Every true car enthusiast knows that prestige, luxury and high quality are the symbols of all BMW cars. Today, many people dream of becoming the owner of one of the models from the German manufacturer. Each company has its own secrets of car production, and the BMW concern is no exception. Fans of the brand are interested in where BMWs are assembled in Russia and how the production process is carried out.

It’s worth starting with the fact that the production facilities of the German brand are scattered all over the world. Naturally, the most important and powerful plant is located in Germany. The main production of BMW models is established here. In second place in terms of production volumes is an enterprise located in America. In addition, the German concern produces:

• Thailand;
• Egypt;
• India;
• Russia;
• Malaysia;

But in these countries only some elements of future cars are manufactured. And their components are supplied from Germany. Also, some parts are produced by other companies. For example, rear optics are made in Italy, and wheel rims are made in Sweden.

On domestic market BMW cars are in great demand. Taking this fact into account, the Germans decided to open a production line with us. In Russia, cars are assembled in Kaliningrad at the Avtotor enterprise. This is a small-unit assembly plant, and almost all BMW models are produced here.

Including:

• 3-Series
• 5-Series
• 7-Series

But at our Kaliningrad enterprise, not all modifications of German cars are produced. In addition, ready-made complete versions are assembled, for example, BMW 520d, BMW 520i and BMW 528 X-drive. We answered the question: where are BMWs assembled in Russia? Now let’s talk directly about the production process.

Munich plant

We have already recalled that the main production of BMW cars is located in Germany, more precisely in Munich. The plant is represented by a multi-story building in the form of four cylinders connected to each other. On the roof of the building there is a large, familiar brand emblem. There is also a free museum on the territory of the plant. The area of ​​the enterprise stretches over several hundred hectares. You will not be able to walk around the entire territory of the enterprise in two hours.

The plant includes several workshops:

• painting;
• welding;
• assembly;
• pressing

Plus, on top of all this, the territory has its own small test track, heating main, substation and restaurant. The Munich site employs approximately 6,700 people. Thanks to its employees and modern equipment, the plant is capable of producing about 170 thousand BMW cars annually.

The assembly of German cars is carried out in stages:

• press;
• welding;
• painting;
• assembly;
• final assembly;
• tests.

BMW cars begin to be assembled in the press shop. It is fully automated, so there are no workers here. Metals of different thicknesses are used to make machines. Where BMWs are assembled in Russia, this process is also strictly controlled. After the press shop, the finished parts go to the welding shop. Minimum robots short time Stamped spare parts are connected to each other, and in a matter of minutes the finished body of the future car appears. Afterwards, specialists prime and galvanize the finished structure.

Next, it is sent for painting, where dozens of manipulators automatically open the hood, doors and trunk lid. The temperature in the paint shop ranges from 90 to 100 degrees. After applying the paint, the car is sent to a special oven so that everything dries thoroughly. But in the assembly shop, ninety percent of the work is done by people. There are ten robots, with their help all heavy units and elements are installed on the car. First, workers install the motor and attachments, then the suspension and steering mechanism are assembled.

Next, the electrical wiring, carpeting, seats, panel, rear shelf. It takes 32 hours to make one BMW car. Before the car goes out on the track, attachments are installed on it. After reading our article, you will not only be able to answer the question of where BMW is assembled in Russia, but also describe the entire process.

Cars of German and domestic production are slightly different from each other. Let's start with the fact that Russian-made BMWs are equipped with more reliable and rigid shock absorbers and stabilizers. Because our roads are far from the same as in Germany. All electronics of a car manufactured in the Russian Federation are designed for operation at very low temperatures.

Also, compared to German cars, on Russian ones they set a higher ground clearance and put protection on the engine crankcase. As you may have guessed, large-unit assembly has been established at the Russian enterprise.

This means that ready-made units are brought to us. We control the production process no worse than in Munich, this is proven by the low percentage of defects among the vehicles we produce. The most significant difference between domestic and German assembly the fact that in Germany they assemble cars that are “richer” in terms of equipment and number of modifications. The cost of BMW cars in Russia is quite high. For the simplest model of the seventh series you will have to pay about 6 million rubles. If the situation does not change, the 7-Series may be removed from the assembly line.

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Bavarian Motor Works) - the history of BMW begins in 1916, as a company producing first aircraft engines, and later cars and motorcycles. BMW's headquarters are located in Munich, Bavaria. BMW also owns the brands BMW Motorrad - motorcycle production, Mini - production Mini Cooper, is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and also produces vehicles under the Husqvarna brand.

Today BMW is one of the leading automobile companies in the world. The brand's cars are perceived as the embodiment of the most advanced engineering solutions and the pursuit of technical excellence. Unlike most manufacturers, BMW engineers initially did not focus on the car as a whole; the main attention was paid to the “heart” of the car - the engine, which was improved from generation to generation.

Foundation of the company

In 1916, the aircraft manufacturing company Flugmaschinenfabrik, founded near Munich, was renamed Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW). The nearby aircraft engine manufacturing company Rapp Motorenwerke (founder) in 1917 received the name Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, and in 1918 Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (joint stock company). In 1920, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG was sold to Knorr-Bremse AG. In 1922, the financier bought BFW AG, and later bought the engine production and the BMW brand from Knorr-Bremse and merged the companies under the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG brand. Although some sources consider the date of the main BMW to be July 21, 1917, when Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH was registered, the BMW Group considers the founding date to be March 6, 1916, the date when BFW was founded, and the founders were Gustav Otto and Karl Rapp.

Since 1917, the colors of Bavaria - white and blue - have appeared on BMW products. And since the 1920s, a rotating propeller has become the emblem - this logo, with minor changes, is still used today.

From war to war

Throughout the First World War, BMW produces aircraft engines that are desperately needed by the country at war. But after the end of the war, under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was prohibited from producing aircraft engines and the company was forced to look for other niches. The company has been producing air brakes for trains for some time. After the merger in 1922, the company moved to the BFW production site, near Munich Oberwiesenfeld Airport.

In 1923 the company announced its first motorcycle, the R32. Up to this point, BMW had only produced engines, not the whole vehicle. The basis of the motorcycle was a boxer engine with a longitudinally located crankshaft. The engine design was so successful that it continues to be used on motorcycles produced by the company to this day.

BMW became a car manufacturer in 1928 by purchasing the Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach company, whose plant was located in Eisenach, Thuringia. Together with the BMW plant, a license from Austin Motor Company for production is obtained small car Dixi. Until the 40s, all the company's cars were produced at the Eisenach plant. In 1932, Dixi was replaced by the company's own development, Dixi 3/15.

Since 1933, the aircraft industry in Germany has received significant financial support from the state. By this time, aircraft with BMW engines had set many world records, and in 1934 the company allocated the production of aircraft engines to separate company BMW Flugmotorenbau GmbH. In 1936, the company created one of the most successful pre-war sports car models in Europe - the BMW 328.

During the Second World War, BMW concentrated its efforts entirely on the production of aircraft engines for the German Air Force. In addition to the plants in Munich and Eisenach, additional production facilities are being created. After the end of the war, BMW finds itself on the brink of survival, factories are destroyed, equipment is dismantled by allied forces. In addition, a three-year moratorium on production was introduced due to the company's participation in the supply of military equipment.

Revival of the company

In March 1948, the first post-war motorcycle, the R24, was created, it was a modified version of the pre-war R32. The motorcycle had enough weak engine, affected by post-war restrictions. Lack of materials and equipment caused a delay in the start of mass production until December 1949. However, the success of the model exceeded all expectations.

The first post-war car was the 501, which began production in 1952. It was a luxury six-seat sedan with a modified six-cylinder engine that was found in the pre-war 326. As a car, the 501 was not a great commercial success, but it restored BMW's status as a manufacturer of high-quality and technologically advanced cars.

