It is often said that the cars we drive speak volumes about ourselves. This statement certainly holds true for automotive enthusiasts who are often loyal supporters of a specific brand. When it comes to car brands, BMW takes the top spot as the best car brand of 2023. According to a report published in Business Insider, BMW earned the highest position based on road test ratings, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction surveys.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, or BMW for short, is a brand that has won millions of customers worldwide. This brand was established in the Bavarian state of Germany over a century ago. The BMW Museum in Munich pays tribute to this heritage and has attracted immense interest from automotive enthusiasts, museum fans, technology enthusiasts, and car lovers. Here’s a glimpse into the world of BMW on the occasion of World Motoring Day, which falls on January 29th.
Encounter with History
The BMW Museum, often referred to as an integral part of Munich’s culture, is located near Olympia Park and covers an area of 5,000 square meters. Originally opened in 1973, the museum was reopened after a short renovation period in 2008 and has since welcomed over five million visitors. Here, you can trace the brand’s history from its beginnings to the present day through informative exhibits, models, prototypes, infographics, and more. So, from its founding in 1916 to significant milestones in history and current topics like sustainable development and e-mobility, the museum has it all. The museum building itself, with its futuristic silver color, catches the eye with its circular shape and a flat roof about 40 meters wide.
As you enter the museum, you cannot miss the gleaming red BMW 3/15 PS DA 2 Limousine. The company, initially involved in aircraft engine production, entered the world of passenger cars in 1928 when it acquired the Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach AG, which produced cars under the Dixi brand. BMW’s strategy involved making significant changes to the Dixi model after a short production period, creating the first car under the BMW brand in March 1929. The company continued to produce a series of small cars, selling an astonishing 15,000 units by 1932.
Visitors can trace the brand’s journey in the motorcycle field through the iconic BMW R32 model from 1923, which is still beloved among collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Photographs showcasing the design and components such as the double frame, boxer engine layout, and cardan shaft drive are exceptionally interesting. The motorcycle, which made its debut at the autumn automotive trade fair in Berlin in 1923, immediately found applications in motorsports and became a milestone in motorcycle history.
Exhibits at Your Fingertips
The museum also features an entire section dedicated to BMW Motorrad, the company’s motorcycle production division. Here, you can see motorcycle models from the 1920s, with their distinctive design features and characteristics, providing a true feast for two-wheeled enthusiasts. It is worth noting the BMW R39, the brand’s first single-cylinder motorcycle, the powerful BMW R63, BMW RS 255, and the BMW R75 with a heavy sidecar designed for the German army. Additionally, you can see separate sections dedicated to aviation and marine engines, which are fascinating displays.
The museum is also a paradise for speed enthusiasts and racing fans, as it allows you to delve into BMW’s entry into the world of racing cars, starting from the BMW 328 model from 1939. This stunning model, designed by Peter Szymanowski, was known not only for its looks but also for its lightweight construction and excellent engine performance. Informative panels are also displayed about the BMW 3, 5, 6, and 7 series, which have been a constant factor in the company’s success since the 1970s. Interesting information is also provided about the brand’s advertising strategy over the years, the common model numbering system, and the evolution of the logo design. The section dedicated to different types of engines is a true engineering lesson. It’s definitely worth exploring interesting facts about the 1955 BMW Isetta, which is undoubtedly one of the most charming concepts in the history of mobility, as well as Elvis Presley’s BMW 507.
Facing Future Challenges
In the face of sustainability-related issues, BMW is focusing on research and development to produce more efficient technology for electric cars in the future. We learn, among other things, that the company operates its own research center to develop future battery technology, covering all stages of the battery cycle from research to recycling. In addition to electrification, BMW is also addressing challenges related to digitization and a circular economy. The museum extensively discusses the brand’s choice of sustainable materials, including green electric energy, recycled steel and aluminum, and recycled textiles.
BMW Welt
Near the museum is BMW Welt, an exclusive BMW experience center that is open to visitors. Here, you can see the latest models of BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere. From personalized consultations, where you can experience different colors, materials, and special equipment, to individual meetings with experts, visitors can take advantage of a wide range of services. In particular, it is worth visiting the BMW Individual Lounge, offering specialized advice from a trained BMW specialist.
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FAQ Section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Question: What position does BMW hold as the best car brand of 2023?
Answer: According to a report published in Business Insider, BMW holds the top position as the best car brand of 2023.
Question: Where is the BMW Museum located?
Answer: The BMW Museum is located in Munich, near Olympia Park.
Question: What is the size of the museum?
Answer: The museum covers an area of 5,000 square meters.
Question: What are the main attractions of the museum?
Answer: The museum showcases the history of the BMW brand, from its founding in 1916 to the present day, through exhibits, models, prototypes, infographics, and more.
Question: What are the significant models displayed in the museum?
Answer: In the museum, you can see models such as the BMW 3/15 PS DA 2 Limousine from 1928 and the BMW R32 from 1923.
Question: What is BMW Welt?
Answer: BMW Welt is an exclusive BMW experience center located near the museum, where you can see the latest models of BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce.
Glossary:
– BMW – Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, a German car brand.
– Business Insider – an international news portal.
– Museum – a cultural institution that collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits artistic, historical, scientific, etc., collections.
– Prototype – a model, pattern, or example serving as a standard or exemplar.
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