Interesting BMW Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Interesting BMW Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Performance. Luxury. German. These three words are probably the first things you think about when someone mentions BMW. From their humble origins with the 1927 BMW 3/15 to the  738 horsepower BMW XM Label Red, BMW boasts a rich automotive history that spans over a century.  For those not in the know, we’ve come up with a couple of interesting facts about BMW! Read on to discover more about our favorite German sports brand.

Fact 1: BMW Didn’t Always Produce Cars

Although BMW became famous for their exhilarating cars, the brand actually started out as a plane manufacturer. The original name for BMW was  Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, translated to Bavarian Plane Manufacturing. Now, BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, translated to Bavarian Motor Works.

Fact 2: BMW Created An Electric Car In 1972

Electric cars are all the rage now. But what if I told you, BMW was ahead of the game, way before other auto manufacturers? Meet the 1972 BMW 1602e.  The 1972 BMW 1602e was more of a proof-of-concept, as it never was put into mass production. Regarding performance, the 1972 BMW 1602e had a top speed of 62 mph, with a range of 19 miles. Mundane by today’s standards, but revolutionary for 1972.

Fact 3: Beamer or Bimmer?

You may have heard of this term in internet car forums or car meets. Beamer is slang for a BMW motorcycle, while Bimmer is slang for a BMW car.

Fact 4: BMW Still Manufactures Classic Parts

Car enthusiasts, especially BMW fans like us, love modern BMWs, but also the classics. Forged from a different time, the classic BMWs exude a presence that’s indescribable. BMW knows this, and they still produce parts for their cars dating back to the 1940s.

Fact 5:  BMW Headquarters Is Shaped Like A Four-Cylinder

Located in Munich, Germany, BMW Headquarters might look oddly shaped to the casual tourist. However, BMW did this on purpose; the building is actually modeled after BMW’s four-cylinder engine.

Did our list surprise you? Or did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below!
In the meantime, check out our 2023 and 2024 BMW Inventory at BMW of Owings Mills! Come in and take an exhilarating test drive today!