Due to the commercial failure of the BMW 501, by 1959 the company's debts had grown so much that it was on the verge of collapse and received a takeover offer from Daimler-Benz.

But at the general meeting of shareholders held on December 9, this proposal was rejected. The confidence of small shareholders and the team in the success of the new middle-class sedan model prompted Herbert Quandt to increase his stake in the company.

The 1500 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1962. This was, in essence, the creation of a new "niche" of semi-sports cars and restored BMW's reputation as a successful and modern company. The public liked the new four-door sedan so much that orders exceeded production capacity. By the mid-60s, the Munich plant completely ceased to cope with the flow of orders and BMW management was forced to make plans for the construction of new factories. But instead the company buys the crisis-ridden Hans Glas GmbH, along with two production sites in Dingolfing and Landshut. One of the largest BMW plants in the world was subsequently built on the site in Dingolfing. In addition, in order to relieve the Munich plant, in 1969 motorcycle production was moved to Berlin, and the 5th series of motorcycles created in the early 70s will be produced only at this site.

To new horizons

In 1971, a subsidiary of BMW Kredit GmbH was created, whose task was to ensure financial transactions for both the company itself and numerous dealers. The new company became the first stone in the foundation of the finance and leasing business, which made a huge contribution to the success of BMW in the future.

In the 70s, the company created the first models from which the famous 3, 5, 6, 7 series of BMW cars began. In 1972, construction began on a plant in South Africa, the first plant outside Germany, and on May 18, 1973, the company officially opened its new headquarters in Munich. Construction of the new office began in the early 70s; the architectural solution was later referred to as a four-cylinder office. The company museum is located next door.

Also in 1972, BMW Motorsport GmbH was separated from the company - this division combines all areas of the company’s activities in the field of motorsport. Over the next years, it was to this division that the concern owed BMW's countless achievements in the field of motorsports and the construction of cars for racing tracks.

Sales Director Bob Lutz was the initiator of a new sales policy in which, starting in 1973, the company itself, rather than importers, took charge of sales in major markets. In the future, it was planned to separate the sales divisions into affiliated companies. As planned, the first sales division was opened in France in 1973, followed by other countries, a move that brought BMW to the world market.

In 1979, BMW AG and Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG created a joint venture for the production of engines in Steyr, Austria. In 1982, the plant came completely under the control of the company and was renamed BMW Motoren GmbH. The following year, the first diesel engine rolled off the production line. Today this plant is a center for development and production diesel engines in Group.

In 1981, BMW AG created a division in Japan. On November 26, 1982, a decision was made to build a new plant in Regensburg to reduce the load on the main production in Munich. The plant was opened in 1987.

BMW Technik GmbH was founded in 1985 as a development and development division promising technologies. Some of the best designers, engineers and technicians work there to develop ideas and concepts for the car of tomorrow. One of the first major projects The division was responsible for the creation of the Z1 Roadster, which was released in a small series in 1989.

In 1986, the company consolidated all R&D activities under one roof at the Forschungs und Innovationszentrum (Research and Innovation Center) in Munich. This is the first automobile manufacturer, which has created a division in which more than 7,000 scientists, engineers, designers, technicians and managers work together. The facility was officially opened on April 27, 1990. In 2004, the Projekthaus, a nine-story building with an area of ​​12,000 m2, with an open gallery, offices, studios and conference rooms, is built for the PSI.

In 1989, the company decided to build a plant in the USA. The Spartanburg, South Carolina plant was specifically designed to produce the BMW Z3 Roadster and opened in 1994. Z3s produced there were then exported throughout the world. At the end of the 90s, the plant was expanded and now such models of the concern as BMW X3, X5, X6 are produced here.

Mergers and acquisitions

At the beginning of 1994, the Board of Directors supported the decision of the supervisory board to purchase the British car manufacturer Land Rover, in order to expand the model range. With the purchase of the company, such famous brands as Land Rover, Rover, MG, Triumph and Mini are under the control of BMW AG. The company is vigorously pursuing the integration of the Rover Group into the BMW Group. However, the hopes placed on the merger were not justified and in 2000 the company sold the Rover group, leaving only the Mini brand.

In July 1998, the concern acquired a piece of automotive history. After lengthy negotiations, the company receives the rights to the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars brand from Rolls-Royce PLC. Rolls-Royce is run entirely at Volkswagen's expense until the end of 2002, after which BMW acquires full rights to all Rolls-Royce Motor Cars technologies. The company then builds a new headquarters and factory in Goodwood, southern England, where it plans to begin production of the newly developed Rolls-Royce model from early 2003.

A look into the future

At the turn of the century, the concern was revising its development strategy in order to strengthen its position and create the foundation for future achievements. Since 2000, BMW AG has decided to focus exclusively on the premium segment of the international automotive market with the brands BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce. The lineup The company is expanding with new series and versions. Along with the X-series SUV, the company develops and launches in 2004 a premium compact car, the BMW 1-series.

After being sold to the Rover Group in 2000, BMW remains in control of the modernized plant where Minis are produced. Initial plans for production of 100,000 cars per year, driven by global demand, reach 230,000 cars by 2007. The first concept car of the updated Mini was presented in 1997; in 2001 it went into production as a premium car in the small segment. Modern design, combined with good dynamic characteristics, predetermined the success of the model, and by 2011 the Mini family had grown to six models.

After hard work, production begins at the new Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood in 2003. Rolls-Royce Phantom. The market was offered a classic Rolls-Royce with its signature proportions, radiator grille, design rear doors, the highest quality finishing materials, but at the same time, this is a technologically modern car. The new Phantom, on the one hand, embodied the traditional values ​​of Rolls-Royce, and on the other, testified to the successful relaunch of the brand. In September 2009, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost becomes the second model following the brand's renewal. The Rolls-Royce Ghost retains the traditional values ​​of the brand, albeit in a more “informal” interpretation.

In 2004, the BMW 1-Series was released. The brand's recognized strengths, such as excellent dynamics and superb handling, have now appeared in the small car segment. Traditional transmission setup, front engine and rear wheel drive result in even weight distribution and good traction. The BMW 1 Series thus combines the advantages of a renowned brand with the advantages of a compact car.

In May 2005, the company opens a plant in Leipzig. The new facility is designed to produce 650 cars per day. The plant's knowledge, as well as the brand's products, is the pinnacle of design and engineering and was awarded the Architecture Prize in 2005. The plant produces the BMW 1-Series and the BMW X1. In 2013, it is planned to launch the company's first electric car, the BMW i3, and later the sports car BMW i8.

In August 2007, BMW Motorrad began producing motorcycles under the Husqvarna brand. This Swiss company, founded in 1903, has a rich tradition and allows BMW AG to expand its product range with the production of road motorcycles. The head office, development, production and sales and marketing departments of the Husqvarna brand remain at the same location in the northern Italian region of Varese.

In the fall of 2007, the company adopted a development strategy, the main principles of which are: “Growth”, “Shaping the future”, “Profitability”, “Access to technologies and customers”. The company has two main goals: to be profitable and to continue to grow in times of change. The BMW Group's Mission 2020 is the world's leading provider of premium products and services for individual mobility.

 BMW cars, thanks to their memorable appearance, have become the most recognizable cars

“Powerful”, “elegant”, “stylish” - all these epithets, the history of BMW cars, numbered a lot. As is rarely the case, the history of BMW and, especially in post-war years developed quite smoothly, “in German”, without any special ups and downs, but first things first.

History of creation

The founder of the company is considered to be Rapp Karl Friedrich ( interesting fact– Rapp worked for a long time as technical director at Daimler-Benz, which in 1913 began to develop aircraft engines and in 1916 a contract was signed for the supply of engines to the Austro-Hungarian coalition.

But after a change of leadership in 1917, Franz Joseph Popp gave the main name of the brand - “BMW AG” (Bavarian Motor Works). After the ban on the production of aircraft in Germany (Treaty of Versailles, the end of the First World War), the history of BMW development tells us how the company switched to production locomotive brakes, for railway transport.

