When researching an automobile to buy, it’s really easy to get caught up in the sticker price, extra fees, maintenance recommendations, and page after page of buyer reviews on the internet. All of this research is totally worthwhile, but we thought it might be kind of fun to deviate a little bit today.
That is why we decided to share with you some interesting facts about BMW that not many people know. In fact, there were a few here that surprised even us! We hope this will give you a nice little break from all of the “serious” car research you have to do and give you some insight into the background of the car company you’re interested in buying from.
12 Surprisingly Awesome Facts About BMW You Probably Didn’t Know
While there are many interesting facts about BMW that we could go into, today we’re going to share 12 of the most surprising that we found.
- BMW stands for: Bayerische Motoren Werke. English translation: Bavarian Motor Works.
- Rolls-Royce and Mini as well as Husqvarna (a motorcycle and chainsaw producer) are owned by BMW.
- Designing more than just cars. BMW started out during WWI making aircraft parts and engines. Since then, BMW has ventured into automobile, motorcycle, and even train manufacturing.
- BMW made an electric car in 1972. Unfortunately, the battery wouldn’t last any longer than 20 minutes.
- 1972 was also the year BMW produced the Turbo. This car had gull-wing doors and could get up to 165mph. There were only two BMW Turbos ever made.
- In 1937, BMW build what was then the world’s fastest motorcycle. The motorcycle manufactured by BMW was able to hit speeds of over 173mph.
- BMWs headquarters are designed like their iconic 4-cylinder engine. The 4-cylinder engine is at the heart of BMW; so much so that their Munich, Bavaria, Germany headquarters are designed to match it.
- BMW was the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the world during the 1920s.
- This company has many interests. BMW has been involved in formula one racing, touring car racing, and rally racing since the 1920s.
- The Logo. There is much debate about the logo. Some say it is a spinning propeller, depicting the aeronautical beginnings of the company. Others state that the blue and white colors of the logo represent the Bavarian (a state in Germany) flag. The flag’s colors are blue and white in honor of the blue and white fields of Bavaria.
- Besides the logo, the front grille is a trademark of BMW. The grille is known as the kidney grille and was first added to a BMW automobile in the 1930s. This kidney grille is probably the easiest way for someone to distinguish a BMW from any other automobile.
- The Treaty of Versailles forced BMW to stop making warplanes and engines. This is why they moved into automotive and motorcycle design and manufacturing.
Facts About BMW (Or Any Car For That Matter)
It’s been fun to take a little time to find out some fun facts about BMW. When you look into the history of any company, you find out what makes them tick. Sometimes, it is this kind of information that moves a person to finally decide which car manufacturer to buy from.
One thing is for sure – whatever car you decide to buy, there are going to be times when you’ll need some maintenance or repairs. When that time comes, call Desert Oasis. We’re here for all of your BMW repair needs.
