10 Unknown Facts About BMW

When you hear “BMW,” you probably think of sleek German engineering, luxury, and performance. But behind the iconic blue-and-white badge lies a fascinating history and some surprising facts that most car enthusiasts don’t know. Here are ten little-known details that shed new light on BMW’s legacy.

10 Unknown Facts About BMW

1. BMW Originally Made Aircraft Engines

Before BMW became synonymous with luxury cars, it built aircraft engines. Founded in 1916 as “Bayerische Flugzeugwerke,” the company’s focus was aviation. Its first product was a powerful aircraft engine that set altitude records during World War I. The circular blue-and-white logo represents a spinning airplane propeller against the sky—a nod to those roots.

2. The Logo Isn’t Just About Bavaria

While the blue and white in the BMW logo reflect the Bavarian state colors, the design is also inspired by early aircraft propellers. Many believe it only symbolizes Bavaria, but historical ads from the 1920s show the propeller interpretation was very much intentional.

3. BMW Almost Became a Mercedes Brand

In the late 1950s, BMW faced financial collapse. Its luxury sedans weren’t selling, and small car makers like Isetta weren’t enough to save the company. Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, Daimler-Benz, nearly bought BMW in 1959. But loyal BMW dealers and small shareholders blocked the acquisition—saving the brand from extinction.

4. BMW Built One of the Smallest Cars Ever Made

The BMW Isetta, produced in the 1950s, was a quirky microcar that became wildly popular during Europe’s post-war recovery. Originally designed by an Italian company, BMW acquired the rights to produce it. The Isetta had just one door (at the front), a single-cylinder engine, and could reach 50 mph—barely.

5. BMW Owns Mini and Rolls-Royce

BMW isn’t just about its own badge. It also owns two of the most iconic British automotive names: Mini and Rolls-Royce. BMW acquired Mini in 1994 and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 1998. Each brand retains its distinct identity, but BMW’s engineering expertise powers them from behind the scenes.

6. The BMW Headquarters Resembles a Four-Cylinder Engine

BMW’s corporate headquarters in Munich is one of the most creative architectural designs in the automotive world. Built in 1972, the four-tower structure was designed to resemble a four-cylinder engine—a symbol of the company’s engineering heritage and efficiency.

7. The First BMW Car Was Built in 1928

BMW entered the automobile market relatively late. In 1928, it bought a small German car manufacturer called Dixi, which was producing the Austin 7 under license. The first BMW-branded car, the BMW 3/15, was essentially a rebadged Dixi but marked the beginning of BMW’s car-making journey.

8. BMW’s Signature Kidney Grille Has Evolved for Nearly a Century

The kidney grille design—one of BMW’s most recognizable features—first appeared on the BMW 303 in 1933. Over the decades, it has evolved dramatically, becoming larger and more aggressive, especially in modern models like the X7 and i7. Yet the dual-grille identity remains untouched.

9. BMW Produced Electric Cars in the 1970s

Long before Tesla, BMW was experimenting with electric mobility. In 1972, during the Munich Olympics, BMW unveiled the 1602e—an electric version of its popular sedan. It had a modest range of around 30 miles and was used to escort marathon runners. The project showed BMW’s early commitment to sustainable innovation.

10. BMW Has a Motorcycle Legacy Too

Many forget that BMW is also a major motorcycle manufacturer. The company launched its first bike, the R32, in 1923, and continues to produce high-performance motorcycles under BMW Motorrad. The R32 introduced the iconic “boxer” twin engine—a layout still used today in modern BMW bikes.

From humble aviation beginnings to cutting-edge electric vehicles, BMW’s story is one of constant reinvention. Every detail—from its propeller-inspired logo to its four-cylinder headquarters—reflects a deep engineering culture that’s always looking to the future. These lesser-known facts prove that BMW isn’t just a car brand—it’s a symbol of innovation, resilience, and timeless design.