For any serious car enthusiast, a trip to the BMW Museum is much more than just a detour on a larger sightseeing tour of Munich. In the BMW Museum, one can admire a wide range of cars from different eras. However, one will see few concept cars and many production vehicles at the facility. In fact, it is impossible to get lost in abstract thoughts about the future of the brand when exploring the exhibits because each car represents a chapter from the history of the company and the story of its triumphs. Exploring the museum feels like diving into the past – the early economy cars are next to sports cars and elegant sedans and racing cars that have made significant contributions to the history of the company. The museum is a place where one can witness the real impact of automobiles on people. BMW cars are among the most valuable in the world, and many of the exhibits found in the BMW Museum have made significant contributions to the company’s stature as an elite auto manufacturer.

While the museum’s exhibits are often rotated, some cars have secured their places in history and among the hearts of BMW fans. This list presents twelve exhibits from the BMW Museum that illustrate different eras in the company’s history. Together, they represent the legacy of the company and the company’s impact on the world.

1. 3/15 DA-3 (1930)

The BMW 3/15 DA-3 marked BMW’s first steps into automobile production and set the direction of the company’s development. The car represents a significant page in the history of the company and is a real relic. Despite being somewhat rudimentary, the 3/15 DA-3 is a true representation of BMW’s early development. While the body design was based on the Dixi platform and was built under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the engine was a product of BMW’s own development. The 3/15 DA-3 was a reliable transport vehicle – and the qualities of the car have contributed to the reputation of the brand.

Historic Milestones:

• First car produced by BMW
• Built under Austin license
• Simple and reliable engine
• Established the roadster tradition
• Set the direction of development

Lightweight construction and a 738 cc engine with an output of 18 PS were some of the details that made the car notable. The simplicity and reliability were essential qualities that defined BMW’s early development and allowed the company to develop competitive products in the future.

Although the car was not luxurious and represented only a basic model, it became the foundation of the company. The 3/15 DA-3 is one of the rarest cars in BMW’s history, with only about 150 units produced. In addition to being a symbol of the company’s early development, the car made the company known to the world.

2. 328 (1936)

The BMW 328 represents the pioneering spirit of BMW as a young company that has embarked on a wide journey of technical development and innovation. In many ways, the car defined the future of BMW and represented a significant step for the company. The 328 became a hallmark of the BMW brand in the 1930s and continues to capture the imaginations of locals and visitors to Munich.

Performance Highlights:

• Lightweight construction
• Straight-six engine
• Excellent driving characteristics
• Combination of speed and reliability
• Record-breaking endurance

The 328 was powered by a 2.0-liter straight-six engine and a light body, so it was one of the fastest cars of its time. The car was also equipped with a hydraulic braking system, making it easy to handle. Vehicles of this class were in great demand, and many racing teams were eager to use the car in races. The 328 won many races, including the Mille Miglia, establishing the reputation of the BMW brand as a manufacturer of high-performance cars. To this day, the racing division of BMW continues to follow in the footsteps of the 328.

3. Isetta (1955)

After the Nazi regime brought the company to the brink of collapse, BMW needed to find a way to survive. The solution came in the form of a tiny vehicle called the Isetta. The Isetta was a microcar produced under license from the Italian manufacturer Iso. Iso’s design was primitive, but it embodied the characteristics that BMW needed to survive. The car became popular and sold well, and soon the company moved on to more serious projects.

Microcar Highlights:

• Excellent fuel economy
• Distinctive bubble shape
• Single front-hinged door
• Affordable transportation
• Overcoming post-war scarcity

The 250cc engine of the Isetta produced only 12 PS. However, the engine was economical, and the body of the car was convenient, which allowed the car to compete successfully with other vehicles of the same class. The Isetta had its own unique design that distinguished it from other cars of the period. Front-hinged doors and a single front opening in the shape of a bubble ensured excellent access to the interior. The Isetta became one of the best-selling cars in Germany. Sales of the microcar played a significant role in keeping BMW afloat during a difficult period in its history. Without the Isetta, the future of the company would have been very different.

4. Neue Klasse (1962)

The Neue Klasse signifies one of the most critical turning points in BMW’s history. This model marked the beginning of the era of modern sedans from the Bavarian manufacturer. Neue Klasse was the beginning of the new era of BMW as a whole – the new concept of the world’s lightest sports cars was developed. The Neue Klasse became the hallmark of the new generation of BMW drivers.

Defining Characteristics:

• Modern philosophy of a sedan
• Combinability of comfort and performance
• Distinctive design
• Excellent handling
• Established the sports sedan segment

Sedans have always been a popular type of vehicles, but before the introduction of the Neue Klasse, they were perceived as something banal. The Neue Klasse changed the philosophy of the sedan, combining comfort and performance in one vehicle. In other words, this car was powerful enough to be driven on winding roads but also had all the qualities to be driven every day. The Neue Klasse was more than a concept, as later generations of the sedan proved.

