BMW is renowned for making some of the best cars in the world thanks to the company’s commitment to consistency and quality. Despite its high-profile reputation, the average American doesn’t even know what BMW stands for (Bayerische Motoren Werke), let alone has ever heard these surprising facts.

BMW Headquarters Pays Homage to its Four-Cylinder Heritage

The main tower at BMW headquarters in Munich is an instantly recognizable landmark thanks to its resemblance to a four-cylinder engine. The office building was designed by Viennese architect Karl Schwarzer and was completed in 1972 just prior to the Olympics, which took place next to the new building. The design was a nod to BMW’s legacy of manufacturing four-cylinder engines during the 1960s.

BMW Has Built More Than Just Cars

BMW may be noted for its luxurious vehicles, but the company has dabbled in almost every form of transportation known to man. Over the course of its history, BMW has designed commercial airline interiors, train interiors, motorcycles, and airplane engines. In fact, the Red Baron himself referred to BMW’s airplane engine as the greatest engine in World War I. The company even partnered with San Francisco in order to create a futuristic fleet of cars for the city’s BART system.

BMW Once Boasted the Fastest Motorcycle in the World

Naturally, any machine bearing the BMW logo is going to be well made, but you may be surprised to learn that the company produced the fastest motorcycle as early as 1937, back when most roads weren’t even paved. The high-speed motorcycle topped out at a whopping 173.7 miles per hour, making it essentially a death trap for the driver. Despite the dangerous speeds, the bike was slick, supercharged, and aerodynamic, which helped it set the early record as the fastest motorcycle in the world.

The Company Got Into Auto Production Thanks to the Treaty of Versailles

Following World War I, German companies were prohibited from manufacturing warplanes and warplane engines according to the Treaty of Versailles. Since BMW has previously been in the airplane business, it was forced to focus on its motorcycle production, but that simply wasn’t enough. Seeking to diversify, BMW created the Dixi 3/15 in 1927, and the rest is history.

BMW Was Nearly Bought Out by Mercedes

During the late 1950s, BMW was close to going bankrupt. That’s when Mercedes swept in and tried to buy out their primary competition. Fortunately for BMW, some wealthy investors stepped forward and helped keep the automotive company afloat. Even the lowest-paid mechanics helped to buy back company shares, just to keep BMW operating as its own entity. This historical skirmish is just one contribution to the rivalry between the two luxury car companies.

Whether you drive a BMW or you’re only now considering buying one, you can rest assured that you’re taking part in a long and storied history. Through all of the hiccups, rivalries, and records, BMW remains one of the world’s premier automotive manufacturers. Once you get behind the wheel, you’ll be surprised by the indulgence and performance.