1916 With a stock capital of 200000 marks, Karl Rapp and Max Friz founded the Bayerisch Flugzeuwerke AG in northern Munich. They make aircraft engines only.

1917 The 500th engine leaves the works and the company gains the world altitude record of 9760 metres.

1918 With a stock capital of 12 million marks and 3500 employees, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is founded, the initials are still used today.

1919 Despite postwar restrictions by the Allies, BMW secretly develop a brand new engine - only to have all documents confiscated. To survive, they make agricultural machines and kitchen equipment.

1922 BMW buy up Bayerische Flugzeuwerke AG and put the first flat twin bike engine - the 500 cc, 6.5 hp R32, designed by Max Friz - into production.

1924 Restrictions on aircraft engines are lifted and BMW get back into fullscale development and production. Turnover is 8.3 million marks, employees 1200.

1925 Nine motorcycle models are now being made. Turnover is 15 million marks. BMW hold 28 world range, speed, and altitude records.

1927 The first 750 cc, 18 hp, motorcycle is produced, the R62. BMW have, to date, sold more than 25000. 1928 With a new stock credit of 19 million marks, BMW takes over the Eisenach vehicle factory.

1929 Ernst Henne wins an outright world land speed record - and another for motorcycles - for BMW on the Berlin autobahn at 216.75 km/h. The first car is put into production: the 750 cc Dixie. Turnover now 40 million marks, employees 3860.