volume of 3.2 liters, thanks to which the maximum speed of the car could reach 220 km / h. Between 1956 and 1959 only 252 copies were sold, so today this model is one of the rarest and most expensive collectible cars.

In 1959, the company completely emerged from the crisis, thus providing the basis for the further successful development of the brand as a whole. This was facilitated by the appearance of the new BMW 700, equipped with an air cooling system. Sales increased dramatically, and along with this, the coupe version of this car allowed BMW to achieve sports victories as well.

In 1962, a new model appeared, which received the index 1500. The four-door car combined lightness, compactness and sportiness, so the novelty gained immense popularity on the market. As a result, there were even problems with production capacities that did not allow to fully meet the demand for this miracle of technology.

In 1966, a two-door car with an index of 1600-2 appeared before the general public. Based on this model, a whole series of turbocharged cars from 1502 to 2002 was created. The successful “new class” contributed to the development of the model range as a whole. Some time later, BMW decided to revive the tradition of the 30s and returned to the production of six-cylinder models. In 1968, the 2500 and 2800 models were introduced at the auto show, thanks to which BMW again entered the ranks of enterprises producing large sedans. Undoubtedly, the 60s were the most successful years for the company in its entire history.

In 1969, BMW motorcycle production was transferred to Berlin. At the same time, the release of a fresh series of “opposite” motorcycles was launched. In 1976, the R100 RS received a full-length fairing for the first time. In 1983, one of the most popular motorcycles appeared – the K100 model, which received a 4-cylinder in-line engine with fuel injection and liquid cooling. In 1985, more than 37 thousand motorcycles were produced at the plant in Berlin. In 1989, the new model K 1 was created.

In the 70s of the last century, the first versions of the famous BMW series appeared – the models of the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th series. If earlier the concern created mainly sports cars, then with the advent of the 5th series, the production of a fundamentally new generation of BMW cars started. Since that time, the company has occupied the niche of comfortable sedans. BMW also achieved particular success with the 3.0 CSL Coupé, which won six European championships. This model hid in itself unique technical elements, among which it is worth noting a six-cylinder power unit with four valves per cylinder, as well as an ABS brake system – a complete novelty at that time.

1977 was marked by a breakthrough in the luxury class. With the creation of the 7 Series, the renewal of all BMW series is over.

In 1986, the BMW M3 was introduced, which became the most successful model for road racing. The compact two-door car was developed in parallel for both motorsport and series production. For BMW, the result was simply amazing. In 1987, the Italian racer Roberto Raviglia won the title of world champion in road racing. And for the next five years, the BMW M3 dominated the sports scene.

In 1987, the company continued the tradition of the 30s and 50s by developing an experimental version of the new roadster. The BMW Z1 received state-of-the-art components, and the series was limited to 8,000 copies. Also, the car could boast of its aerodynamic characteristics. In 1987, BMW was one of the first in the world to use an electronic powertrain control system.

In 1990, the luxury model BMW 850i was created. The elegant dream coupe was powered by a twelve-cylinder engine, which literally shot the car forward at any speed. The designers managed to combine the highest comfort and sporting qualities in the new product thanks to a completely new integral rear axle.

In the year of German reunification, the concern founded BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, which made it possible to return to the roots of BMW – aircraft engine building. In 1991, the new BR-700 aircraft engine was introduced. But the production of cars did not stand still: in the early 90s, compact models of the third generation of the 3rd series and the 8th series coupe were created.

In 1994, the concern acquired the Rover Group industrial group, and with it the UK’s largest complex for the creation of cars of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands. The purchase of this company made it possible to replenish the list of BMW cars with the missing SUVs and ultra-small models.

In 1995, an anti-theft engine blocking system and an airbag for the front passenger were added to the basic equipment of all cars of the concern. In March of the same year, the station wagon (touring) of the 3rd series was launched into production. The novelty could boast not only advanced technology, but also modern design. For example, for the first time in the history of the automotive industry, the undercarriage was almost entirely made of aluminum. Soon the new BMW 5 Series also debuted. The main principle in its creation is to adhere to a harmonious concept. New materials were used to create the novelty, as a result of which the degree of recycling of the car increased to 85 percent. The level of passive safety was also on top thanks to the exceptionally rigid bodywork.

In 1996, the BMW Z3 7 Series was the first to receive a diesel engine. The model became very popular, because it managed to combine dynamism and classic design. An additional advertisement for the novelty was the film “Golden Eye”, in which the agent James Bond drives around in a brand new Z3. The model became so popular that the new plant in Spartanburg could not keep up with all the orders.

