The BMW Welt is free for visitors however tickets to the BMW Museum cost 10 Euros and rental of the audio costs another 7 Euros. The Museum also offers guided tours but visitors have to sign up in advance.
BMW Welt
BMW Museum
The BMW Welt was largely a showcase of the most recent car and motorcycle models. Visitors also took turns riding in a mini car that drove around the gallery. It seemed like a lot of fun. Regretfully, the queue was rather long and I didn't have a chance to go for a ride.
The BMW motorcycles featured on the second floor of the BMW Welt were also a hit with the public. Many adults, teens and kids were posing for photos on the various bike models.
Some fun facts that I learnt during the visit include:
- 2,117,965 BMW automobiles have been sold worldwide
- 4,595 BMW apprentices worldwide
- 41 countries manufacture BMW worldwide
- 80,401 million Euro revenue
Moving on to the BMW Museum, I first visited the Mini Story which was all about "The Mini". The showcase was so convincing that I found myself wanting to own a Mini as well! The Mini is a successful Anglo-Bavarian joint venture (i.e. between the Germans and English).
Along the way, there were also many interesting "Did You Know" sections.
As the Director of the BMW Museum says, "What makes a Mini a Mini? Every Mini is authentic, in the way that you expect a good friend to be. We forgive this car much that we would not expect of others. You notice that when you are on the road in your Mini and find yourself driving in a way that can only be compared to hara-kiri. The cars behind you would have cut up any hooligan on the road. But instead Mini drivers earn a smile and a wave and are given right of way."
After the Mini exhibit, I visited the BMW exhibits. BMW actually started out by manufacturing aircraft engines for the German Government during the World War I before it became an automobile manufacturer.
The BMW Illa aircraft engine was the Company's first product developed in 1917 for the German Air Force. It was superior to its rival products and until the 1930s, the technical concept of the BMW Illa served as a basis for all BMW aircraft engines.
- 4,595 BMW apprentices worldwide
- 41 countries manufacture BMW worldwide
- 80,401 million Euro revenue
It's quite amazing isn't it?
Moving on to the BMW Museum, I first visited the Mini Story which was all about "The Mini". The showcase was so convincing that I found myself wanting to own a Mini as well! The Mini is a successful Anglo-Bavarian joint venture (i.e. between the Germans and English).
List of movies that have featured a Mini
The first Mini
Along the way, there were also many interesting "Did You Know" sections.
At an international Mini Meeting 2012, the hosting club president chose the
occasion to marry his former girlfriend (Even the wedding cake has cars on it!).
occasion to marry his former girlfriend (Even the wedding cake has cars on it!).
The most popular colours for the new Mini are Pepper White and Chilli Red
As the Director of the BMW Museum says, "What makes a Mini a Mini? Every Mini is authentic, in the way that you expect a good friend to be. We forgive this car much that we would not expect of others. You notice that when you are on the road in your Mini and find yourself driving in a way that can only be compared to hara-kiri. The cars behind you would have cut up any hooligan on the road. But instead Mini drivers earn a smile and a wave and are given right of way."
After the Mini exhibit, I visited the BMW exhibits. BMW actually started out by manufacturing aircraft engines for the German Government during the World War I before it became an automobile manufacturer.
The BMW Illa aircraft engine was the Company's first product developed in 1917 for the German Air Force. It was superior to its rival products and until the 1930s, the technical concept of the BMW Illa served as a basis for all BMW aircraft engines.
The first motor manufactured by BMW
Other early motors
Cars in the 1930s
BMW Predecessors
BMW dates back to 1916. Here are also some BMW advertisements from the early days.
In 1970s, a universal model numbering principle was adopted by BMW. 3 for midsize cars, 5 for upper size, 6 for large coupes and 7 for large luxury models.
At a time when most consumers were purchasing cars instead of motorcycles, sales of motorcycles plummet. Many motorcycle manufacturing companies shut down. However, BMW turned its target audience from the general public consumers to the government instead. It supplied motorcycles to government departments such as the police force and the hospitals. A paramedic on a motorcycle could reach the accident scene in a shorter time which may potentially save more lives. This move in changing target audience contributed to BMW's survival in the industry.
The bike you see below is a hybrid between the motorcycle and car. In fact, my interest in this hybrid vehicle largely stems from seeing a similar BMW model parked just outside my apartment. According to the write-ups, this vehicle is so safe that drivers do not have to wear protective head gear, unlike the regulation for traditional motorcycles.
I was most impressed with the design segment of the exhibition. Alongside the displays, there were many thoughts featured about what design means to the BMW team.
Staircase well-designed with built in handles
Art cars on display
The design prototype of the above art car. Checkout the mirror image!
My favourite car in the entire BMW exhibit is the lovable Bubble Car - The Isetta. It is supposedly a family-oriented car that was popular in Munich in the 1950s to 1960s. Cute right?
Finally, I leave you with a quote from the museum which left me with a lasting impression: "Strive for perfection in everything you do" - Sir Henry Royce
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