Supercar Blondie answers your most Googled questions on BMW

From its foundation to most popular models and the most expensive BMW ever made, this is the Supercar Blondie guide to all things BMW.

The German carmaker has a history dating back more than 100 years. 

Over that time, it’s produced some seriously impressive motors including the slick-looking BMW M1, the BMW M3 Sport Evolution, and the BMW 7 Series.

First manufacturing airplane engines, BMW has come a long way since it was first launched.

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Why is BMW called BMW?

BMW – or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG to give it its full name – was founded in Germany back in 1916, although its roots go back a little further to 1913. 

Its full name roughly translates to Bavarian Engine Works Company – Bavaria being the state where BMW was founded.

What year did BMW start making cars?

When it was first founded, BMW actually manufactured airplane engines. 

Following the end of the First World War, BMW began to produce motorcycle engines, agricultural equipment, and railway brakes. 

It released its first bike – the BMW R 32 – in 1923. 

The company later moved into automobiles in 1928 after it acquired Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach.

The first car to carry its name was the BMW 3/15 in 1927. 

Where are BMW cars built?

Although it began in Germany, BMW now has factories right across the world, including in the US, China, Indonesia, and Brazil. 

It still has a strong presence in Germany, with four sites in total, including its HQ in Munich. 

How many BMW cars are built per year?

BMW is the ninth largest producer of motor vehicles in the world, so, as you’d imagine it makes a lot of cars. 

In 2023, it produced 2,661,922 cars and  221,988 motorcycles.

What notable car models does BMW make? 

BMW creates just about every style of car you can imagine, from V12 limos to family-friendly hatchbacks and just about everything in between. 

BMW was also one of the first big names to get into the EV and hybrid market with its i3 and i8 models hitting the market long before other marques followed suit. 

In terms of notable and well-loved models, the BMW M5 E39 is hard to look past but the BMW M3 E46 CSL is known as the ‘holy grail’ of BMWs, with its in-line 6-cylinder engine offering 360 horsepower. 

BMW kept to a strictly limited run of just 1,383 – making the cars super rare and highly collectible. 

Which is the most expensive BMW?

The most expensive BMW sold at auction was John Surtees’ 1957 BMW 507 Touring Sports Car that fetched a staggering $5,000,000.

In terms of production models, the BMW XM has a starting price of  $161,675.

Which is the cheapest BMW?

On the other side of the price scale is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe that comes with a starting price of just  $39,600 – and features some slick premium features, such as M Exterior Elements, Adaptive M Suspension, and BMW Digital Key Plus as standard.

What is the fastest BMW?

BMW M4 CSL has a top speed of 307km/h (191mph) and can hit the quarter-mile mark in just 11.1 seconds – making it the fastest BMW out there.

Which BMW concept car should you know about?

BMW really knows how to make a concept car, with Supercar Blondie previously taking a look at an ‘invisible’ BMW – a car that was deemed too dangerous to ever be produced – and this BMW Vision Driving Experience that gives a glimpse into the future. 

However, when it comes to cool concepts it’s hard to look past the BMW Vision Next 100 – a car kitted out with ‘reptile skin’ that makes the vehicle look as though it’s alive. 

The car’s exterior features a series of small triangles that react, move, and change color. 

As well as looking very cool and futuristic, the unusual feature has an important purpose – the ‘skin’ will react to alert the driver of any objects on the road that you might not be able to see.