Posted on 10/15/2025
BMW’s history stretches back to the early 20th century, but its automotive legacy began in earnest in 1928 with the purchase of Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach. The first car to carry the BMW name was the 3/15, based on the British Austin Seven. Though modest, it marked the brand’s entry into passenger vehicles and laid the groundwork for what would become a global icon in engineering and performance. Before that, BMW focused on aircraft engines, a background that would influence its precision engineering for decades to come. Post-War Rebuilding and the 1950s Comeback Like many European manufacturers, BMW faced major challenges following World War II. Its factories were damaged, and production was heavily restricted. In the late 1940s, the company produced motorcycles to stay afloat. In 1952, BMW returned to building cars with the 501 luxury sedan. It was elegant and well-built but expensive, and sales were limited. The introduction of the Isetta microcar in ... read more