History of motorcycles

After numerous achievements in aviation, it was decided to “come down to Earth” and in 1923 the first BMW motorcycle"R 32", then the sporty "R 37".

The history of BMW motorcycles is amazing; a huge number of records, victories and prizes over the entire production period put BMW motorcycles on the same level as more narrowly focused companies (American Harley Davidson, Japanese Kawasaki). An evaluation indicator of the achievements that the motorcycle history of BMW models can be proud of is the cost of rare motorcycles. Even pre-war examples are distinguished by high quality control comfort and speed characteristics.

Pre-war history

The company produced its first car in 1928, after acquiring the plant in Eisenach. The first car was the Dixi, which absolutely met the requirements of those times; there was a particular excitement for this model in the UK, and the company had to produce cars with right-hand drive. Perhaps it was this “success” that became the reason for the renaming of the car: instead of “DIXY”, it began to be called “BMW”, from that moment the legendary march around the world of the “blue and white propeller” began.

In 1933, BMW released its next iconic model, the six-cylinder BMW 303. The famous “nostrils” began to adorn the front panel of the car, “nostrils” that were “worn” by almost all generations of BMW.

The company's next car became almost legendary, with it BMW won almost all possible prizes and awards at that time - the BMW 328. The first production roadster created and designed in one year, 1936, the BMW 328 became the real pride of the company.

By the beginning of the Second World War, the BMW company was at the top of the aviation, automobile and motorcycle industries, unfortunately, on the side of the Nazis.

During the Second World War

The company entered the second world as a weapons manufacturer.

First of all, these were aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe.

After 1943, the company created the first BMW turbojet engine - 003, and successfully implemented it on the AR - 234. The height reached was 12,800 m, which is undoubtedly a record for that time, even for a country on the verge of defeat.

Generally in military history BMW has many white spots and gaps, but there is no doubt that the group’s factories used the labor of prisoners and concentration camp prisoners. After the defeat in World War II, BMW factories were dismantled and taken by the allies, including to the USSR (an interesting fact is that AZLK cars, Moskvich cars, at that time were a symbiosis of BMW and Opel).

Post-war time

Since BMW was recognized as a supplier and manufacturer of weapons, it was prohibited from creating and producing equipment. The exceptions were motorcycles with a volume of up to 250 cc. The company was also forced to produce “consumer goods” necessary for the revival of the country from ruins, frying pans, pots, fittings and the like. The permission to produce bicycles turned out to be significant for the company.

Since all technical documentation and factory capacity were destroyed, everything had to be created from scratch. Even the bicycle was “invented” and redesigned, since access to technical information was closed. A significant achievement was the decision to install a low-power engine on a bicycle, it was thanks to this that permission was given to produce low-power motorcycles and already in 1948 the first post-war R24 ​​with 250 cc and 12 HP was released. Then the R25 2-cylinder appeared, and by the end of 1950 more than 17,000 copies had been produced.

In 1952, the company was able to return to the automobile industry, and the luxurious BMW 501 was released, which immediately brought BMW back into the industry.

An interesting fact is that there is quite a bit of confusion about the post-war BMW. For example, the Eisenach plant, previously owned by the concern and then transferred to the USSR, produced BMW 321 cars, and then BMW 340 (although the propeller badge was replaced with a red one) until 1953.

The Return and Development History of BMW. "Eggs on Wheels"

Despite the release of good luxury cars BMW 501 and BMW 507, in the conditions of the post-war crisis, not everyone could afford such cars and companies had to go to the bottom to survive. A license was purchased for the tiny Izetta car, popularly nicknamed “an egg on wheels,” but, strangely enough, it worked, the “eggs” sold in huge quantities and the company slowly began to turn into a concern again.

This success almost ruined the company, since the only wrong decision was made - to return to luxury cars. No one is allowed to “jump” straight from “eggs” to limousines, not even BMW, and in 1959 an offer was received from BMW’s main and constant competitor, Daimler-Benz, to purchase the company.

We can safely say that it was the workers who saved the company from takeover, thereby not depriving us, descendants, of watching the amazing ups and downs of the two auto giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Workers and engineers believed in the company's potential and convinced management not only not to sell the company, but also to confidently and repeatedly expand production. Sponsors and funds were found and the next milestone in development was a chapter called “success”.

Success on all fronts

Until 1975, BMW confidently scored points in various areas of the automotive industry. Through trial and error, numerous positive results have been achieved, both in sports and in civilian sectors. The concern increased its capacity, built laboratories, and began construction of that famous “BMW headquarters” hanging house. After the motorcycle surge of the 60s and 70s, the BMW corporation finally found its feet and began to implement an “insidious” plan to “take over” the planet.

Checkmate

In the 70s. years, the BMW concern released those same famous two series - “three” and “five”, which to this day remain sales leaders all over the world. The unique design, created by a great sculptor and a great racing fan, by and large determined the sporting future of cars, even in civilian versions.

The history of the BMW 5 Series is especially noteworthy. It was this series that played a major role in the company's success. It was there that the implementation of all innovative projects and technological innovations was carried out. Thus, the 1995 520 model set safety standards throughout the world and, through the use of special materials, achieved a recycling rate of 85%. This fact will make many smile, but know that global manufacturers spent 33.3 billion dollars to achieve such an effect, is it still funny?

BMW X5

Although almost all BMW cars are successful and in demand, the BMW X5 stands apart.

For a long time the company did not dare to produce an SUV, but in 1999 (for reference - the main Mercedes-Benz competitor released ML-class in 1996, 3 years earlier) the X5 was released and, without understatement, made a splash on world markets. No wonder it bears the nickname “flawless”, the X5 has surpassed its competitors.

The lineup

Although a huge number of models have been released over the years, the main ones can be considered those that began to be produced in series. There are 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th May series, as well as M-class, X-Class and Z-class. A huge number of engines, more than those of any other manufacturers, deserve a separate article.

Bottom line

Of course, the history of BMW is worthy of respect and admiration, even despite the obvious connection with the Nazis during the war. The manufacturer of some of the best cars on the planet has shown various examples of “survival” in the face of crises and failures, proving to the whole world that without technological solutions and new developments, even with ideal management, it is impossible to develop.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW's history of creating competition deserves special thanks, since it is clear that without BMW there would be no today's Mercedes-Benz and vice versa.

On December 3, 1896, in the city of Eisenach, Heinrich Ehrhardt founded a factory to produce cars for the needs of the army and, oddly enough, bicycles. Already the fifth in the area. And, probably, Erhardt would have continued to produce dark green mountain bikes, ambulances and mobile soldier kitchens, if he had not seen the success that accompanied Daimler and Benz with their sidecars.

And the decision was made to make something lightweight, not military, and, of course, different from what competitors had already done. But to save time and money, Erhardt bought a license from the French. The Parisian car was called Ducaville.

This is how what is called BMW today appeared. And then this monster was called the “Wartburg motorized carriage,” and it was not its own development. A couple of years later, in September 1898, Wartburg arrived under his own power at the automobile exhibition in Düsseldorf and took his place alongside Daimler, Benz, Opel and Durkopp.

And a year later, Erhardt’s motorized carriage won the main automobile races of that time - Dresden - Berlin and Aachen - Bonn. The gold double helped Wartburg win twenty-two medals throughout his career, including one for elegant design.

Wartburg's life was cut short in 1903: exorbitant debts, decline in production. Erhardt gathers his shareholders and gives a speech, which he ends with the Latin word dixi (“I have said everything!”). This is how the ancient Roman orators, although not so tragic, ended their speeches.

