With a capital letter. Stylish, safe, powerful, comfortable and bright. The list of adjectives goes on and on. But there will be no cheap and simple ones among them. BMW has many factories, and even more branches where cars are assembled. Is there a BMW not german assembly? After all, the latest models are assembled even in Russia. Let's understand this issue more thoroughly. We will definitely remember the history of the company, where it all began, the lineup, features and, of course, the place of assembly.

Main capacities of "BMW"

All major production capacity are located in Germany from BMW. The country of origin of the famous brand car is, of course, also Germany. But only if they are made in factories in Munich, Regensburg, Dingolfing or Leipzig. Indeed, today BMWs are also assembled in India, Thailand, China, Egypt, USA, South African Republic and Russia. In total, there are 22 non-German BMW enterprises.

Build quality is determined by default by the main country of origin - Germany. What is being done to preserve the originality of the assembly?

1. Cars in BMW branches are made from ready-made units supplied directly from factories in Germany.

2. Constant control of the quality of the car assembly, the quality of the qualifications of the service personnel from the center.

3. Regular professional development of branch employees.

A small excursion into the history of the BMW brand

The beginning was laid in the early 20s of the last century. 1913 is considered the year of foundation, and in 1917 the activities of the company were recorded - aircraft engines. Yes, yes, BMW initially had a slightly different profile than today. Wartime has left its mark. But after the end of hostilities, the production of aircraft engines was prohibited.

To somehow survive, the company's management decided to release motorcycles. Since 1923 BMW has been producing light motorcycles. There was a time when motorcycles were also banned, and factories were interrupted by orders for bicycles and tools. However, the hard times are over. Since 1948, BMW has continued to produce motor vehicles, and since 1951, the first post war car BMW 501.

Since the late 50s, the BMW company, the country of origin of which is Germany, has entered the production of sports cars. By actively participating in races, BMW products take prizes, thereby increasing its popularity. In 1975, the development of the third family "BMW" - E21 began.

How to understand BMW models

For almost 100 years of the company's development, a huge number of cars have been developed and produced. There are only 9 so-called families at BMW. Among them are the most popular and numerous:

• 3rd series;
• 5th series;
• 7th series;
• X-series.

In each family, cars are subdivided into bodies. For example, in the 3rd series, the first model in 1975 was the E21. And only in 1982 it was replaced by the E30 body. To make it even clearer, consider the E21 with the 320i designation. Here 3 is the family or series number; 20 is the displacement of a 2.0 liter engine and the letter "i" stands for a fuel injection engine. 320 has only a carburetor engine, most often from Solex.

The stylistic features of the models can most often be distinguished only by professionals, therefore it is recommended to look at the documents to fully identify the BMW car. Vin auto gives all the necessary information on the model, engine, and also opens access to the component parts in the original catalogs. What "BMW", what country of manufacture - these and other questions can be answered in the documents and under the hood of the car.

Separate representatives are machines of the Z and M series. These families have their own special numbering and identification, due to their special industries. The Technik division develops prototypes, and the M is the M for the Motorsport division. There is also an American company BMW and two luxury coupe models L7 and L6 produced by it. Outwardly, they can be confused with the 7th suite in the 23rd body. However, these are 6-series models, with many additional options, released specifically for the US domestic market.

The most famous and popular BMW

The most famous BMW car, the country of origin of which is the real Germany, can be considered the Z8. This car was produced for less than 5 years, had the classic look of the roadster of yesteryear 507, but with a modern filling. The Z8 gained its incredible popularity for being in the movie "And the whole world is not enough". For the movie, the car was further refined and turned into a real spy car.

The most popular "BMW", according to reviews, is the model of the 3rd series in 46 body. These cars have been sold maximum amount... The third family of the company was the best-selling in 2014. Almost 477 thousand buyers have chosen exactly 3 series.

Latest news from "BMW"

The company of the renowned German car manufacturer BMW continues to develop new masterpieces for its fans and connoisseurs. Among the new products recent years should be noted 740LE - a car with a hybrid engine and four-wheel drive... In the combined cycle, such a car should consume no more than 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.

BMW X1 became available for Russians russian assembly... The car is presented in 3 fixed configurations. The options are either diesel power unit 150 "horses", or gas engine 192 "horses" with a volume of 2.0 liters.

Among the 7s, 760Li is especially noticeable. This "BMW", the country of origin of which is only Germany, is distinguished by a very powerful engine of 609 liters. from. with a volume of 6.6 liters. Maximum speed the car is hardware limited to 250 km / h, but it is possible to accelerate to the first 100 in only 3.7 seconds.

The X family now has a real leader - the top model X4 M40i. The gasoline unit of the new car has 360 "horses" and 3 liters of volume. Intelligent four-wheel drive provides axle load distribution. In case of slipping, the main rear is connected front axle... An 8-speed automatic transmission and electronically self-adjusting dampers create the ultimate driving experience for the new X4.

Famous BMW X5

BMW X5 is extremely popular in Russia. This is due to a whole bunch of nice features:

• Four-wheel drive.
• Stylish and solid design of the model.
• Impressive performance.
• Reliability and quality from BMW, the country of origin of which was originally Germany.

