Title:
The Birth of BMW's First Car: The BMW 3/15
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When we hear "BMW," we instantly think of precision engineering, luxury, and performance. But every giant has humble beginnings, and for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), that story began with their very first car — the BMW 3/15.
A Legacy That Began in 1929
Although BMW was founded in 1916, it originally focused on aircraft engines and later motorcycles. It wasn't until 1929 that BMW officially entered the automobile industry. Their first car was not an original in-house design — it was based on the Austin 7, a British compact car. BMW had secured a license to produce this model from the Austin Motor Company.
The BMW 3/15 DA-1
BMW's first car, released in March 1929, was called the BMW 3/15 DA-1. The "3/15" referred to its 3 taxable horsepower and 15 real horsepower. The “DA” stood for Deutsche Ausführung, meaning "German Version". The car was manufactured in Eisenach, Germany, which became BMW’s first automobile factory.
Key Features of the BMW 3/15:
Engine: 747cc 4-cylinder
Power: 15 horsepower
Top Speed: Around 75 km/h (47 mph)
Design: Two-door compact body, lightweight
Price: Affordable and reliable for its time
Despite its modest performance by today’s standards, the 3/15 was a significant success. It symbolized BMW’s entry into the automotive world and laid the foundation for its future innovations.
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Why It Still Matters
The 3/15 wasn’t just a car — it was the spark that ignited a brand known globally for engineering excellence. Over time, BMW transitioned from producing licensed models to creating its own revolutionary vehicles, eventually becoming one of the most prestigious carmakers in the world
Final Thoughts
From the simple BMW 3/15 to today’s high-performance M Series and luxurious 7 Series, BMW's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 3/15 may have been small and unassuming, but it was the first step toward a century of automotive brilliance
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