In 1997, the R1200 C motorcycle was presented to the public, which instantly attracted the attention of many potential buyers. The novelty received a sensational design, which was emphasized by both traditional and futuristic elements. The motorcycle was equipped with the largest boxer engine ever created by the company. Its power reached 61 hp, and the working volume was 1170 cubic centimeters. Soon, the new M Roadster appeared, which can rightly be called the true embodiment of an open sports car. The car was equipped with a powerful 321-horsepower M3 engine, which guarantees an exciting ride.

In the spring of 1998, the fifth generation of the successful 3 Series sedans premiered. The new series, redesigned in many details, boasted not only an exclusive appearance, but also the most modern engines, the latest suspension technology and best-in-class safety standards.

At the beginning of 1999, the concern introduced the BMW X5, which became the world’s first sports car designed for active recreation (Sports Activity Vehicle): the novelty combines practicality and elegance, thereby opening up a new dimension of mobility. In the same year, the premiere of the great sports car BMW Z8 took place, which also “lit up” in the film “The World Is Not Enough”.

Some time later, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the futuristic concept Z9 Gran Turismo appeared before the general public.

In 2002, BMW achieved a record sales of 1,057,000 units. In addition, the BMW Group won the Car of the Year in Russia competition.

In 2003, the premiere of the most luxurious model of the BMW 7 Series, the BMW 760i and 760Li, took place, as well as the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.

In 2004, the BMW 116i, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with 115 horsepower, started in Germany with 20,000 euros.

In 2005, the production of the BMW 3 Cabrio model started, in which a clear combination of style and dynamics is immediately visible.

In 2006, motorists got acquainted with the brand BMW M6 Cabrio. The V10 engine, seven-speed SMG Drivelogic gearbox and aluminum chassis allow the BMW M6 Convertible to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

In 2007, the company released the BMW 1 – a car with a long hood and elongated side lines. The model retained the traditional features of the BMW brand. The BMW 1 Coupé, a modernized version of the brand’s two-door models, embodies the sporting ambitions of this series even more convincingly. The BMW 1 Cabrio is a compact four-seater convertible based on the BMW 1 Series. The car is equipped with a soft top equipped with an electro-hydraulic drive.

In 2008, the BMW 3 Sedan was released. It is based on the platform of the BMW 1 Series extended by 100 mm.

2009 was marked by the release of the BMW 5 Gran Turismo. The elongated bonnet and impressive appearance emphasize the dynamics of the model.

In 2010, the BMW 5 Sedan appeared on the market. The model has a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 400 hp. and a torque of 612 Nm, accelerating the car to 100 km / h in 5 seconds.

Starting in 2011, motorists have the opportunity to purchase a BMW M5. This model has become the fastest production car of the brand.

In March 2012, the presentation of the BMW 6 Gran Coupe model took place – an E-class sedan with rear or all-wheel drive. In terms of overall dimensions, the Gran Coupe turned out to be larger than its predecessor.

On October 25, 2013, the company pleased motorists with the release of the BMW 2 Series. This is a G1 class coupe, designed to replace a similar car of the “first series”. BMW 2 received a slightly different image, more elegant. In addition, it differs from its predecessor and dimensions.

In 2014, a presentation of a new convertible model took place – BMW 2 Series Cabrio – an H1 class car. If we talk about the exterior and interior design, then the BMW 2 Cabrio repeats the related model in the coupe body in almost everything. In the same year, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was also released – a compact MPV of the L class with front or all-wheel drive. The model is equipped with a front-wheel drive platform with a transverse engine and a suspension tuned in the best traditions of BMW.

In May 2015, the BMW 3 Touring car was shown – a universal car of the D class. The climate control unit, air ducts and door card inserts have been upgraded. A projection display appeared, despite the fact that the screen of the multimedia system did not become touch-sensitive. In March, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer was also presented to the public – a compact MPV of the L class with front or all-wheel drive. There are five units in the engine range. Two of them are petrol. The most powerful engine accelerates the compact MPV from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. At the same time, the BMW 3 Sedan was also presented – a class D sedan. This version has been slightly modernized externally: the design of the bumpers has been changed. In October of the same year, the debut of the BMW M2 Coupe took place. Under the hood is a 3.0-litre petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, delivering 370 hp. With. power and 465 Nm of torque, available in a very wide range of 1400-5560 rpm.

Today, BMW, whose history began as a tiny aircraft engine plant, builds its products at five factories located in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries scattered around the world. BMW is one of the few companies that does not use robots in the factory. The entire assembly process is done by hand. Only computer diagnostics of the main characteristics of the car is used.