However, help came unexpectedly - from one of Erhardt's shareholders. Stock speculator Yakov Shapiro really didn’t want to part with the motorized stroller he loved so much. Shapiro, at that time, had enough opportunities to control the English factory in Birmingham, which produced the Austin Seven. This miracle of the British automobile industry was extremely popular in London and its environs. And Shapiro, without thinking twice, but having managed to calculate all the possible benefits, buys a license for Austin from the British.

Now what started rolling off the assembly line in Eisenach was called Dixi. By last word Herr Erhardt. True, the first batch of cars went to the people with right-hand drive. This was the first and last time in continental Europe that a passenger sat on the left side. Speculator Shapiro, it should be noted, was right.

From 1904 to 1929, the revived Ehrhardt factory produced and sold 15,822 Dixi. However, the time has come to make your own car. Still, the realization that Birmingham was looming behind us was haunting. And in 1927, the Heinrich Erhardt plant, already an integral part of BMW, began producing its own Dixi - Dixi 3/15 PS.

More than nine thousand cars were sold during the year. The most sophisticated, by the standards of that time, Dixi cost three thousand two hundred Reichsmarks. But he accelerated to seventy-five kilometers per hour.

And then Karl Friedrich Rapp burst into the history of BMW, who dreamed of the sky and aircraft engines. Rapp founded a small company and started working somewhere on the northern outskirts of Munich. His goal is not cars. His target is airplanes. He had both desire and enthusiasm, but, unfortunately, they were never backed up by luck.

In 1912, at the first imperial exhibition of aviation achievements, Karl Rapp presented his biplane with a ninety-horsepower engine. However, his plane was never able to take off.

Regarding the failure as temporary, Rapp planned another biplane with an engine capacity of one hundred and twenty-five “horses” for the next (two years) exhibition. But in 1914, instead of imperial window dressing, the First World War began.

In general, there was a plus in this for Rapp - the war brought orders for aircraft engines. But the Rapp engines were incredibly noisy and suffered from strong vibration, and therefore, due to complaints from local residents, the authorities of Prussia and Bavaria banned the flights of aircraft with Rapp engines over their territory. Things were getting worse. Even despite the fact that Rapp's enterprise had a very loud name.

On March 7, 1916, his company was registered under the name Bavarian Aircraft Works (BFW). And then a new character enters the scene - Viennese banker Camillo Castiglioni. He buys out Rapp's share in the company and thereby increases the capitalization of the then BFW to almost one and a half million marks.

But this did not save Rapp from the reputation of a loser and bankrupt. But it saved his company. With the last of her strength, she was able to hold out until the arrival of another Austrian, Franz Josef Popp.

Popp, a retired Austro-Hungarian Marine lieutenant with a degree in engineering, was an expert at the Reich Ministry of Defense and kept track of all the latest technical advances. But at that time he was most interested in the 224B12 power plants produced in Munich. He came here in 1916 to start his life’s work from scratch.

The first thing Popp did was hire Max Friz. A brilliant engineer, as it later turned out, was fired from Daimler for demanding that his salary be increased to fifty marks a month. If old Daimler had not been greedy then, perhaps BMW could have had a completely different fate.

In relation to Fritz, Rapp took a tough position. And when the former Daimler engineer finally returned to work, Rapp resigned. But even after his departure, the company remained with the reputation of being half-bankrupt and unable to achieve anything as a small company. And Popp decides to rename Rapp's brainchild.

On July 21, 1917, a historical entry was made at the Munich Registration Chamber: the “Bavarian Rapp Aviation Works” will henceforth be called the “Bavarian Motor Works” (Bayerische Motoren Werke). BMW took place. Moreover, the main products of the Bavarian Motor Plants are still aircraft engines.

There was still a year before the end of the First World War, and the Kaiser still had hopes of at least a draw. It didn't work out. Moreover, according to the Treaty of Versailles, the victorious powers banned the production of aircraft engines in Germany. However, the stubborn Franz-Josef Popp, despite any prohibitions, continues to invent and implement new engines.

On June 9, 1919, pilot Franz Zeno Diemer, after eighty-seven minutes of flight, climbed to an unprecedented height of 9,760 meters. His DFW C4 was powered by a BMW 4 Series engine. But no one has recorded a world altitude record. Germany, according to the same Treaty of Versailles, was not one of the member countries of the International Aeronautics Federation

The banker Castiglioni, who once almost saved Rapp, does not lag behind Popp. In the spring of 1922, he bought the last surviving aircraft engine plant for BMW. From now on, the Bavarian Motor Works has another direction.

In addition to aircraft engines, the Munich team is setting up the production of very small-displacement engines - two-cylinder, with a volume of just 494 cubic meters. cm. And a year later the small engines justified themselves - in 1923, first at the Berlin and then at the Paris automobile exhibitions, the first BMW motorcycle - the R-32 - became a major sensation.

After another six years, BMW finally decided on its future destiny: motorcycles, cars and aircraft engines. It's been two years since the company released its own Dixi. This is a completely restyled model, brought by Popp himself to completely satisfy German taste.

In the same twenty-ninth BMW Dixi wins the International Alpine Race. Max Buchner, Albert Kandt and Wilhelm Wagner raced to victory at an average speed of 42 km/h. No car could travel so fast and for so long at that speed.

In 1930 year BMW delivers another hit of the season. Popp and his comrades suddenly decide to go back thirty-four years ago and call new car Wartburg.

The shadow of the motorized stroller of the last century has once again found its real shape in the DA-3. With the windshield down, the Wartburg accelerated to almost 100 km/h. It became the first BMW car to receive a compliment from Motor und Sport magazine. Quote: “Only a very good driver can have the Wartburg. A bad driver doesn't deserve this car." The name of the author is still unknown, but what he said discourages all desire for self-criticism.

In 1932, Dixi became history. Austin's manufacturing license has expired. About five years ago, Popp probably, well, if he hadn’t been upset, he would have started looking for an escape route... or a way out.

But at that time, BMW was only thinking about the future. And the future is the Berlin Motor Show. Here the BMW 303, the very first three-ruble note, received applause. Under its hood was the smallest six-cylinder engine ever made with a displacement of 1173 cc. see Manufacturers guaranteed a speed of 100 km/h. But only if the client can find the right street.

Unfortunately, it is unknown whether the first test drive of the 303 took place. And one more thing, no less important than speed. “Three hundred and third” for many sixty-nine years determined the appearance of BMW - the mesmerizing smoothness of lines, not yet predatory, but already with a hint of appearance and nostrils with a white and blue propeller.

Then there was the 326 Cabriolet. It became a hit in 1936 and worthily completed the parade of the first three rubles. From 1936 to 1941, the BMW 326 won almost sixteen thousand hearts. And this is the company’s best performance in its entire history.

In the mid-thirties, BMW finally explained to both competitors and its customers: if the name of the company contains the word “motor”, then it is the best engine to date. The final doubts, and there certainly were some, were dispelled by Ernst Henne in 1936.

In the Nürburgring race among 2-liter cars, the small white BMW 328 roadster comes first, leaving behind big cars with compressor engines. The average lap speed is 101.5 km/h. Well, they don’t like turbocharged engines in Munich. Or rather, they love, but not very actively.

Another year and a half later, the same Ernst Henne, only on a 500cc motorcycle, sets a new world record. It accelerates the two-wheeled monster to 279.5 km/h. All questions are removed for at least fourteen years.

Before the start of World War II, BMW tried to participate in the limousine race. It was simply impossible to refuse to compete with the Opel Admiral or Ford V-8, or the Maybach SV 38. Moreover, in a small but such an attractive niche, free places while they were still there.

And on December 17, 1939, BMW presented the new 335 in Berlin in two versions - convertible and coupe. Both experts and the public, appreciating what was created, blessed the limousine for a long life.

Alas, 335 lasted less than a year. The war forced BMW to switch mainly to the production of aircraft engines. Moreover, the German authorities have banned the sale of cars to private individuals. However, at the very beginning of World War II, the Munich people still managed to put an end to the dispute over the best engine and the car equipped with it.

