Initially designed in 1916, the BMW hasn’t evolved much outside of some color changes. It’s still two circles with similar font and patterns that many people believe signify propellers, which is not true. This iconic logo has stood the test of time.
The most iconic cars tend to be stamped with a logo that’s recognizable even to non-car enthusiasts. When cars were first introduced to the market (and changing society along the way), their logos had meaning. It was a testament that reflected the care that went into designing and manufacturing the car.
Before BMW was a car manufacturer, it was Rapp Motorenwerke.Around 1913, they specialized in aircraft engines. Then in 1917, they became Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW).
BMW didn’t feel the need to have a logo right away. Eventually, they tweaked the Rapp Motorenwerke logo, keeping the black circles with gold rings and lettering. As the years went on, BMW changed the rings and letters from gold to white.
There is a misconception that the logo is meant to represent spinning airplane propellers as a tribute to the company’s origins. However, the blue and white segments inside the ring actually represent the flag of Bavaria with the colors reversed. The reason they are reversed is because of a law that prohibits national emblems from being used in the design of logos.
BMW logo changes through time
BMW has only made four changes to their logo over the years, and those changes were relatively minor. The overall logo has stayed close to the original design.
What’s behind the BMW logo design?
Three key elements make up the BMW logo, including:
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