28 October 1913

Karl Rapp Motorenwerke GmbH was founded in Munich on 28 October 1913, for production of "engines of all types, in particular internal combustion engines for aircraft". Diamler aircraft engine designer Max Friz came to Munich in 1916 to assist, and developed greatly improved engines. This led to the firm being renamed Bayerische Motorenwerke GmbH. BMW AG acknowledges this to be the official beginning of the company we know today.