The last update of the model, which took place in 2013 (F15), turned out with larger body dimensions and more environmentally friendly engines. There are 2 petrol and 2 diesel power units. More strong gasoline engine has a volume of 4.4 liters and a capacity of 450 liters. sec., while the smaller one is 3.0 liters and 306 liters. from. Turbocharged diesel engines are made in volumes of 3 and 2 liters with more modest 258 and 218 "horses", respectively. All variants of the X5 F15 are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Popular today "BMW X5" (manufacturer - country Germany or Russia) sells well in the secondary car market.

"BMW X6"

Following the X5, BMW has released the following variant all-wheel drive crossover family of X-cars. And already at the end of 2014, a modified version was released under the F16 index. Initially, the car did not take root in Russian circles. This could be due to the positive perception of the previous model. Well, the Russians liked the X5. But gradually auto sales began to grow, and the X6 confidently began to gain momentum. What attracts attention to this sample from BMW?

The exterior of the car has aggressive and sporty notes. Powertrains with each model are more and more refined in order to increase power and reduce fuel consumption. Suspension car multi-link with electronically controlled shock absorbers. There are several modes for optimal handling on any road surface. Interior innovations include a projection screen. In general, "BMW X6", the country of origin of which is real Germany, is still valued more than the same car, but assembled in Russia.

"Mini Cooper" from "BMW"

The Mini Cooper car is one of the not quite standard solutions of BMW. Coming off the assembly line in 2002, it became the second birth of the legendary British car in its time. Everything that BMW is doing is of high quality, reliable and powerful. This mini-car was no exception.

Several options for gasoline and diesel power units accelerate the car over 200 km / h. "Baby" is surprisingly playful and powerful. For example, a 1.6-liter gasoline engine has a capacity of 184 hp. from. Good grip creates a slightly stiff suspension. Fuel consumption is also poor. In general, the car has a special charm and undoubtedly finds its fans. After all, this is the second birth of the legend - "Mini Cooper". The manufacturer is a country where BMW feels at home, not always Germany.

Features of the Russian assembly

As for the Russian assembly of BMW, it is handled by the Kaliningrad enterprise Avtotor. Almost the entire X-family is assembled here: X1, X3, X5 and X6. "BMW" assembled in Russia are no different from the original. After all, the assembly is carried out on German equipment, according to German standards and under control. But the main thing is that cars are assembled from ready-made units.

Today to the questions: “Who makes BMW? What is the country of origin? " - no definite answer can be given. BMW has 27 factories around the world. The quality of production is at the highest level everywhere. At the same time, there are no automated assembly lines in production. This step is always done manually by specialists.

Conclusion

The history of the BMW company shows that with due efforts and striving to achieve new results it gives its "fruits". Several times this company was on the verge of bankruptcy, but each time it flourished again. Today BMW is one of the most renowned and successful car manufacturers in the world. Only Toyota apart from it can boast of such a fact as a constant annual increase in profits.

The country of origin of BMW cars was originally Germany. At the same time, the quality and reliability of vehicles produced by subsidiaries remain at the same high level.

BMW, "Bayerisch Motoren Werke", (BMW, Bayerisch Motoren Werke AG), a German automobile company specializing in the production of passenger cars, sports cars, cars high cross-country ability and motorcycles. The headquarters is located in Munich.

In 1913, on the northern outskirts of Munich, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, son of the inventor of the engine internal combustion Nikolaus August Otto, two small aircraft engine firms are created. Started First world War immediately brought numerous orders for aircraft engines. Rapp and Otto decide to merge into one aircraft engine plant. This is how an aircraft engine plant appeared in Munich, which in July 1917 was registered under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke ("Bavarian Motor Plants") - BMW. This date is considered to be the year of foundation of BMW, and Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are its founders.

After the end of the First World War, the company was on the verge of collapse, since under the Treaty of Versailles, the Germans were forbidden to produce engines for aircraft, namely, engines were the only BMW products at that time. But the enterprising Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto find a way out - the plant will be redesigned for production first. motorcycle enginesand then the motorcycles themselves.

In 1923, the first R32 motorcycle comes out of the BMW factory. At the 1923 Motor Show in Paris, this first BMW motorcycle immediately gained a reputation for speed and reliability, which was confirmed by absolute speed records in international motorcycle races of the 20s and 30s.

At the same time, the "Motor-4" engine is being developed, the final assembly of which is carried out in other European countries. In 1919, Franz Diemer on an airplane with this engine, having risen to an altitude of 9760 meters, sets the first BMW world record. Production gets an extra boost after a secret agreement with Soviet Russia on the supply of the latest aircraft engines to it. Most of the Soviet record-breaking flights of the 1930s were performed on aircraft equipped with BMW engines.