In April 1940, the BMW 328 roadster, driven in turn by Baron Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Bäumer, won the thousand-mile Mille Miglia. Their 166.7 km/h still allowed the competitors to finish the race. And it’s very comfortable. That's just a little later than the official finish.

In any case, it was on the eve of World War II that the BMW principle was formed, and remains in effect to this day: always fresh, aggressively sporty and forever young. Cars are for people who, at first glance, may look relaxed, but, in fact, have achieved a lot in this life. That's why we're relaxed.

“One people, one Reich, one Fuhrer... one chassis!” - this powerful propaganda campaign of the Third Reich was addressed to German automobile factories. We don’t want to, and we don’t have the right to, condemn those who worked for the war on the other side. Accusations are good and timely if they are made before the events.

Be that as it may, the rear service of the German General Staff demanded an ordinary military vehicle from the auto industry three types. The development of the lightest version was entrusted to Styuver, Hanomag and BMW. Moreover, all three factories were strictly forbidden to in any way indicate that the car belonged to one company or another.

BMW began creating its own participant in the movement on military roads later than everyone else, in April 1937. And by the summer of the forties, the Bavarian Motor Plants provided the army with more than three thousand light equipment. All of it went under the name BMW 325 Lichter Einheits-Pkw, but without its already famous nostrils and blue and white propeller.

As cynical as it may sound, the products of Munich factories were the most popular in the army. Even despite the fact that the Beemers produced for the war did not have the necessary combat qualities. The 325s were absolutely not suitable for the crazy idea of ​​“blitzkrieg”. They only had enough fuel for two hundred and forty kilometers.

And yet, for current BMW fans, the following must be said: all BMWs designed for the war were withdrawn from service long before the winter of 1942.

Germany's defeat in the war was almost equally meant the destruction of BMW. The enterprises in Milbertshofen were turned into ruins by the USSR allies, and the factories in Eisenach fell under the control of the Soviet army. And then according to plan: the equipment - what survived - was taken to Russia. Repatriation. The winners decided how to dispose of the catch. But they tried to restore the remaining equipment in order to start producing cars. In general, it was a success. However, the assembled BMWs were sent straight from the assembly line to Moscow. Therefore, the surviving shareholders of the Bavarian Motor Works concentrated all their efforts, financial and human, around two relatively production-ready plants in Munich.

And yet the first official post-war BMW product was the motorcycle. In March 1948, the 250 cc R-24 was presented to the public at the Geneva Exhibition. By the end next year Almost ten thousand of these motorcycles were sold.

Then the time came for the R-51, a little later - the R-67, and then the hour struck for the six hundred cc sports R-68 with a top speed of 160 km/h. The 68th became the fastest car of its time. By 1954, almost thirty thousand people could boast of a BMW motorcycle.

However, such an insane popularity of two-wheeled monsters played a cruel joke on their creators. The motorcycle, no matter how fast it was, even with a proprietary propeller on the tank, remained the most accessible means mobility for the poor. And by the mid-fifties, people with money were already dreaming out loud about a sedan worthy of their position.

BMW's first attempt to meet those who wished to do so turned into financial ruin. Although at the premiere in Frankfurt the BMW 501 was greeted with delight. Even Pinin Farina, who was rejected with his body project for the 501, appreciated the work done by the Bavarian design bureau. It would seem that this is what we need. However, the most expensive was the actual production of the BMW 501.

Only one front wing required three or even four technical operations. And all this, oddly enough, was done in order to compete with the “220” Mercedes.

The fifties were generally not the most successful years for BMW. Debts grew rapidly, and sales also fell rapidly. Neither the 507 nor the 503 proved their worth. These cars, in principle, were intended for the American market. However, they did not wait for an answer from overseas in Munich.

Neither new developments nor seemingly competent advertising campaigns helped. As, for example, with the BMW 502 Cabriolet. In order to push this car onto the market, marketers decided to use outright flattery towards women.

Harsh men's world 502 was not intended. Advertising brochures began with the words: “Good afternoon, madam! Only twenty-two thousand marks, and not a single man will be able to pass by you without turning around. You will catch their loving glances, casually placing your hand on the ivory steering wheel.”

In 502 everything was done for gentle female hands. Even the soft folding top. Folding it or unfolding it was not difficult. BMW especially emphasized this fact. And, of course, the woman who bought the 502 didn’t care that under the hood she had a 2.6-liter engine with a power of one hundred Horse power. The main thing is that the Becker Grand-Prix cassette player quietly plays the beloved Glenn Miller with his In the Mood. For two years, BMW tried to torture its luxurious brainchild. But no new orders arrived.

In 1954, the Munich people went to the other extreme - to the smallest. The BMW Isetta 250, or, as the manufacturers called it, a motorcycle coupe, appeared on the roads of Germany. This something is popularly called an “egg on wheels.” Under the so-called hood was an engine from an R-25 motorcycle. All this was pulled by exactly twelve “horses”. Most likely a "pony".

Two years later, BMW, impressed by the unexpected popularity of the three-wheeled car, laid another “egg” - the Isetta 300. Well, it was almost a car. And the engine is 298 cc. cm - that's not two hundred and forty-five. Another one came to the twelve “horses”. New girl.

Be that as it may, Izett sold almost one hundred and thirty-seven thousand. They were especially loved in England. The laws there allowed owners of the “egg” to drive it with only a motorcycle license. After all, there is only one wheel at the back.

In the winter of 1959, a financial crisis broke out in Germany. The fifteen million marks that the Bremen king of the timber industry, Herman Krags, poured into the company two years ago are simply pleasant memories.

The board of directors of BMW, I would like to believe, with acute pain in its heart, decides to merge with Mercedes. However, small shareholders and, oddly enough, official dealers of the company spoke out quite harshly against this. They were able to ensure that the main holder of BMW shares, Herbert Quandt, bought most of them. The rest received compensation, but the company was still saved.

The new board of directors makes a decision that the company followed for the next few decades - “We produce middle-class cars and aircraft engines.”

Three years later, also in winter, but now it was a more pleasant time of year than ever, the BMW 1500 rolled off the production line. This car became a new class among four-wheelers and, most importantly, turned the Germans away from middle-class American cars.

1500 with a “herd” of eighty “horses” accelerated to 150 km/h. The new guy hit a hundred in 16.8 seconds. And this automatically made it a sports car. The demand for it was phenomenal. The plant assembled fifty cars a day. Just a year later, almost 24 thousand BMW 1500 were rushing along the autobahn.

The younger, but more powerful “brother” was born in 1968. By Christmas, the BMW 2500 found its first owners. There were more than two and a half thousand of them. After nine years of production, 95,000 cars were distributed to all corners of Germany. One hundred and fifty “horses”, if there were only two passengers in the car, accelerated the BMW 2500 to 190 km/h. That same year, a slightly modified 2500 won the 24-hour race at Spa.

In 1972, after much deliberation, BMW returned to the “five”. And from now on, all cars produced by the Bavarians had a serial number depending on the class. The 1972 BMW 520 became the first post-war “five”.

But here's what was strange. The new Bavarian middleweight was powered not by a six-cylinder engine, but by a four-cylinder one. It took five years for all the other A's to receive the six-cylinder implant. Naturally, 115 horses were not enough for a weight of 1275 kg. However, the 520 was taken by others: customers were offered both a manual and automatic transmission. The instrument panel was illuminated with a dim orange light. Moreover, the car was equipped with seat belts. So a year later, 45,000 people faithfully buckled up every morning before spending thirteen quick seconds to reach 100.

All in the same 1972, BMW created a paradise for engineers and mechanics in love with motor sports. BMW Motosport begins its triumphant march. And again we repeat the banal: “If…” So, if at that moment Lamborghini had not caved in under the financial crisis, BMW would have still used the services of the Italians. But the Bavarians reacted instantly.

