BMW Logo PNG
The logo of BMW – the famous car manufacturer – is a spectacular demonstration of the importance of links between the past and the present. The emblem symbolizes a commitment to historical values, the desire to use modern technologies, reliability, and technical strength.
BMW: Brand overview
| Founded: | 7 March 1916 |
| Founder: | Camillo Castiglioni, Franz Josef Popp, Karl Rapp |
| Headquarters: |
Munich, Germany |
| Website: | bmw.com |
Meaning and History
The BMW logo flaunts on the hoods of all branded vehicles, indicating the high status of the owners. This is an exceptional sign that perfectly complements the slogan “Freude am Fahren,” which means “Joy of Driving” in German.
The range of the German company included aircraft engines, so they directly influenced the logo. The debut version consisted of a circle divided into four identical sectors of blue and white, black edging and the inscription “BMW.” It was an airplane propeller against a blue sky.
But after the First World War, Germany was banned from manufacturing aircraft, so the plant was re-trained and began to manufacture agricultural equipment and brakes for trains. And finally, in 1923, he had his debut motorcycle with a blue and white BMW logo. Thus began a new era of the brand.
After five years, the company bought the car factory in Eisenach and launched the production of its first car called Dixi. By the mid-1930s, BMW had grown into a huge industrial conglomerate in Bavaria, and the corporation became the largest industrial consortium in Europe. And her logo was now considered a sign of prestige and high status.
What is BMW?
BMW is an abbreviation for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and is one of its brands, along with Rolls-Royce and Mini. The German automobile company was founded in 1916 and began by manufacturing aircraft engines. She produced her first car in 1928.
1913 – 1917
RAPP Motorenwerke is a company whose capacities the modern giant of the automotive industry will later emerge. Company logo a horse symbol enclosed in a circle.
1917 – 1936
The debut version logo is based on the icon that has passed from the predecessor of BMW – the company RAPP. It was a circle with a horse in the center, surrounded by a wide strip in which the name of the enterprise was inscribed. The text layout and font remained the same as in the prototype. But the image of the horse disappeared – instead of him appeared improvised airplane blades in the colors of the Bavarian flag.
Moreover, the symbolism of the brand confirms: a good design remains forever. For many years of existence, the company logo has not changed much. Minor adjustments affected only the font and variations of the blue hue.
1923 – 1953
During this period, the first serious logo redesign was undertaken. Each element has a dark golden border. Also, blue has become intense, and the font has become wide and bold.
1936 – 1963
In 1936, designers changed the thick edging lines to thin white, visually lightening the logo. And they used sky blue instead of blue and redefined the color of the abbreviation, making it a contrasting light against a dark background.
1963 – 1997
This logo acquired a different font and almost cobalt hue.
1970 – 1989
During this period, BMW, which participated in sports races, used a different logo to separate the sport from the mainstream of the company.
1997 – 2020
This period is characterized by the appearance of a convex-volume middle and a metallic sheen on the edging black ring. The 3D effect was achieved due to the thin lines in the center and the gleam at the letter “B.”
2020 – today
The modern version has experienced the most major changes. Instead of a wide black stripe, light silver is now depicted. The element of volume has disappeared. A thin frame passes around the ring. The blue color is again enhanced.
Font and Colors
The current BMW logo is considered one of the most successful in the automotive industry, so it has changed little. Evolution concerned only minor details. The graphic sign always consisted of a dark circle with the abbreviated name of the company. And the core was originally divided into four identical fragments with alternating colored sectors.
The brand palette also remained almost unchanged, remaining within the national colors of Bavaria. Black is the personification of elegance and classics; white is a symbol of purity and attractiveness; blue is a sign of reliability and technical power; silver is a link to metal and metal products.
The font used in the current version appeared back in 1953, although at that time it was serifed. But after ten years, the serifs were removed, choosing the Helvetica Black Condensed – a strict, smooth font that fits perfectly into the automotive industry.
BMW color codes
| Nickel | Hex color: | #707070 |
|---|---|---|
| RGB: | 112 112 112 | |
| CMYK: | 0 0 0 56 | |
| Pantone: | PMS 424 C |
| Medium Persian Blue | Hex color: | #0066b5 |
|---|---|---|
| RGB: | 227 212 173 | |
| CMYK: | 0 4 20 7 | |
| Pantone: | PMS 285 C |
What is the hidden meaning of the BMW logo?
The round shield with multi-colored triangles represents the Free State of Bavaria flag, even though it does not contain triangles but rhombuses. But the color scheme is fully consistent: the designers combined white and azure.
What does the BMW logo symbolize?
The opinion that the BMW logo stands for a propeller is not true. It was modeled after the flag and coat of arms of the Free State of Bavaria, but since the law forbade the use of state symbols as emblems, the designers had to depict a set of abstract figures on the shield retaining the white and azure color scheme.
Which is the current symbol of the BMW car?
Currently, the BMW car brand has around rondel logo. It consists of a central circle that contains four connected triangles: two white and two azure. And in the ring formed by part of the large outer circle, the manufacturer’s name is written. All outlines and letters are grey; the base is white.