In 1928, the company acquires car factories in Eisenach (Thuringia), and with them a license for the production of a small car Dixi (it was licensed English Austin 7). Its production begins in 1929. Dixi is the first BMW car. In a period of economic difficulties, the small car becomes the most popular car in Europe. By the beginning of the Second World War, BMW was one of the most dynamically developing companies in the world, producing equipment with a sports orientation. She has several world records to her credit: Wolfgang von Gronau crosses the North Atlantic from east to west on an open seaplane Dornier Wal powered by BMW, Ernst Henne on an R12 motorcycle equipped with a cardan drive, hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork (BMW invention) sets the world speed record for motorcycles - 279.5 km / h, unbeaten by anyone for the next 14 years.

In 1933, the production of the model "303" - the first bMW car with a 6-cylinder engine. This model is the first to acquire the characteristic radiator grille. popularly called "nostrils" BMW. These nostrils have become a typical design element of all BMW vehicles.

In 1936, BMW produced the famous 328, one of the most successful sports cars. For that time, these were simply avant-garde technical innovations: a tubular frame, a six-cylinder engine with a light alloy head, new system valve mechanism with rods. With the 328 model, BMW became so famous in the second half of the 30s. that all subsequent cars with the two-color brand badge were perceived by the public as a symbol high Quality, reliability and beauty. With its appearance, the ideology of BMW was finally formed, which to this day defines the concept of new models: "A car for a driver". The main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, follows the principle: "The car is for passengers." Since then, each company has gone its own way, proving that it was her choice that was correct.

The winner of a myriad of competitions - circuit races, rallies, hill climb races - the BMW 328 was addressed to sports car connoisseurs and left all production sports cars far behind.

1938 BMW acquires Pratt-Whitney engine license. Then the model 132 was developed, which was installed on the famous Junkers J52. In the same year, the fastest pre-war motorcycle model was created, with a capacity of 60 hp. and a maximum speed of 210 km / h. In 1939, German racer Georg Mayer becomes the European champion on this motorcycle. And for the first time a foreigner on a foreign motorcycle wins the British "Senior Tourist Trophy" race.

The outbreak of war leads to the suspension of the production of cars. Priority is again given to aircraft engines.

In 1944, BMW is the first in the world to start producing bMW engine 109-003. Tests are also carried out rocket engines... The end of World War II was a disaster for the concern. Four factories in the Eastern zone of occupation were destroyed and dismantled. The parent plant in Munich was dismantled by the British. In connection with the production of aircraft engines and missiles during the war, the winners issue an order banning production for three years.

Both Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, who have not changed their love for motors, decide to start again from scratch. A 1-cylinder motorcycle R24 is being developed, which was assembled in the workshops almost handicraft. It becomes the first post-war BMW product. In 1951, the first post-war passenger car, model "501", appeared. However, it does not bring financial success.

1955 saw the launch of the R 50 and R 51 models, opening a new generation of motorcycles with fully sprung undercarriage, comes out the small car "Isetta", a strange symbiosis of a motorcycle with a car. A three-wheeled car with a door opening forward in traffic was a huge success in impoverished post-war Germany. But because of the ensuing enthusiasm for large limousines and the associated losses, the company is on the verge of collapse. This is the only case in the entire history of BMW when the economic situation was calculated incorrectly and the cars thrown onto the market had no demand. There is a question about selling the company. Mercedes-Benz hastened to announce its purchase, but this was prevented by small shareholders, employees of the company, its sales agents.

By restructuring its capital structure, BMW is able to continue its business. For the third time, the firm starts all over again.

1956 - New York-based designer Albrecht Graf Hertz creates a sensational sports car. "BMW beat even Italians." - so the newspapers wrote in 1956, when this car was presented. The BMW 507 was offered as both a roadster and a hardtop. Eight-cylinder aluminum engine with a volume of 3.2 liters and 150 hp. accelerated the car to 220 km per hour. In total, 252 units were sold from 1956 to 1959. Today it is one of the rarest and most expensive collectible cars.

1959 - with the new BMW 700 with air system cooling, the concern managed to overcome the internal crisis and create the basis for the further success of the brand as a whole. The success was achieved not only in the sales area. The coupe version enabled BMW to achieve sporting victories.

In 1962 the concept of the 1500 lightweight model. compact. sports. four-door car - has been accepted in the market with such enthusiasm. that the production capacity was not sufficient to meet the demand for these vehicles.

In 1966 the two-door 1600-2 was introduced for the first time. It served as the basis for the successful series of turbocharged models from 1502 to 2002. The successes of the "new class" contributed to the development of the entire lineup. The BMW concern was able to afford to revive the tradition of the 30s and start producing six-cylinder models. 1968 saw the premiere of the 2500 and 2800 models, which brought BMW back into the business. producing large sedans. In this way. The 60s were the most successful in the entire history of the enterprise.

1969 BMW moves motorcycle production to Berlin. Release begins new series motorcycles - "opposites". 1976 for the first time a full-size fairing was installed on the R100 RS motorcycle. In 1983, one of the most popular motorcycle models, the K100, was produced with a 4-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection. In the year of the century of the motorcycle, in 1985, the Berlin plant produces more than 37 thousand motorcycles. In 1989, the presentation of the K 1 motorcycle takes place.

