BMW Museum, Munich, Germany

The museum offers a comprehensive look at BMW’s history, innovations, and impact on the automotive world.

BMW Museum: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München, Germany
Date Picture Taken: May, 2024

The museum features permanent exhibits that trace BMW’s history from its origins as an aircraft engine manufacturer to its current status as a leading producer of luxury vehicles. This includes displays of classic cars, motorcycles, engines, and significant innovations in automotive technology.

1913: BMW’s origins can be traced back to the founding of the aircraft engine manufacturer Rapp Motorenwerke by Karl Rapp in Munich. In 1917, the company was restructured and renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW).

1917: BMW’s first significant product was an aircraft engine, the BMW IIIa, which became renowned for its high-altitude performance during World War I.

1918: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from producing aircraft, leading BMW to shift its focus to other products, including railway brakes and industrial engines.

1923: BMW entered the motorcycle market with the BMW R32, which featured the now-iconic flat-twin boxer engine. This motorcycle was innovative and set the standard for BMW’s motorcycle designs.

1928: BMW acquired the Automobilwerk Eisenach company, which produced the Dixi 3/15, a licensed version of the British Austin 7. This marked BMW’s entry into automobile manufacturing.

BMW Motorcyles

1936: BMW launched the BMW 328, a sports car that achieved significant racing success, including a class victory at the 1938 Mille Miglia. The 328’s design and engineering laid the groundwork for BMW’s reputation for sporty, driver-oriented vehicles.

1939–1945: During World War II, BMW focused heavily on producing aircraft engines for the German military, including the BMW 801, which powered several Luftwaffe aircraft. The company also produced motorcycles and small arms for the war effort.

1945: After the war, BMW’s Munich plant was heavily damaged, and the company faced severe restrictions under Allied occupation. BMW was banned from producing motor vehicles until 1948.

1952: BMW resumed car production with the introduction of the BMW 501, a luxury sedan. However, the company struggled financially during this period due to high production costs and limited demand for luxury cars in post-war Germany.

BMW’s Automobile Engines

BMW 5 Series

Electric Automobiles

BMW Historical Automobiles

Hydrogen Automobile

Next to the museum is the BMW Welt. BMW Welt features permanent exhibitions that highlight BMW’s latest models, including BMW cars, MINI vehicles, Rolls-Royce models, and BMW motorcycles. Visitors can explore the latest technology, design, and innovations from the brand.

It was closed on the day I visited the museum, so I could not go inside.