BMW Group history.
Pioneering spirit since 1916.
From Bavarian aircraft engines to a global premium mobility leader — the BMW Group unites four iconic brands: BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. Our heritage drives sustainable innovation.
The history of the BMW Group reaches back to 1916. Today, the four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad make the BMW Group one of the world's leading premium suppliers of automobiles, motorcycles, as well as mobility services. Since the beginning, the company has kept its sight firmly set on the future — sustainability and efficient resource management at the core.
1916
Establishment of BMW
On 7 March 1916, Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW) is founded. Rapp Motorenwerke later transforms into BMW GmbH in 1917, and by 1922 BMW AG transfers operations to BFW, marking the official foundation date.
1917
The BMW Emblem
The first BMW badge appears — a circular design featuring the Bavarian state colors (white and blue). It evolves into the iconic mark of engineering excellence.
1922
Company relocation & new beginning
BMW AG moves its engine construction operations to BFW in Munich, adopting the brand name and starting a fresh chapter of automotive & aviation legacy.
1923
BMW R 32 – first BMW Motorrad
The BMW R 32 motorcycle revolutionizes two-wheel mobility with a boxer engine and shaft drive — the foundation of BMW Motorrad's legendary status.
1994–2003
MINI & Rolls‑Royce join
BMW Group acquires the Rover Group (including MINI) in 1994 and later establishes Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2003, expanding the premium portfolio.
BMW Logo History from oldest to newest
The iconic roundel has transformed over a century — each version reflects design spirit and modernity.
1917–1933
Golden ring,
“BMW” lettering,
Bavarian colors.
1933–1953
Thicker gold ring,
more elegant serifs,
darker blue tone.
1953–1963
Silver ring,
lighter blue,
modernized typeface.
1963–1997
Refined rings,
clear geometry,
iconic corporate look.
1997–2020
3D effect,
white highlights,
premium depth.
2020–present
Flat, minimalist,
transparent concept,
digital-first era.
✦ The emblem has always been a symbol of motion, precision, and Bavarian roots. ✦
Karl Rapp & Gustav Otto
BMW traces its roots to Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. In 1916, Flugmaschinenfabrik Gustav Otto merged into Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke (BFW). Rapp Motorenwerke became Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH in 1917, later transferred to BFW in 1922 — making 7 March 1916 the official foundation date.
First BMW Motorrad: R 32
In 1923, the BMW R 32 debuted at the Berlin Motor Show. With a 494 cc boxer engine and shaft drive, it set the template for every subsequent BMW motorcycle – a true milestone.
BMW Automobiles: 1928 & beyond
Though aircraft engines defined early years, the Dixi (1928) marked BMW's first automobile. From the legendary 328 to today’s electric i cars, innovation continues.
Every BMW series was born from a specific mission: to redefine a segment, deliver pure driving dynamics, or pioneer new technology. Below, the story behind each core family.
1 Series
🏁 WHY CREATED
Entry-level premium hatchback (2004). BMW wanted to bring rear-wheel-drive handling & premium quality to the compact class – later evolved with agile front-drive variants while keeping the go-kart feel.
2 Series
🎯 WHY CREATED
Coupe & Gran Coupe (2014). Born as the spiritual successor to the 1 Series coupe, offering a compact sports coupe, convertible and now the active tourer – filling the gap between 1 and 3.
3 Series
⚡ WHY CREATED
The ultimate sport sedan (1975, E21). Defined the “executive compact” segment. Created to replace the 2002, blending everyday usability with race-bred dynamics – still the benchmark.
4 Series
✨ WHY CREATED
Split from 3 Series coupe (2013). More expressive, lower, wider – designed as a standalone gran turismo with emotional design and sharper driving focus.
5 Series
💼 WHY CREATED
Mid-size executive (1972, E12). Created to offer luxury, comfort and performance for business professionals. The “perfect balance” between a sports sedan and a long-distance cruiser.
6 Series
🌟 WHY CREATED
Grand Tourer (1976, E24). Elegance meets power – designed for those who wanted a coupe with 5 Series mechanicals but with luxurious presence and high-speed touring ability.
7 Series
👑 WHY CREATED
Luxury flagship (1977, E23). Created to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The pinnacle of technology, rear-seat comfort, and innovation – V12 engines, iDrive, carbon core.
8 Series
🏎️ WHY CREATED
Ultimate luxury sport coupe (1989, E31; revived 2018). Reimagined as a high-performance, technologically advanced gran turismo – blending supercar capability with elegance.
X Series (X1–X7)
🏔️ WHY CREATED
SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) – starting with X5 in 1999. Created to merge BMW dynamics with off-road versatility, pioneering the premium SUV segment. Now full lineup from X1 to X7.
i Series (i3, i4, iX)
🌿 WHY CREATED
Electrification & sustainability. The i3 (2013) was a radical carbon-fiber city EV; the i8 redefined plug-in hybrid. Today i4, iX, i7 lead BMW’s electric future.
Z Series (Z1, Z3, Z4)
🌞 WHY CREATED
Pure roadster joy. The Z1 (1989) experimental; Z3 made famous by James Bond; Z4 continues the tradition of open-top, rear-drive driving pleasure.
M Series / M Performance
🔥 WHY CREATED
Motorsport division born from the legendary M1 (1978) and M3 (1986). Created to transfer racing technology to road cars – highest level of dynamics, power, and precision.
“Since its foundation, the BMW Group has kept its sight firmly set on the future — sustainability and efficient resource management are central to our strategy. From circular economy to electric mobility, we shape premium mobility for generations.”
— BMW Group Strategy, Responsibility & Sustainability