All About BMW Logo (History, Evolution, & Design Element)

When you think of a car logo, which is the best car logos go across your mind? Maybe a Mercedes-Benz, a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, an Audi, or a BMW. Maybe this thoughts thrilled your mind like you’re dreaming.

Funny. Huh?

But could you even realise about the evolution of logos, which story is hiding behind the logo, or how the great designer created these logos, what pushed them to implement the whole thing.

Here in below, we will explore the BMW logo and how it became BMW to all. Moreover, we will cover up the history behind BMW, the most discussed Propeller Myth, and the design elements that it holds.

So, Let’s Start! 

How Did It All Start : History Behind BMW

In short: BMW's history begins with Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto. In 1916, Otto’s Flugmaschinenfabrik merged with Bayerische Flugzeug-Werke AG (BFW). Rapp Motorenwerke became Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH in 1917, and in 1922, BMW transferred its engine operations to BFW. March 7, 1916, marks the official founding date.

Karl Rapp and Julius Auspitzer started a company called Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH (RMW) on October 27, 1913. Karl Rapp used to sell internal combustion engines in the form of aircraft and motor vehicle through RMW.

Auspitzer owned the company, and Rapp managed it. But their core goal was to make and sell engines, especially for cars and airplanes.

Then Rapp introduced Franz Josef Popp, a prominent marine engineer, used to work in “Austro-Hunagrian Royal Aviation Troops”. Popp got retired from the troops and started to invest in RMW.

Later, the blust decision was made when Max Friz, an aircraft engineer at Daimler, appointed in RMW. He produced IIIA engine to assist German Air Force. But the plan was demotivated as no longer the Deutch air force needed it.

It was the crucial time for the company to turn over as a new name as Rapp was excluded from the contract. As a result,  21st July, 1917, RMW was transformed its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke AKA BMW.

The Propeller Myth on BMW Logo

At first, BMW did not not feel any logo emergency as their engines was renowned to german air force. But after few months they changed their decision to craft a universal logo. Consequently, at 5th October, 1917 it exhibits its new logo like a propeller type, signifying the Bavarian state flag.

Some regulations from Bavarian state constrains the logo publications as they resemble the state’s insights but BMW made a trick to run the thing anti-clockwise.

In 1929, BMW introduced an advert with the aircraft propeller holding BMW name when spinning. This was the root of propeller myth of this logo.

But later, this myth go strengthen when In 1929, BMW linked the propeller to its company symbol in an article in a BMW publication titled “Flugmotoren-Nachrichten” (Aircraft Engine News).

Evoluation of BMW Logo

1913-1917 BMW Logo: From Rapp to BMW

BMW's first logo, called the Rapp Logo, was designed when the company made airplane engines. It had a horse symbolizing speed inside a circular frame with the name "Rapp Motor" and two stars.

1917-1933 BMW Logo: The Famous Blue and White Checkered Design

BMW added color to its logo, making it look like an airplane propeller. The logo had white and blue parts, and the name changed to "BMW" in golden letters with a gold outline.

1933-1953 BMW Logo: Making Things More Modern and Polished

In 1933, BMW made the logo's gold frames thicker. The word “BMW” became bolder, but the colors stayed the same.

1953-1963 BMW Logo: A Silver Symbol that Shows Advancement

In 1953, BMW made the gold outline thinner and changed it to silver. The “BMW” letters were now gray, and the blue and white sections became lighter, allowing the black outline to stand out.

1963-1997 BMW Logo: A clean, Modern Look with Perfect Balance

In 1963, BMW made the logo cleaner with black, white, and blue. The word “BMW” was in white on a black ring, and the blue and white parts were stronger.

1997-2020 BMW Logo: The Logo that Represented the Late 20th Century

BMW's 1997 update gave the logo a 3D look with a circular silver-gray outline and a white “BMW” wordmark. The blue and white parts became clearer thanks to black lines between them.

2020-Present : Focusing on simplicity in design

In 2020, BMW switched to a 2D logo with a white frame and gray outlines. The design became simpler, with no lines between the blue and white sections, giving it a more modern and clean appearance.

Design Elements of BMW logo

1. Shape

A thick black ring surrounded by a polished silver border makes the logo stand out. BMW's logo, with its circular design and framing, symbolizes the brand's strength and lasting presence. The logo has remained constant, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to growth and consistency throughout the years.

2. Color

Throughout its history, BMW has kept key features of its logo the same. The use of circles and the Bavarian flag’s blue and white colors have been constant. However, changes have occurred in the font and the surrounding outlines.

BMW has primarily stuck with the blue and white of the Bavarian flag, with minor adjustments to the shade of blue. The font color has ranged from silver to gold, but now it’s predominantly white or silver.

3. Font

Just like the BMW logo design, the font has remained mostly consistent over the years. The company originally used a bold serif font, often seen in gold or silver, but later switched to a sans-serif version to align with modern trends.

The typography has become cleaner and more minimalist as BMW adapted to changing times. Although it’s often associated with Helvetica, BMW notes that the logo's font is a distinct variation of the typeface.

FAQs on BMW Logos

Did the BMW logo originally represent a propeller?

‍Although many think the BMW logo shows a propeller, it actually represents the Bavarian flag. The myth started from a 1929 ad showing the logo with a spinning propeller, linking it to BMW’s aviation history.

What is the G logo in BMW?

G-Power, a German tuner from Bavaria, specializes in BMW cars. Founded in 1983, it created the 830 hp M5 Hurricane RRS, reaching 372 km/h.

What font is used in the BMW logo?

‍The BMW logo uses Helvetica, a clean and modern sans-serif font. The simplicity of the font matches the brand's elegant image and helps convey a timeless, sophisticated look.

What is the significance of the circular shape in the BMW logo?

‍The circular shape in the BMW logo symbolizes unity, continuity, and timelessness. It reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation, remaining consistent despite changes in design over the years.

What is BMW 3.0 CSL?

The iconic BMW 3.0 CSL, developed with lightweight construction, a powerful 200 hp engine, and a striking aero package, debuted in 1973. Its competitive design earned it the nickname “Batmobile” from fans.

What was the idea behind BMW M3?

The first BMW M3, made in 1986, was a racing car for the street. To join Group A racing, BMW had to sell 5,000 road versions. It became a huge success on roads and tracks.

Final Thoughts

So people, What have you learned so far? What’s your achievements after finishing this blog? Does it make any sense?

We are eager to know your opinion on this through. You can contact us on a 15 min strategic call to convey your insights on top brand’s logo evolution.

You perhaps choose another way, like read our recent blogs on logo details that have already hit the market.

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