Short History & Specifications of BMW

The BMW's story is almost, but not quite, unfathomable. From the early days as a successful aero-engine manufacturer, through the doom and economic gloom of the post-war years, to the quite extraordinary success of today, the intrigue that lies behind the Bavarian engineering supremo is not only compelling from a historical point of view, but considerably stranger than fiction. The rise, fall and rise again of the Bavarian Motor Works could have only happened in Germany, where long term investment in both people and production, coupled with hard work, is a long economic success. These facets are all part of German national character and one reason why BMW, after being brought to the brink of financial disaster in 1959, is one of the automotive world’s greatest and most clever success stories.

BMW's earliest days were spent producing airplane engines in Munich. Later the company ventured into engines for motorcycles and by 1923 had launched its own motorcycle fitted with the classic and ever-green flat-twin. In 1928 it’s bought the Eisenach-based Dixi Company, founded in 1896 to build Wartburg and Dixi motor cars. It was 1928 that the first car constructed by BMW was launched but, as is well known, this wasn’t a BMW at all it wasn’t even German but an English Austin 7 made under license. During the 1960s BMW was well known for making sporty coupes and sedans like the 2002 and 3.0. By the late 70's BMW had introduced the nomenclature that would hold to this date with the introduction of the 3, 5, and 7 series of cars.