In the 1970s, the first cars of the famous BMW series appeared - models of the 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series. With the launch of the 5 Series, the production of a fundamentally new generation of BMW models began. If earlier the concern occupied mainly the niche of sports cars, now it has taken its place in the segment of comfortable sedans. Coupe 3.0 CSL. which has won six European championships since 1973. makes BMW particularly successful. This coupe hid many technical innovations. It was the first to use a six-cylinder BMW engine with four valves per cylinder. and its braking system was equipped with ABS - a complete novelty for those times.

In 1977, a new breakthrough in the luxury class. With the introduction of the 7 Series, the fundamental renewal of all BMW series has ended.

Since 1986 the BMW M3 has been the most successful road race car in the world. The compact two-door model has been developed in parallel for both series production and motorsport. The result was simply triumphant for BMW. In 1987, the Italian Roberto Raviglia wins first place in the world championship in road racing. And for the next five years, the BMW M3 dominated the sports scene.

In 1987, the new roadster, which was originally conceived simply as an experimental model, continued the tradition of BMW roadsters from the 30s and 50s. The BMW Z1 was built in 8,000 units and is the bearer of state-of-the-art technology. The aerodynamics of this car were also exemplary. In 1987, BMW was one of the first in the world to use an electronic engine power control system.

In 1990, a new coupe dream: the BMW 850i. The heart of this sleek luxury coupe was a twelve-cylinder engine that could literally shoot the car forward at any speed. Brand new integral rear axle quite in a unique way combined sporting qualities and the highest comfort.

In the year of German reunification, the concern, having founded BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH, returns to its roots in the field of aircraft engine building, and in 1991 presents the new BR-700 aircraft engine. In the early 1990s, the third-generation sports compact cars of the 3-series and the 8-series coupes appeared on the market.

A good step for the company was the purchase in 1994 for 2.3 billion German marks of the industrial group Rover Group ("Rover Group"), and with it the largest complex in the UK for the production of cars of the brands Rover, Land Rover and MG. With the purchase of this company, the list of BMW cars was replenished with missing ultra-small cars and SUVs.

Since 1995, all BMW vehicles have been fitted with an airbag for the front passenger and an anti-theft engine locking system as standard equipment. In March of the same year, the touring of the 3 series was launched. New car differed not only in modern design, but also in the most advanced technology. For example, for the first time in the automotive industry, the undercarriage was almost entirely made of aluminum.

Also 1995 - the debut of the new 5-Series BMW. The main principle in its development - the creation of a harmonious concept. The new car was distinguished not only by its modern design, but also by the most advanced technology: for the first time in the automotive industry, the chassis was almost entirely made of aluminum. The use of new materials has increased the vehicle utilization rate up to 85 percent. The exceptionally rigid body provides an unrivaled level of passive safety.

In 1996, the BMW Z3 7 Series is equipped with diesel engine... The unique fusion of dynamism and classic design is a delightful concept. Additional advertising for the car is created by the film "Golden Eye", in which the super agent 007 James Bond drives around on the Z3. BMW Z3 has become a bestseller. The new plant in Spartanburg is unable to fulfill all orders.

In 1997, the motorcycle that can not leave you indifferent - the Model R 1200 C, represents a completely new interpretation of the road bike. Sensational design that combines traditional and futuristic elements. He received the largest BMW boxer engine ever built. Its working volume is 1170 cm3. and the developed power is 61 hp. In the same year, BMW presents another dream car. This is the M Roadster, which, like no other, is the true embodiment of a thoroughbred open sports car.

In 1997, BMW unveiled a dream car that made the hearts of connoisseurs jump. The M Roadster embodies the ideal of a pure-bred sports car like no other BMW before. Its 321-horsepower M3 engine guarantees a thrilling ride.

In the spring of 1998, the fifth generation of the successful 3 Series sedans debuted. Redesigned in many details, the new 3 Series offers not only exceptional looks, but also the most modern engines, the latest suspension technology and best-in-class safety standards.

The beginning of 1999 saw the debut of the BMW X5 as the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle: a machine that uniquely combines elegance and practicality, thus opening up new dimensions of mobility.

And one more first place: the BMW Z8, the great sports car, celebrated its premiere in 1999 and delighted James Bond fans in The World Is Not Enough.

In 1999, BMW also surprised automotive enthusiasts at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the futuristic Z9 gran turismo concept.

BMW, which began as a small aircraft engine plant, currently manufactures its products at five factories in Germany and twenty-two subsidiaries around the world. It is one of the few automotive firms that does not use robots in factories. All assembly on the conveyor is done only by hand. At the exit - only computer diagnostics the main parameters of the car.

Exactly 100 years ago, BMW was founded. We remembered the top ten coolest Bavarian cars, which made competitors not sleep at night, and fans - to lust.

Yaroslav Marshalkin

BMW 507

It is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful models in the history of the brand. Sports roadsterpresented to the public in 1955 was conceived as mercedes-Benz competitor 300SL and was aimed at North American buyers. Striving to do best car its time put BMW on the brink of bankruptcy.

