We may know the name BMW as one of the most renowned car manufacturers however; BMW did not start out this way. In fact back in 1917, BMW was linked to a German aircraft company and then in 1923 the first production of the BMW motorcycle. The BMW that we know did not begin until 1928 with the production of the first BMW car.
The first BMW car was produced the Dixi 3/15 PS which was produced at the Eisenbach factory. It was pretty much the exact same model as the Japanese Datsun and the American Bantam licensed under Austin. These first Dixi’s had open roofs, were powered by a 743cc 4-cylinder engine which produced 15 horsepower. It could travel at speeds of 80 km/h or 50mph.
The Evolution of BMW
1929:
A new version of the Dixi came out the DA2 with an all steel body and 4-wheel brakes.
1930:
The Dixi achieved with its first win in motor racing with a total production of 18,976 units.
1932:
This marked the year of the very first BMW car produced entirely in house. It featured suspended valves, a double chain driving the camshaft, and producing 20 horsepower at 3500 rpm, which gave the saloon a top speed of 50 mph.
1933:
BMX introduced the 303 saloon and the inline six-cylinder power unit. The 303 was the first car to have the twin kidney shaped radiator grilles.
1936:
This year the BMW 328 came off the assembly line, which was built more for motor sports than for consumers.
1938:
The BMW won the Mille Miglia in Italy in its class.
After 1938 until 1951:
World War II was everywhere and the facilities of BMW were destroyed, dismantled, and a three-year ban on any production activities was forced by the Allies. This came from the production of aircraft engines and rockets by BMW during the time of the war.
1951:
Production began once again; however, the 501 luxury sedan is not what consumers were looking for after the war.
1955:
BMW unveiled the Isetta 250. This mini car used a motorcycle engine and had one single door at the front. It was in production for seven years in which 161,728 Isetta’s were built.
1956:
The launch of the BMW 507 took place. The BMW 507 was a light-alloy 2-door body shell with a retractable soft top.
1956 to 1989:
Varies series were unveiled such as the 1500, 1600, 1800, 2000, E12 and a few more.
1990:
BMW made its way back to manufacturing aircraft engines when it formed the BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH jointly with Rolls Royce.
1992:
BMW outsold Mercedes in Europe
1994:
BMW began production at their plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
1998:
BMW purchased the rights of the Rolls Royce name and logo from Volkswagen with total control to take place in 2003.
1994:
BMW purchased the Rover Group PLC.
2000:
BMW sold the Rover Group PLC.
2004:
The X3 began production in Graz, Australia.
Today:
BMW is still producing quality Z3, Z8, and the motorsports series. All BMW models take to heart performance, style, and advancements in technology.
The Spartanburg, South Carolina manufactures the BMW X5, the BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe, and the BMW Z4 M Roadster and Coupe.
The Hams Hall plant in Great Britain produces the four cylinder BMW engines for the specific use in the 3-Series, 1-Series, and Z4 vehicles.
Also, in other areas around Great Britain where BMW are manufactured include:
Oxford and Goodwood where MINIs and Rolls Royce’s are created.
BMW has a plant in Rosslyn, South Africa that exports in excess of 50,000 3-Series cars per year mainly to the US, Australia, Africa, Japan, and the Middle East.
The plant in Shenyang, China builds the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.
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