BMW. These three letters don't sound as impressive without the proper context, but when it does, people will know you have serious cash to burn.
These three letters are the symbol of one of the most popular and expensive automakers in Europe and the whole world in general, joining other similar automakers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen, which are all from Europe.
Believe it or not, However, BMW's first product was not a car.
BMW's First Product - A Summarized History
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, was founded and headquartered in Munich, Germany, in March 1916. During this time, the future automaking company was manufacturing aircraft engines for the German Empire from 1917 until 1918 during World War 1, per BMW's history page.
It was at this time it developed and produced its first aircraft engine, the BMW Illa, which is a water-cooled, inline 6-cylinder engine with a carburetor that has an engine displacement of 1,163 cubic inches and an engine output of 140kW or 185 hp. It is characterized by its sophisticated technical design that prevents loss of performance at great heights.
The Motor IV model of the Illa Engine would go on to set an unofficial altitude record of 32,021 feet in 1919.
The company would later develop and manufacture aircraft engines again for the German Air Force from 1933 to 1945, during World War 2, this time for The Third Reich.
However, to keep itself afloat between 1919 and 1933, the company would continue to manufacture aircraft engines while also developing and manufacturing its first motorcycles and automobiles.
The first BMW motorcycle manufactured was the BMW R32, a product of BMW's merger with Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, which has been using the former's engines in its BFW Helio motorcycles, per Universal Technical Institute.
The BMW R32 uses a flat-twin boxer engine, which is a configuration still used by BMW today. This configuration saw the engine's cylinders lay horizontally in the direction of travel, according to BMW Group Classic.
The R32 was later known as a "refreshingly harmonious motorcycle," one which was well received by customers.
BMW's First Car
BMW's first car wouldn't be seen on roads until July 1929, with the arrival of the BMW 3/15, according to a separate BMW Group Classic page.
The car is characterized by its internal space, which is good for two persons, and powerful brakes, with them being attached to all four wheels. It also has comfort enhancements such as wind-up windows, which is a big thing at the time.
The BMW 3/15 also features a front-engine rear-wheel drive with a displacement of 750 cubic centimeters and 15hp, producing a top speed of 75mph, per Autowerkes.com and Auto Revolution.
Despite the car's allure, the BMW 3/15 did not sell well due to it being too specialized and unaffordable at the time due to the Great Depression, a period in history that saw widespread unemployment being the norm.