The two-seater body was made of light aluminum alloy, a V-shaped "figure eight" was placed under the hood, which allowed the owners to reach speeds of 220 km / h. A little later, the car got effective disc brakes, but this did not make the proper impression on buyers.

The high cost discouraged even wealthy clients. Despite the fact that the owners of the premium BMW were the stars of the first magnitude (for example, Elvis had two 507s in his garage), during its short life this model, like many geniuses, did not receive fame “in life”. But after a while it was recognized as a classic. Today it is a real rarity, for which auction visitors shell out millions of dollars.

Bmw m1

Another tidbit for collectors. Model sold from 1978 to 1981. BMW decided to launch a mid-engined supercar (mid-engined model) in partnership with Lamborghini. But the cooperation did not work out, and the idea was embodied only in BMW.

The prototype was designed by the legendary Paul Braque. As a result, he had a powerful influence on the brand's DNA. It was then that the instrument panel layout first appeared, deployed towards the driver and became the hallmark of BMW.

The M1 was a breakthrough not only in design but also in engineering. The modest four-cylinder engine was equipped with a turbocharger, which was rare for those times, which made it possible to squeeze more than 270 hp out of two liters. For the M1, they even made a separate racing series in which Formula stars Niki Lauda and Nelson Piquet competed. Unlike the road versions, the M1 for the track was boosted to an incredible 850 hp.

BMW Nazca

The 1976-1982 generation should remember the Turbo chewing gum insert with the corresponding image, and this model is also familiar to us from the Need For Speed \u200b\u200bgame. However, in reality, the concept car from maestro Giurgiaro was destined to remain an exhibition piece. The Nazca, first shown at the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, was too daring, too complex, and too expensive to make a series.

For the first time, energy-absorbing bumpers were used in the car, guaranteeing collisions with obstacles without any financial consequences for the owner. In total, several unique cars, one of which was intended for a member of the Arab royal family. By the way, Nazca recently appeared at a car auction, so if you have a million dollars to spare, there is still a chance to put this car in your garage.

Bmw m5

The first generation of the car was released in 1984. Since then, he, like Batman, becomes cooler and cooler in every new series. But we will remember the E34 generation from the 90s - the last M-ku, which absorbed the warmth of hand-built. The production of subsequent generations became automated. The king of the autobahn in a civilian sedan suit, and for the first time in a model bMW series Motorsport station wagon. Depending on the modification, the power of the M5 engine ranged from 311 to 335 hp, with a rich list additional equipment and the possibility of a comfortable ride with the family made the model a universal car, on which you can take children to school and go to the track.

BMW 850

Coupe Gran Turismo class, produced from 1989 to 1999, costing about 100 thousand dollars. The car competed in Europe and overseas with the Mercedes-Benz SL and Ferrari 348. The most powerful version of the 850 CSI developed 350 hp. (by the way, it was this V12 that was put on the unique McLaren F1), equipped with advanced electronic assistance systems and adaptive suspension. Today at lineup the role of the coupe of the GT class is performed by the 6th bMW series, and the "eight" settled in the hands of grateful fans.

Bmw z8

Henrik Fisker and Chris Bangle had a hand in the creation of the machine, who subsequently set the direction for a dozen years. The ideological successor to the famous 507 at the 1997 Motor Show was welcomed by the public. As a result, BMW decided to make a limited series of cars on the basis of the show stopper at a price of 170 thousand dollars each. The Z8 easily picked up the electronically limited 250 km / h speed, but was not built for drag racing. The car looked much more organic on the seaside or in the garage of an eastern sheikh. The role of the bondmobile in the film “And the whole world is not enough” became a logical touch, emphasizing the special status of the BMW Z8.

Bmw x5

If you consider that prim Range rover (which during the creation of the X5 belonged to the Bavarians) cut a window into the luxury SUV segment, then the X5 refined this window and put a modern glass unit in it. Focusing on the main value of the German brand - driving pleasure, the X5 first of all became famous after setting a record for race track Nürburgring, where testers accelerated the prototype to over 300 km / h.

But in Russia "boomer" is firmly entrenched in the minds of the masses, associated with the film of the same name. Fortunately, with the updates, X5 is slowly losing the halo of the gang leader's business card. Today in the authorities, judging by the scandalous news about the motorcade of the FSB academy, another German brand, close bMW competitor... Well, to your health!

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage

Despite the fact that this is not a production model, we have included it among the ten finest BMWs. The successor to the glorious sporty line that originated from the 1968 3.0 CS coupe that once competed with the Porsche 911.

BMW AG is a car, motorcycle, engine and bicycle manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands. It is one of the three German premium car manufacturers that are leading in terms of sales worldwide.

In 1913, two small aircraft engine firms were founded in Munich by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. After the outbreak of the First World War, the demand for their products increased dramatically, and the owners of the two companies decided to merge. So in 1917, a company called Bayerische MotorenWerke ("Bavarian Motor Plants") appeared.