And in 1978, at the Paris Automobile Exhibition, the “M1 project” or E26 was presented to the world - for internal use. The first emka was designed by Giorgio Guigiaro. Therefore, there is an uneasy feeling that it is kind of like a Ferrari, but something is missing. So be it. But 277 “horses” were removed from three and a half liters (455 is the racing version), and the car accelerated to hundreds in six seconds.

And then Bernie Ecclestone and BMW Motosport chief Jochen Neerpach agreed to conduct Procar test runs on the M1 on Saturdays before the start of the European Grand Prix. They were attended by those who took the first five places on the starting grid.

While athletes were enjoying the M1, BMW did not forget about ordinary customers. Launched in 1975, the first new three-ruble cars with 1.6 and 2 liter engines were to the taste of the Germans. And three years later, the Munich team released the BMW 323i, which became the leader of its class and its time.

The fuel-injected six-cylinder engine allowed the car to reach a top speed of 196 km/h. The 323 reached the first hundred in nine seconds. However, among its classmates, the “three” turned out to be the most “gluttonous”: 14 liters per hundred kilometers. And after 420 kilometers, the 323 stopped dejectedly, but the Mercedes and Alfa Romeo... And still, from 1975 to 1983, the BMW 316, 320 and 323 brought pleasure to almost 1.5 million people with their behavior.

In 1977, the time came for the seventh series of BMW. They were equipped with four types of engines with power from 170 to 218 “horses”. For two years, the “Seven” regularly found its buyers. And then in 1979 Mercedes-Benz presented its new S-Class.

Munich responded immediately. Volume 2.8 liters. And the “herd” of 184 thoroughbred “horses”, pulled under a blue and white propeller, flared their nostrils predatorily. The new 728 instantly attracted buyers from the Stuttgart region of Germany. In principle, there was something to fall for. A one and a half ton car was traveling at a speed of 200 km/h. And all this pleasure cost a little less than a Mercedes.

“You don’t need to look for some kind of an extraordinary car. Just decide what you need in this life.” The advertising appeal was addressed to those who saw the BMW 635 CSi for the first time. The E24 body quickly burst into the automotive world in 1982. After fans of the “sixth” series have already enjoyed 628 and 630.

BMW realized that people who buy a sports coupe do so in order to engage in automobile discrimination on the roads. 635 was stuffed with the latest technical advances. For example, electronics that made it possible to reduce engine speed to 1000 rpm using a manual gearbox. And a year later, the sorcerers from BMW Motosport worked on the 635, bringing the engine power to 286 “horses”. The “gas to the floor” mode drove the M6 ​​into a frenzy, and after thirty seconds the Emka went to the 200 km/h point. Ten seconds faster than the 500th Mercedes. But that was not all.

In 1983, the first F1 championship for turbocharged cars took place. And who would doubt that the first champion will be Renault, the first to master this technology for the first Formula.

In South Africa, in the town of Kyalami, Alain Prost already saw himself doused with champagne. However, the Branham BMW, driven by Brazilian Nelson Piquet, covered the Renault diamond with a blue and white propeller and nine letters: BMW M Power.

At peak power, the M 12/13 engine produced 1,280 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. BMW, for the first time in the history of the motor competition, became the very first F1 world champions among turbocharged cars. And what’s most offensive for the French is that no one was surprised by this victory.

And this race was started by Mercedes in 1990. The Stuttgart team launched their 190 with a 2.5-liter sixteen-valve engine. Munich did not hesitate to respond. Therefore, in defiance of 190, BMW Motosport rolled out the M3 Sport Evolution. The same famous M3 in the E30 body.

Those who got behind the wheel of the Emka could choose the type of suspension themselves, depending on the road conditions. You choose sport, and the car bites into the track. Plus normal and comfort.

The Munich Evo catapulted up to a hundred in 6.3 seconds, and after another twenty the Emka was rushing at a speed of 200. But what most captivated true speed fans deprived of racing cars were the three-point red seat belts. They say that the nasty buzzer was a little annoying when the Emka reached its maximum speed of 248 km/h.

Three years before the release of the M3 Evo, BMW returned to the idea of ​​its own roadster. It was called the Z1 and was presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This toy cost 80,000 marks. But long before the start of official sales, dealers had already placed five thousand orders for the Z. And the last letter of the Latin alphabet, with which the car was named, means in Germany a neatly curved wheel axle. The biggest disadvantage of the BMW Roadster was its small trunk. The most a big plus- 170 “horses” and 225 km/h in addition.

In 1989, BMW finally entered the territory of luxury cars occupied by Mercedes. The 8 Series rolled off the production line. Under the hood of the 850i there was a twelve-cylinder engine borrowed from the 750 with a capacity of 300 “horses” (in 1992 its output was increased to 380).

However, the six-speed manual proved to be less popular than the automatic. The 850, unlike other high-speed models, was not equipped with an electronic speed limiter at 250 km/h. This was the maximum speed.

By this time, almost a year had passed since the most famous “five”, which still, despite everything, commands respect for the E34, traveled across various continents, including Russia. But, knowing the cunning of BMW, they expected something from the “Wow, you!” series. And they waited.

First, in April 1989, the three hundred and fifteen-horsepower M5 appeared. But in 1992 they finally waited. The M5 E34 appeared, “charged” with 380 horsepower. The emochka shot up to a hundred in six and a half seconds. How much she squeezed as much as possible, no one will ever know. Almost immediately another “emka” was released, in the touring version.

And American journalists called this car “Car of the Century.” And in order not to disappoint his fans, he underwent the most “insignificant” changes. Its 286 horsepower engine, which it received in 1992, was increased to 321 in 1995.

All this consumed only 12 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers, while accelerating to hundreds in five and a half seconds. But for some reason the M3 in the E36 body was not considered a sports car.

In 1996, it was time to update the Sevens. The technically advanced BMW 740i in the E38 body replaced its “brother” from the E32. Everything has changed. Appearance. Attitude towards the owner. No, the face of the new “seven” cannot be called friendly. But this is for people you meet.

The elastic, 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine spun to its maximum already at 3900 rpm and allowed you to reach the point in six and a half seconds. But the “sit down and go” trick didn’t work with the 740. The operating instructions for the "Seven" differed only slightly from the instructions for behavior in the space shuttle. The BMW book was thinner.

There were two boxes to choose from. Moreover, a sixth step-down was added to the manual version. It choked the engine, reducing its impulse by seventeen percent. As a result, consumption is only 12.5 liters per hundred kilometers. Experts were unanimous in their assessment of 740: the i’s were dotted.

In the same year, they got their “A” update. The E39 burst into the automotive world. Seven engine options to suit every taste. And for those who are not in a hurry, and for those who are faster, but for the most irrepressible, BMW rolled out the “540”. The eight-cylinder, 4.4-liter engine allowed the “thirty-ninth” to accelerate to only 250 km/h. Bosch stepped in again with its electronic limiter. Everything in this car was done to ensure that the pilot felt safe and comfortable at any speed.

In general, the late nineties became incredibly productive for BMW. New “fives”, “sevens”, the undeniable success of the Z3, all this did not provide the opportunity for even a short break.

The new brainchild of BMW Motosport - M Roadster - was released in 1997. There was simply a need to improve everything that was invested in the Z3. Here's an M, and a roadster at that. Try to tame 321 “horses”! And keep in mind, the Emka is one hundred and twenty kilograms lighter than the Z and, therefore, accelerates to hundreds in 5.4 seconds.

“Mistakes are steps on the ladder that leads to success,” summed up Chris Bangle after the new generation of “three-pointers” was released. on their BMW development spent more than two and a half million man-hours. 2,400 different parts have been completely redesigned. The new “three rubles” endured all this and in 1998 appeared before the public in all its glory.

