10 Things You Didn’t Know About BMW (From airplane engines to electric innovation)

1. BMW started out in the sky

Here’s something you might not expect: BMW didn’t begin as a car company. Back in 1916–17, the company that would become BMW made aircraft engines and even full-on aeroplane parts. 

Those engines weren’t tiny either. One of the first was the BMW IIIa, an inline six-cylinder aircraft engine used during World War I. So next time you see a BMW car, remember: it’s born from flying machines.

2. The iconic roundel logo has a story

We all know the blue-and-white circular badge on BMWs. But did you know its colours come from the flag of Bavaria (the German state where BMW is based)?

And this bit’s fun: lots of people think the logo is a spinning propeller (because of the aircraft origins). BMW says that’s more myth than fact-but the idea took hold because of their plane-engine past.

3. The “kidney grille” came in early

If you know BMWs, you’ll quickly recognise the “kidney-shaped” front grille. The first BMW car to use it was the BMW 303 in the early 1930s, and from then on it became a signature design feature. It’s one of those details you might not consciously notice-until you realise it links every older BMW to the newer ones.

4. From small cars to big ambitions

When BMW began making cars (after the aircraft engine days) the first one was basically a rebadged version of the Austin 7 - called the BMW 3/15. Over the decades they moved from compact cars to full luxury machines. That means if you’re browsing used BMWs here around Stockport or Manchester, you’re tapping into a brand whose history spans from modest beginnings to upscale models.

5. BMW has always been about engine tech

For over a century BMW has pushed what engines can do. They were pioneering aircraft engines, then moved into clever car engines like their straight six-cylinders. Later, the jump into electric motors came with the BMW i3. That shift shows BMW isn’t stuck in just “we’ve always done X” - they want to do new stuff too. So whether you’re looking at a BMW petrol model in our showroom at Dace German Car Centre or a hybrid/electric one, you’re dealing with decades of engine evolution.

6. BMW was once making pans… after the war

Here’s an odd one: after World War II, BMW’s factories in Germany were heavily damaged. They couldn’t make cars or aircraft for a while. So they made everyday items like pots and pans to keep going. By 1952 they were back producing cars again (the BMW 501 luxury saloon marked that revival). It’s a reminder that big brands had to restart. Makes you appreciate that used cars you might find in Stockport didn’t just come from nowhere.

7. BMW’s first electric car production-model came earlier than you think

You might think electric BMWs are brand new. But actually, BMW’s foray into electrics started much earlier. They built prototypes in the 1970s. Their first mass-produced electric car was the BMW i3, launched around 2013. So if you’re considering a used BMW with some EV tech in it, you’re interacting with a brand that did electric research years ago.

8. The “Ultimate Driving Machine” isn’t just hype

BMW has built a reputation for giving a driver a fun, engaging ride. Models like the BMW 3 Series, BMW M models, all reflect the idea that the driver’s experience matters. Here at our dealership, Dace Motor Company, when we list a used BMW we always look at the driving feel, service history, condition-because it’s not just about four wheels and a badge. And in places like Manchester or Stockport, where you might dash on a motorway, cruise city streets, or head out for a weekend drive, that driving feeling makes a difference.

9. Many used BMWs hold value-but you still need the right one

When you’re browsing our stock in Stockport or Manchester, you might spot a BMW that looks good. But here’s a tip: check how well it’s been looked after. BMWs can be great, but they’ve got their quirks. Since BMW started with aircraft engines and has always focused on performance, sometimes the maintenance is more involved. We at Dace Motor Company make sure that any used BMW (or any used car for that matter) has a full history, has been HPI-checked, and has had good care. That helps you get what you expect: value, fun, reliability.

10. BMW today: balancing performance, luxury and electrification

BMW isn’t just about petrol engines and luxury sedans anymore. They’re moving heavily into electric vehicles, hybrids, and big SUVs. For example, they’ve developed the BMW i sub-brand and are investing in electric vehicle platforms. So if you see a used BMW with hybrid tech or some electric features in our Stockport lot, it’s part of that broader shift.
And by working with a specialist like Dace Motor Company, you get a team who understands the BMW brand’s story, its tech, and what to look out for when buying used.