After the end of the war, the production of aircraft engines in Germany was banned under the Treaty of Versailles. Then the owners of the company were redesigned to manufacture motorcycle motors, and later motorcycles. However, despite the high quality of the products, the company was not doing well.

In the early 1920s, businessmen Gothaer and Shapiro bought BMW. In 1928 they acquire car factory in Eisenach, and with it the right to produce Dixi cars, which were redesigned by the British Austin 7.

The subcompact Dixi was quite progressive for its time: it was equipped with a four-cylinder engine, 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 releasing a licensed small car. However, it soon became clear that the world-renowned aircraft engine manufacturer could not be content with the production of British cars. Then BMW engineers started working on their own car.

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

The platform of this car was then used for the production of models 309, 315, 319 and 329.

BMW 303 (1933-1934)

In 1936, the impressive BMW 328 sports car was introduced. Among the innovative engineering developments in this model were an aluminum chassis, a tubular frame and a hemispherical combustion chamber of the engine, which ensured more durable and productive pistons and valves.

This car is considered the first in the popular CSL line. In 1999, he entered the top 25 finalists of the International Car of the Century competition. 132 automotive journalists from all over 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 appears, 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 optional 80-horsepower power unit was offered.

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

Behind the front axle was a six-cylinder in-line engine from the 328 model with two Solex carburetors and a double chain drive from a 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 the production of aircraft engines. In the postwar 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 plan of the Americans, were to be demolished. 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. Design work began before the war. It was a model 501 with a 2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 65 hp. The maximum speed of the car was 135 km / h. According to this indicator, the car was inferior to its rivals from Mercedes-Benz.

Yet he gave the automotive world some innovations, including curved glass, as well as lightweight parts from light alloys. The model did not bring the firm a good profit at home and sold poorly abroad. The company was slowly approaching a financial divide.

BMW 501 (1952-1958)

The Bavarian automaker decided to focus on mass production. The first of these was the Isetta model with an interesting appearance. It was a very small class car with a door that opened at the front of the body. It was a very cheap car, ideal for fast travel over short distances. In some countries, it could be driven with only motorcycle rights.

The car was equipped with a 0.3-liter single-cylinder engine with a power of 13 hp. The power plant allowed her to accelerate to 80 km / h. For those who like to travel, a small trailer for one and a half berths 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 vehicles were produced. It was he who helped the company to withstand 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 body especially stylish, under the hood was a 140-horsepower V8, and a top speed of 190 km / h finally made you fall in love with it. True, the price of 29,500 German marks made the model inaccessible to the mass buyer: only 412 units of the BMW 503 were produced.

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

BMW 507 (1956-1959)

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

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

BMW 700 (1959-1965)

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1961, a novelty was shown, which finally consolidated its future high status in the world of auto for the brand. It was the 1500. In design, it featured the distinctive Hofmeister Curve on the C-pillar, the aggressive front end and the distinctive grille “nostrils”.

The BMW 1500 was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with a capacity of 75 to 80 hp. From the start to 100 km / h, the car accelerated in 16.8 seconds, and its maximum 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 a C in their name.

Three years later, a coupe with an automatic transmission appears for the first time. It was the BMW 2000 CS, and in 1968 the 2800 CS surpasses 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.

1972 appears legendary BMW 3.0 CSL, 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 180 hp carburetors. and a volume of 3 liters. Weighing a car weighing 1,165 kg, it accelerated to "hundreds" in 7.4 seconds. The weight of the model was reduced by the use of aluminum in the manufacture of doors, hood, hood and trunk lids.

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

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

The Batmobile, as it was called, won six European Touring championships. He also distinguished himself 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 tests were carried out, which then went into the 7-series.

BMW 3.0 CSL (1971-1975)

In 1974, the first in the world comes out production car turbocharged - 2002 Turbo. Its 2-liter engine produced 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 road sports car with a mid-engine position appeared. It was developed for homologation: in order to participate in races of groups 4 and 5, it was necessary to make 400 production cars. Of the 455 M1s produced from 1978 to 1981, only 56 were racing cars, and the rest were road cars.

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

3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 277 hp was located behind the driver's seat and transmitted torque to rear wheels through a five-speed transmission. To "hundreds" of cars accelerated in 5.6 seconds, and the maximum speed was 261 km / h.

BMW M1 (1978-1981)

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

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

In its manufacture, the automaker has worked out technologies for using xenon lamps, as well as an integrated frame, door mechanism and pallet. A total of 8,000 cars of the model were assembled, 5,000 of which were pre-ordered.

BMW Z1 (1986-1991)

In 1999, the first BMW SUV, the X5, appears. His sporty character caused quite a stir at the Detroit Auto Show. The car was characterized by impressive ground clearance, traction control and four-wheel drive for off-road, as well as enough power to compete on an equal footing with passenger models of the brand on asphalt.

BMW X5 (1999)

In 2000-2003, the BMW Z8 is produced, a two-seater sports car, which many collectors of the brand call one of the most beautiful cars throughout history.

When creating the design, the designers tried to show the 507 model, which would be produced at the beginning of the 21st century. She got an aluminum body on space frame, 5-liter engine with 400 hp. and six-speed mechanical box gear Getrag.

