1916
BMW is founded as an aircraft-engine factory in Munich.
The Rapp Motor Company is renamed BMW in 1917.
1923
The first BMW motorcycle leaves the Munich production site.
1929
The first BMW automobile, the Dixi 3/15, is developed in Munich,
like all other BMW products. However, BMW cars are built in Eisenach
into the 1940s. Ernst Henne becomes the fastest motorcyclist in the
world for the first time on a BMW.
1956
The BMW 503 and 507 sports cars are todays 'golden oldies'. Only 412
253 examples respectively were produced by the end of the 1950s.
Today they are rare collector's items.
1962
This years 1500 model establishes the trend for the company's design
philosophy. It is the forerunner of a "new class" of sporty compact
touring cars.
1970
BMW's second car factory is built at Dingolfing. The central parts
warehouse starts up in operations. The fourth works is built in
landshut and the foundation stone is laid in Munich for the group's
futuristic head office. The first inspection and test centre is
opened near Munich. Pictured is the BMW head office in Munich, close
to the Olympic Centre.
1972
The first 5 Series car is launched
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