Not only was the Neue Klasse a great concept, but it also had success on the racetrack. It was the racing division that took the Neue Klasse to the level of an icon. As the racing divisions continue to push the boundaries of performance, the philosophy of the Neue Klasse serves as an inspiration for modern sedans.

5. 02 Series (1966)

Following the success of the Neue Klasse, BMW was eager to introduce a smaller version of the car. The 02 Series represents another chapter in the history ofBMW development. It was one of the most popular cars in the company’s history and helped elevate BMW to new heights on a global scale. The 02 Series was available in many configurations, from the 1600-2 to the sportier 2002. It became one of the company’s best-selling models and continues to inspire BMW owners to this day.

Popular Model Highlights:

• Excellent driving dynamics
• Combination of comfort and performance
• Fun engine
• International recognition
• Appealing to a wider audience of enthusiasts

The 02 Series was a light car with great driving characteristics. It had a sporty engine but retained its appeal as a daily driver. The 02 Series provided the driver with three unforgettable driving modes a gentle ride on the highway, a thrilling drive on the twisty road, and a sports mode for the racetrack.

The 02 Series played a big role in establishing BMW’s presence in the United States. This series was very popular among locals, which made the company more well-known in this market. The 02 Series is still popular among collectors, with many of them regarding the 2002 as one of the best BMWs ever made. In this car, one can feel the spirit of BMW as a whole.

6. 3.0 CSL (1975)

The 3.0 CSL represents the philosophy of weight reduction and racing know-how of BMW’s engineers. The name of the model itself, which translates as “Coupe Sport Leichtbau,” is a reference to the engineering approach to the creation of this model. Inspired by racing, BMW engineers lightened the car as much as possible. This approach allowed them to create a car that combined excellent performance on the street and on the race track. The 3.0 CSL was also famous for its unusual look and received the nickname “Batmobile.”

Motorsport Highlights:

• Light weight
• Weight reduction know-how
• Lightweight racing components
• Excellent performance on the track
• Unusual design
• Nicknamed Batmobile

Reducing the weight of the car was the main goal of the engineers who designed the 3.0 CSL. They used thinner steel plates, aircraft-grade aluminum, lightweight windows, and other measures to reduce the weight of the car. Engineers also developed special aerodynamic details for the car, which later became standard for many racing cars.

Apart from the technical specifications, the 3.0 CSL was also notable for its iconic design. The design of the 3.0 CSL became legendary, and it continues to inspire BMW owners and fans around the world. The car was so famous that it appeared in Hollywood films. Apart from being a brilliant sports car, the 3.0 CSL is one of BMW’s most notable achievements in racing.

7. 7 Series (1977)

The 7 Series represents the pinnacle of BMW’s engineering and technical development. BMW decided to enter the luxury segment with an imposing model, and the 7 Series became the symbol of Bavarian engineering. This model represented a new level of comfort and innovation, signifying that BMW aimed to compete with the best in the segment. The first 7 Series was a pioneer in its segment, offering an unmatched combination of comfort and power.

Luxury Sedan Highlights:

• First luxury model from BMW
• High-tech six-cylinder engine
• Lightweight construction
• Excellent driving dynamics
• Established the tradition of the segment

While the 7 Series was larger and more powerful than the 5 Series, it embodied the spirit of BMW as a whole. The 7 Series was not only powerful but also featured state-of-the-art technology and comfort. The first 7 Series offered excellent value for money as it combined the qualities of a luxury vehicle with the drivability of a Bavarian sports car. With advanced features such as antilock brakes, the 7 Series signified the pioneering spirit of BMW. Although later iterations of the 7 Series have become even more technically advanced and luxurious, the first 7 Series remains an unparalleled symbol of Bavarian engineering.

8. M1 (1978)

The M1 is a legendary supercar and one of BMW’s most notable engineering feats. Inspired by the desire to enter the supercar segment, BMW began development on the M1. In the early stages of development, BMW partnered with Lamborghini, but the project continued to be developed independently by BMW due to production challenges. After years of development, BMW unveiled a supercar that was technologically advanced and featured a distinctive design. The M1 represented the strength of BMW’s engineering and innovation but was produced in extremely limited numbers.