The most powerful modification - 328 - gained one hundred kilometers in less than seven seconds. “Phenomenal power and incredible grip” - that's what it's all about.

In 1997, at the Frankfurt Automobile Show, people stood around the BMW stand in obvious bewilderment. The Z3 Coupe evokes unpredictable reactions.

“You either accept it or forgive it,” replied Bangle. And really, how do you feel about a car that looks like a roadster from the front? And what about the new “three-ruble touring” at the back?

The Z3 Coupe was equipped with only two types of engines: a 2.8-liter with a capacity of 192 horses and a 321-horsepower M engine. They say that from the second glance at the “Munich runner” you fell in love with him forever.

“A wolf in sheep's clothing” - this is how the first M5 in the 39th body was described. In general, they are right. Moreover, the first photographs of the Emka were taken in a blue haze. You look at it: well, yes, four pipes. Well, the mirrors are different. But the fog lights are very oval. But this is when you don’t know what the letter M with a five on the right is.

The M5 has 400 “horses” that accelerate the four-door sedan to hundreds in just five point three seconds. The only thing faster is a plane or a sportbike, at worst. One problem - M5 have had their regular customers since 1985, and only a thousand people a year can afford to “tame the Munich wolf.”

Inspired by the success of the Z3, the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, reopened in 1999. And although the X5 is made in America, it is a completely German car. The second attempt to conquer the New World market was successful. Moreover, the breakthrough of the Munich people into the niche of the so-called parquet SUVs was so rapid that only a few months after the premiere, competitors realized that the X5 was presented in the very heart of the American automobile industry - in Detroit. Confusion and whispers passed through the rows: “BMW made a jeep!”

The then market leader, the Mercedes ML, prepared for the worst. And there was a reason. "Bavarian" was a success. The traction control system, dynamic stability control sensors and other low-tech high-tech developments of recent years have not disappointed fans of speed and comfort at all. In addition, the X5 showed its best performance off-road. Plus ten airbags. In general, there is nothing to worry about.

The X5 was equipped with more than just the familiar eight-cylinder engine. Both six-cylinder and diesel with direct fuel injection were offered to choose from.

Finally, a quote from the German magazine AutoMotor und Sport: “This car flies one lap around the Nurburgring in less than nine minutes.” Only the Z7 is faster. In 2000, the Z7 completed one revolution around the famous track a minute faster.

In 2002, the BMW Group achieved a record number of sales - 1,057,000 cars, and also won the “Car of the Year in Russia” competition. In 2003, the most luxurious model of the BMW 7 Series was introduced - the BMW 760i and 760Li, and a new one appeared BMW sedan 5th series.

BMW is one of the few car companies, which does not use robots in factories. All assembly on the conveyor is done only by hand. The output is only computer diagnostics of the main parameters of the car.

The concern is the founder of the international award in the field of avant-garde music Musica Viva, supports theater festivals and innovative exhibitions. The desire for a creative combination of art and technology is most clearly embodied in the unique collection of BMW Art Cars.

The BMW empire, which was on the verge of collapse three times in its history, each time rose and achieved success. For everyone in the world, the BMW concern is synonymous with high standards in the field of automotive comfort, safety, technology and quality.

Many manufacturers offer compact hatchbacks as their most inexpensive models. BMW, of course, knew about the predilection of small European towns for compact hatchbacks. Of those more or less suitable for these parameters, the company could only offer the third series coupe, which creakingly fit into the middle class, not to mention some kind of affordability of the car. The basic version of the projected first series was supposed to be half the price of the third series coupe, but at the same time remain a fast luxury car.

And so it happened: in 2004, the BMW 116i with an engine of 1.6 liters and 115 horsepower started in Germany at a price of 20 thousand euros. Modest, but not cheap. The cost of the three-liter 130i, blazing with heat 265 “horses”, was closer to the price of the 5-series, not to mention extreme tuning options with super-powerful engines. Some studios even offer versions with 8-cylinder engines. Success in releasing the first compact hatchback was definitely on BMW's side.

The increased demand for luxury sports cars pushed the Bavarian concern to revive the legendary sixth series. The buzz about what exactly BMW's next historic model would be was quickly quelled when 3.0- and 4.5-liter engines roared to life inside the impressively sized coupe. For those who didn’t understand, they showed a five-liter V10 with 507 horsepower. That was already the M6.

BMW AG is a manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, engines and bicycles headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. It is one of the three German manufacturers premium cars, which lead in sales volumes around the world.

In 1913, two small aircraft engine companies were founded in Munich by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. After the outbreak of World War I, the demand for their products increased sharply, and the owners of the two companies decided to merge. Thus, in 1917, a company called Bayerische MotorenWerke (“Bavarian Motor Works”) appeared.

After the end of the war, the production of aircraft engines in Germany was prohibited under the Treaty of Versailles. Then the owners of the company refocused on the production of motorcycle engines, and later motorcycles. However, despite the high quality of the products, the company was not doing well.

In the early 20s, BMW was bought by businessmen Gothaer and Shapiro. In 1928 they acquired automobile plant in Eisenach, and with it the right to produce Dixi cars, which were converted British Austin 7s.

The subcompact Dixi was quite progressive for its time: it was equipped with a four-cylinder engine, an electric starter and brakes on all four wheels. The car immediately became popular in Europe: 15,000 Dixi were produced in 1928 alone. In 1929, the model was renamed BMW 3/15 DA-2.

BMW Dixi (1928-1931)

During the Great Depression, the Bavarian automaker survived by producing licensed small cars. However, it soon became clear that the world-famous aircraft engine manufacturer could not be content with producing British cars. Then BMW engineers began working on their own car.

BMW's first self-developed model was the 303. It immediately got a strong start on the market thanks to its 1.2-liter six-cylinder engine with 30 hp. Weighing only 820 kg, the car had excellent dynamic characteristics for that time. At the same time, the first outlines of the design of the brand’s characteristic radiator grille in the form of elongated ovals appeared.

The platform of this car was later used to produce models 309, 315, 319 and 329.

BMW 303 (1933-1934)

In 1936, an impressive sport car BMW 328: Innovative engineering features in this model included an aluminum chassis, a tubular frame and a hemispherical combustion chamber of the engine, which ensured longer-lasting and more efficient operation of the pistons and valves.

This car is considered the first in the popular CSL line today. In 1999, it was one of the top 25 finalists in the international Car of the Century competition. 132 automotive journalists from around the world voted.

The BMW 328 won numerous sports competitions, including the Mille Miglia (1928), RAC Rally (1939), Le Mans 24 (1939).

BMW 328 (1936-1940)

In 1937, the BMW 327 appeared, notable for the fact that it was produced intermittently until 1955, including in the zone of Soviet occupation. It was presented in coupe and convertible bodies. Initially, a 55-horsepower engine was installed on the cars; later, an 80-hp power unit was optionally offered.

The model received a shortened frame from the BMW 326. The brakes were equipped hydraulic drive on all wheels. The metal surfaces of the body were attached to a wooden frame. The convertible doors opened forward, the coupe doors opened backwards. To achieve the required angle of inclination, the front and rear window made from two parts.

Behind the front axle was installed a six-cylinder in-line engine from the 328 model with two Solex carburetors and a double chain drive from the BMW 326. The car accelerated to 125 km/h. Its price ranged from 7,450 to 8,100 marks.

BMW 327 (1937-1955)

During World War II, the company did not produce cars, but focused on producing aircraft engines. In the post-war years, most of the enterprises were destroyed, some fell into the zone of occupation of the USSR, where cars continued to be produced from existing components.

The remaining factories, according to the American plan, were subject to demolition. However, the company began producing bicycles, household goods and light motorcycles, which helped maintain production capacity.

The first post-war car begins production in the fall of 1952. Work on its construction began even before the war. It was a 501 model with a 2-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 65 hp. Maximum speed car speed was 135 km/h. According to this indicator, the car was inferior to its rivals from Mercedes-Benz.