The model was used as a Bond car in The World Is Not Enough.

BMW Z8 (2000-2003)

In 2011, BMW AG founded a new division, BMW i, which specializes in hybrid and electric vehicles.

The division's first models were the i3 hatchback and i8 coupe. They debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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

BMW i3 (2013)

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

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

In 1913, on the northern outskirts of Munich, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, the son of the inventor of the internal combustion engine Nikolaus August Otto, set up two small aircraft engine companies. The outbreak of the First World War immediately brought numerous orders for aircraft engines. Rapp and Otto decide to merge into one aircraft engine plant. This is how an aircraft engine plant appeared in Munich, which in July 1917 was registered under the name Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Motor Plants”) - BMW. This date is considered to be the year of founding BMW, and Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto are its founders.

1917: Rapp Motor Company is renamed BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke

Although the exact date of appearance and the moment of foundation of the company is still a subject of controversy between automotive historians. And all because officially industrial bMW company was registered on July 20, 1917, but long before that, in the same city of Munich, there were many companies and associations that were also engaged in the development and production of aircraft engines. Therefore, in order to finally see the "roots" of BMW, it is necessary to travel back to the last century, to the territory of the not so long ago GDR. It was there that on December 3, 1886, the involvement of today's BMW in the automotive business was "exposed", and it was there, in the city of Eisenach, in the period from 1928 to 1939. was the headquarters of the company.

One of the local attractions of Eisenach was the reason for the name of the first car ("Wartburg"), which was published in 1898 after the company created a number of 3- and 4-wheel prototypes. The first-born "Wartburgs" were the most horseless wagon equipped with a 0.5-liter 3.5 hp engine. There was no hint of the presence of front and rear suspensions. This maximally simplified design became a good incentive for the more progressive work of local engineers and designers, who a year later created a car that accelerated to 60 km / h. Moreover, in 1902, the Wartburg appeared with a 3.1-liter engine and a 5-speed gearbox, which was enough to win the race in Frankfurt in the same year.

Highly important point in the history of the BMW company and the plant in Eisenach, 1904 began, when cars called "Dixie" were exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show, testifying to the good development of the enterprise and a new level of production. There were two models in total - "S6" and "S12", the numbers in the designation of which indicated the number horse power... (By the way, the "S12" was not discontinued until 1925.)

Max Fritz, who worked at the Daimler plant, was invited to the position of chief designer at Bayerische Motoren Werke. Under the leadership of Fritz, the aircraft engine BMW IIIa was manufactured, which successfully passed bench tests in September 1917. The aircraft equipped with this engine set a world record at the end of the year, having climbed to 9760 m.

At the same time, the BMW emblem appeared - a circle divided into two blue and two white sectors, which was a stylized image of a propeller spinning against the sky, taking into account the fact that blue and white are the national colors of the earth of Bavaria.

After the end of the First World War, the company was on the verge of collapse, since under the Treaty of Versailles, the Germans were forbidden to produce engines for aircraft, namely, engines were the only BMW products at that time. But the enterprising Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto find a way out - the plant is redesigned to produce first motorcycle engines, and then the motorcycles themselves. In 1923 the first R32 motorcycle comes out of the BMW factory. At the 1923 Motor Show in Paris, this first BMW motorcycle immediately gained a reputation for speed and reliability, which was confirmed by absolute speed records in international motorcycle races of the 20s and 30s.

In the early 1920s, two influential businessmen appeared in the history of BMW - Gothaer and Shapiro, to whom the company fell, falling into the abyss of debts and losses. The main reason for the crisis was the underdevelopment of its own automotive production, along with which the enterprise, by the way, was engaged in the production of aircraft engines. And since the latter, unlike cars, brought the bulk of the means for existence and development, BMW found itself in an unenviable position. The "medicine" was invented by Shapiro, who was on a short leg with the English car manufacturer Herbert Austin and was able to negotiate with him about the start of mass production of Austins in Eisenach. Moreover, the production of these cars was put on the conveyor, which by that time, except for BMW, could only boast of Daimler-Benz.

1928: Logistics at the Eisenach factory.

The first 100 licensed Austins, which enjoyed incredible success in Britain, rolled off the assembly line in Germany with right-hand drive, which was a novelty for the Germans. Later, the design of the machine was changed in accordance with local requirements, and the machines were produced under the name "Dixie". By 1928, more than 15,000 Dixies (read Austins) were manufactured, which played a decisive role in the revival of BMW. This became apparent for the first time in 1925, when Shapiro became interested in the possibility of producing cars of his own design and began to negotiate with the renowned constructor and designer Wunibald Kamm. As a result, an agreement was reached, and one more talented person was involved in the development of the now famous car brand... Kamm has been developing new components and assemblies for BMW for several years.

Meanwhile, positively for BMW, the question of approving the brand name was resolved. In 1928, the company acquires the car factories in Eisenach (Thuringia), and with them a license for the production of a small car Dixi. On November 16, 1928, Dixie ceased to exist as trademark - it has been replaced by BMW. Dixi is the first BMW car. In a period of economic difficulties, the small car becomes the most popular car in Europe.

