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Have you ever wondered what BMW stands for? 

Here’s your answer: 

Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, which translates in English to Bavarian Engine Works Company. 

Turbulent Beginnings 

BMW originated in the German state of Bavaria. The company aimed to create engines that could be used in various applications. Beginning production in the year 1913, BMW, then Rapp-Motorenwerke GmbH produced aircraft engines, which later helped support the German’s during World War 1. 

If you’re wondering why automobiles hadn’t been produced yet by BMW during the early 1900s, it’s because most mainstream land travels were achieved by train. It wasn’t until 1917 that Rapp changed its name to BMW due to previous bankruptcy. 

The turbulent early history of BMW continued when the Treaty of Versailles forbade the German engine company from building more aircraft engines during World War 1. It didn’t take long for BMW to recover as the company pivoted toward rail-way brakes and built-in motors. 

With enormous success in the railway and built-in motor niche, Berlin-based brake company Knorr-Bremse AG took majority ownership of BMW during the year 1920 and relocated to Munich. 

BMW Founding: The Second Act 

After BMW’s name disappeared from the scene as an independent company for a couple of years, in 1922, the title made a free return through Camillo Castiglioni’s purchase, where he took over operations, moved things over to BFW, and then changed the company name formally to BMW. 

Important BMW Models 

In 1923, BMW released its first motorcycle, the R 32. This bike is gorgeous. With a top speed of 59 miles per hour and 8.5 horsepower, this bike helped pave the way for modern motorcycles. 

1933 led to the release of BMW’s first self-developed car, the BMW 303. As the first BMW car with a six-cylinder engine and the company’s iconic kidney grille front design, the 303 model was the start of something special.