Supercar Highlights:

• Mid-engine architecture and straight-six configuration
• German engineering excellence
• Iconic wedge-shaped design
• Unique production process
• Only supercar from BMW

The M1 was a unique concept that combined the expertise of BMW and Lamborghini. Giorgio Giugaro, one of Italy’s most renowned designers, developed the car’s iconic design. The M1 was powered by a 3.5-liter straight-six engine at the center of the car. Apart from the powerplant, several Italian companies were involved in the production of the supercar. The M1 was a truly unique concept, as only 453 units were produced. The M1 remains a collector’s car to this day. It is one of the most sought-after cars in BMW’s history and a symbol of the company’s determination to create the best cars in the world. The M1 is BMW’s only supercar, and even today, it remains one of the most legendary vehicles in the world.

9. M5 (1985)

As one of the first sports sedans to enter the market, the M5 represented an evolution of the BMW philosophy. The M5 personified the essence of the Bavarian automaker and took its engineering to an entirely new level. This car was the most powerful executive vehicle in the world at the time of its release. With its performance and technical specifications, the M5 was a symbol of BMW power and the pioneering spirit of the brand.

Performance Highlights:

• Executive class sports car
• One of the most powerful engines
• Excellent power-to-weight ratio
• Combination of comfort and performance
• Set the standard for performance sedans in the segment

This car was a marvel of its time and is still revered by car fans. The M5 combined the qualities of a standard executive sedan and a sports car. With its 3.5-liter straight-six engine borrowed from the M1, the M5 was one of the fastest cars in its class. Apart from the engine, the M5 impressed with its weight reduction. Even though the M5 was a powerful car, it maintained the comfort of a standard BMW sedan. The M5 represented a revolution in the segment, setting the standard for performance sedans for decades to come. Although the M5 was produced in limited numbers, it set a standard that later generations of this model were able to reach.

10. M3 (1986)

The first M3 represented one of the most ambitious projects in the history of the BMW M Division. Apart from being a sports car, the M3 was also a racing machine, having been developed to meet the homologation requirements for races. The M3 personified the spirit of BMW M, offering a unique blend of performance, power, and driving dynamics. The E30 M3 was a sports car that represented everything that the fans of the brand had dreamt of.

Legendary Sports Car Highlights:

• M3 was designed to meet the strict homologation requirements of racing
• Distinctive wide wheel arches
• Lightweight components
• High-revving four-cylinder engine
• Excellent balance between power and driving dynamics

The E30 M3 was one of the most sought-after performance cars in BMW’s history. This model was not only powerful but also offered excellent driving dynamics and a distinctive design. The M3 became legendary for its performance on the race track and continued to captivate fans and drivers long after its release. The lightweight design, four-cylinder engine, and wide wheel arches made the car one of a kind. The M3 represented the pinnacle of performance cars and racing sports cars. To this day, the E30 M3 remains one of the most popular performance cars in the world.

11. 3 Series Touring (1987)

BMW 3 Series Touring was not officially launched. The work began when a prototype designer Max Reisböck decided to create a project car based on his own 323i. Reisböck’s idea was to make something useful out of the 323i body. After several attempts, the designer managed to come up with a really brilliant solution. He created a project car, which was intended to be a station wagon; nevertheless, it was supposed to have the driving fun of the 3 Series. The new concept eventually evolved into a high-performance family car.

Practical Highlights:

• The 3 series became more versatile
• Driving fun
• Unusual development
• One of the most popular car models

Max Reisböck’s project demonstrated that a family car could be fun. The prototype was a car with the versatility of a station wagon and the driving characteristics, which are typical of the 3 Series. BMW’s management approved the decision and gave the go-ahead for the 3 Series Touring development. The 3 Series Touring was sporty; nevertheless, it had the driving fun, and it was appropriate for the winding road. This car product was one of the best-selling BMW cars and it still inspires drivers.

12. Z1 (1987)

Z1 was certainly one of the most ambitious projects in the history of BMW brand. BMW Technic was enthusiastic about the concept; however, in the end, the Z1 roadster was only presented as a concept car. This car is a perfect representation of innovative approaches and technical individuality, which have been the distinctive features of the BMW brand. The Z1 concept was a real brain teaser, which still inspires BMW designers. There are several reasons why Z1 concept was special in the history of BMW.

Concept Car Highlights:

• Doors that open vertically
• Plastic parts that can be removed
• Great weight distribution
• Technical development
• Inspiration for the whole team

One of the coolest concepts in the history of BMW was the development of the doors, which open vertically. The concept was destined to become the development direction of the company. Apart from that, the body of the car was made of plastic, which could be dismantled; these technical solutions highlight the technical individuality of the car. Z1 roadster was a lightweight vehicle, and the weight was distributed to the center of the car. Such a feature is a significant advantage for a roadster car, and because of that, Z1 became one of the most popular concept cars in the world. This concept was unique, and few sports cars could imitate its developments. The concept was presented within two years after its development in 1989.