On April 1, 1932, the premiere of the first "real" BMW was scheduled, which later earned the recognition of the automotive press and became the starting point for the release of a car of its own design. With a well-thought-out body received from the outside, this same car represented a combination of new ideas and developments with the already well-known and used on Dixie models. The engine power was 20 hp, which was quite enough to drive at a speed of 80 km / h. A very successful development was the four-speed transmission, which was not offered on any other model until 1934.

By the beginning of World War II, BMW was one of the most dynamically developing companies in the world, producing equipment with a sports orientation. She has several world records to her credit: Wolfgang von Groenau crosses the North Atlantic from east to west on an open seaplane Dornier Wal powered by BMW, Ernst Henne on an R12 motorcycle equipped with a cardan drive, hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork (invention of BMW) sets the world speed record for motorcycles - 279.5 km / h, unbeaten by anyone for the next 14 years.

Production receives an additional impetus after the conclusion of a secret agreement with Soviet Russia to supply it with the latest aircraft engines. Most of the Soviet record-breaking flights of the 1930s were performed on aircraft equipped with BMW engines.

In 1933, the production of the "303" model was launched - the first BMW car with a 6-cylinder engine, which debuted at the Berlin Motor Show. His appearance became a real sensation. This in-line "six" with a working volume of 1.2 liters allowed the car to travel at a speed of 90 km / h and became the basis for many subsequent BMW sports projects. Moreover, it was applied on the new model "303", which became the first in the history of the company, which was equipped with a radiator grill with a corporate design, expressed in the presence of two elongated ovals. The "303" model was designed at the Eisenach plant and was distinguished primarily by a tubular frame, independent front suspension and good characteristics handling reminiscent of sports.

"BMW-303" was perfect for "Autobahns" which were actively under construction at that time in Germany. Immediately after the performance, a run was made on it throughout the country, and in this action the car proved itself only from the good side. People were willing to pay the manufacturer's price for this car. And wealthy BMW fans chose the "303" model with a sports two-seater roadster body.

For two years of production of "BMW-303" the company managed to sell 2300 of these cars, which, by the way, were later followed by their "brothers", distinguished by more powerful motors and other digital designations: "309" and "315". Actually, they became the first models for the logical development of the BMW model designation system. Using these machines as an example, we note that the number "3" denoted the series, and 0.9 and 1.5 - the displacement of the engines. The notation system that appeared then successfully exists to this day, with the only difference that it was supplemented with such numbers as "520", "524", "635", "740", "850", etc.

"BMW-315" was far from the last in a series of outwardly similar cars, since the most striking and remarkable among them were "BMW-319" and "BMW-329", which were more likely to be sports cars. The top speed of the first, for example, was 130 km / h.

Along with everyone previous cars the model "326", which appeared at the Berlin Motor Show in 1936, looked just gorgeous. This four-door car was far from the world of sports, and its rounded design already belonged to the direction that came into force in the 50s. Open top, good quality, chic salon and a large number of new changes and additions put the "326" model on a par with Mercedes-Benz cars, the buyers of which were very wealthy people.

With a mass of 1125 kg, the "BMW-326" model accelerated to 115 km / h and at the same time consumed 12.5 liters of fuel per 100 km of run. With similar characteristics and with its own appearance the car hit the list of the best models of the company and was produced until 1941, when the volume of production of BMW amounted to almost 16,000 units. With so many cars produced and sold, "BMW-326" became the best pre-war model.

Logically, after such a resounding success of the "326" model, the next logical step should have been the appearance of a sports model based on it.

1938: The BMW 328 dominates racing.

1940: Victory again in the "Mille Miglia": BMW 328.

In 1936, BMW produced the famous 328, one of the most successful sports cars. With its appearance, the ideology of BMW was finally formed, which to this day defines the concept of new models: "A car for a driver". The main competitor, Mercedes-Benz, follows the principle: "The car is for passengers." Since then, each company has gone its own way, proving that it was her choice that was correct.

The winner of a myriad of competitions - circuit races, rallies, hill climb races - the BMW 328 was addressed to sports car connoisseurs and left all production sports cars far behind. Two-door, two-seater, truly sporty "BMW-328" was equipped with a six-cylinder engine and accelerated to 150 km / h. This model allowed the company to take part in many pre-war races and gain recognition in a new capacity. With the "328" model, BMW became so famous in the second half of the 30s that all subsequent cars with the two-color logo were perceived by the public as a symbol of high quality, reliability and beauty.

The outbreak of war leads to the suspension of the production of cars. Priority is again given to aircraft engines.

In 1944, BMW is the first in the world to start producing
engine BMW 109-003. Rocket engines are also being tested. The end of World War II was a disaster for the concern. Four factories in the Eastern zone of occupation were destroyed and dismantled.

The parent plant in Munich was dismantled by the British. In connection with the production of aircraft engines and missiles during the war, the winners issue an order banning production for three years