Still, he gave automotive world some innovations, including curved glass, as well as lightweight parts made of light alloys. The model did not bring good profits to the company at home and sold poorly abroad. The company was slowly approaching financial ruin.

BMW 501 (1952-1958)

The Bavarian automaker decided to concentrate on producing mass-produced cars. The first of these was the Isetta model with an interesting appearance. It was a particularly small class car with a door that opened in the front of the body. It was a very cheap car, ideal for quickly moving short distances. In some countries it could be driven with only a motorcycle license.

The car was equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a volume of 0.3 liters and a power of 13 hp. Power point allowed her to accelerate to 80 km/h. For those who like to travel, a small trailer with one and a half sleeping places was offered. In addition, there was a cargo version of the model with a small trunk, which was used by the police. Until the early 1960s, about 160,000 units of the car were produced. It was he who helped the company survive during the period of financial difficulties.

BMW Isetta (1955-1962)

In 1955, the BMW 503 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The abandonment of the central pillar made the car's body especially stylish, under the hood there was a 140-horsepower V8, and a top speed of 190 km/h finally made you fall in love with it. However, the price of 29,500 German marks made the model inaccessible to the mass buyer: in total, only 412 units of the BMW 503 were produced.

A year later, the stunning 507 Roadster appeared, designed by Count Albrecht Goertz. The car was equipped with a 3.2-liter V8 engine, which developed 150 hp. The model accelerated to 220 km/h. It is also known for the fact that out of 252 copies produced, one was purchased by Elvis Presley, who served in Germany.

BMW 507 (1956-1959)

By 1959, BMW was again on the verge of bankruptcy. Luxury sedans didn't bring in enough cash, and neither did motorcycles. Buyers who had recovered from the war no longer wanted to hear about Isetta, and the financial situation was so dire that on December 9, at a meeting of shareholders, the question of selling the company to a competitor, Daimler-Benz, arose. The last hope was the release of a BMW 700 with a body Italian company Michelotti. It was equipped with a small two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 700 cc. cm and power 30 hp. This engine accelerated a small car to 125 km/h. The BMW 700 was received with a bang by the public. Over the entire production period, 188,221 copies of the model were sold.

Already in 1961, the company was able to use proceeds from the sale of the 700 to develop a new model, the BMW New Class 1500. However, the most important thing was that the car made it possible to avoid a hostile merger with a competitor and helped BMW stay afloat.

BMW 700 (1959-1965)

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, a new product was shown, which finally secured the future of the brand. high status in the world of cars. This was the 1500 model. Its design was characterized by the recognizable “Hofmeister curve” on the rear roof pillar, an aggressive front end and the characteristic “nostrils” of the radiator grille.

The BMW 1500 was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with power ranging from 75 to 80 hp. From the start to 100 km/h the car accelerated in 16.8 seconds, and its top speed was 150 km/h. The demand for the model was so overwhelming that the Bavarian automaker opened new factories to satisfy it.

BMW 1500 (1962-1964)

In the same 1962, the BMW 3200 CS was released, the body of which was developed by Bertone. Since then, almost all BMW two-doors have had the letter C in their name.

Three years later, a coupe with automatic transmission. This was the BMW 2000 CS, and in 1968 the 2800 CS crosses the 200 km/h mark. Equipped with a 170-horsepower in-line six, the car managed to accelerate to 206 km/h.

In the 70s, 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series cars appeared. With the release of the 5-Series, the brand stopped focusing only on the sports car niche and began to develop the direction of comfortable sedans.

In 1972, the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL appeared, which can be considered the first project of the M division. Initially, the car was produced with a six-cylinder in-line engine with two carburetors producing 180 hp. and volume 3 liters. With a car weight of 1,165 kg, it accelerated to “hundreds” in 7.4 seconds. The weight of the model was reduced by using aluminum in the manufacture of doors, hood, hood lid and trunk.

In August 1972, a version of the model appeared with electronic system Bosch D-Jetronic injection. Power increased to 200 hp, acceleration time to 100 km/h was reduced to 6.9 seconds, and top speed was 220 km/h.

In August 1973, the engine capacity was increased to 3,153 cc. cm, power was 206 hp. Special racing models were equipped with engines of 3.2 and 3.5 liters and power outputs of 340 and 430 hp, respectively. In addition, they received special aerodynamic packages.

The Batmobile, as it was called, won six European Touring Championships. It also distinguished itself by being the first among the brand's models to receive a 24-valve engine, which was later installed on the M1 and M5. With its help, ABS was tested, which then went into the 7-series.

BMW 3.0 CSL (1971-1975)

In 1974, the world's first production car with turbocharging, the 2002 Turbo, was released. Its 2-liter engine developed 170 hp. This allowed the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and reach a “maximum speed” of 210 km/h.

In 1978, a unique mid-engined sports road car appeared in history. It was developed for homologation: in order to participate in Group 4 and 5 racing, it was necessary to produce 400 production cars of the model. Of the 455 M1s produced between 1978 and 1981, only 56 were race cars, with the rest being road cars.

The design of the car was developed by Giugiaro from ItalDesign, and the work on the chassis was given to Lamborghini.

3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 277 hp. was located behind the driver's seat and transmitted torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission. The car accelerated to “hundreds” in 5.6 seconds, and the top speed was 261 km/h.

BMW M1 (1978-1981)

In 1986, the BMW 750i was released, which for the first time received a V12 engine. With a volume of 5 liters, it developed 296 hp. This car was the first whose speed was artificially limited to 250 km/h. Later, other major automakers began to introduce this practice.

In the same year, the fantastic Z1 roadster appeared, which was originally developed as an experimental model as part of a brainstorming session. Unlimited in any way, the engineers “drew” a car with excellent aerodynamics, thanks to a special bottom design, a plastic body on a tubular frame and a futuristic appearance. The doors did not open in any of the usual ways, but were drawn into the thresholds.

In its manufacture, the automaker developed technologies for using xenon lamps, as well as an integrated frame, door mechanism and tray. A total of 8,000 cars of the model were assembled, with 5,000 being pre-ordered.

BMW Z1 (1986-1991)

In 1999, the first BMW SUV appeared - the X5 model. Its sporty character caused quite a stir at the Detroit Auto Show. The car was characterized by impressive ground clearance, traction control system And all-wheel drive for off-road use, as well as enough power to compete on equal terms with passenger cars marks on the asphalt.

BMW X5 (1999)

In 2000-2003, the BMW Z8 was produced, a two-seater sports car that many collectors of the brand call one of the most beautiful cars ever.

When creating the design, the designers sought to show the 507 model, which would be produced in beginning of XXI century. It received an aluminum body on a space frame, a 5-liter engine with 400 hp. and six-speed manual box Getrag transmissions.

The model was used as Bond's car in the film The World Is Not Enough.

BMW Z8 (2000-2003)

In 2011, BMW AG founded a new division, BMW i, which specializes in the creation of hybrid and electric cars.

The first models released by the division were the i3 hatchback and the i8 coupe. They debuted in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW i3 was launched in 2013. It is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 168 hp. and a rear-wheel drive system. The maximum speed of the car is 150 km/h. Average consumption fuel in the i3 RangeExtender version is 0.6 l/100 km. The hybrid version of the car received a 650 cc engine internal combustion, which recharges the electric motor.

BMW i3 (2013)

Official sales of the brand's cars in Russia began in 1993, when the first BMW dealer opened in Moscow. The company now boasts the most developed network of dealers among luxury automakers in our country. Since 1997, the assembly of brand cars has been established at the Kaliningrad enterprise Avtotor.

BMW AG is one of the leading manufacturers today premium cars. Its factories are located in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, India, Egypt, the USA and Russia. In China, BMW cooperates with Huacheng Auto Holding and produces cars under the Brilliance brand.