[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

True Origin of the BMW Roundel Logo

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For more than 90 years, the blue and white roundel has represented and symbolized BMW. But do you know the true origin of the BMW roundel?

Many think that the roundel symbolizes a spinning airplane propeller blade - from the days when BMW built aircraft engine in the early 20th century, but that's not so. Find out the real history behind the blue and white roundel in this video as Kai Jacobson, BMW's in-house historian explains the origin of one of the world's most recognizable logos today.

Evolution of the BMW Roundel

[Cuz5150]

[SD ///M4]

Pretty hard to refute info from the most authoritative source on the matter.

Everything else is speculative folklore.

[Arena Motor Dude]

I like the idea of the propeller... much more exciting. Oh well, still good to know!

[SomeRandomer123]

That woman couldn't get the roundel onto that 7 Series properly!
Interesting though!

[335iJWC]

Interesting

[M-Power111]

very good

[Shane550X]

🚙I would have never known

[car_fan]

If one doesn't know the origins of the roundel and/or the association with BMW's history in aeronautics - they should have their "roundel(s)" consficated - LOL

[Caspian]

I don't think the tie to the previous logo border necessarily excludes the center being a representation of a propeller. They didn't describe the thought process going in to the blue and white, just stating that they were the Bavarian national colors.

Why not horizontal or vertical stripes? Why not the diamond shapes often used in Bavaria?

Unless there is a documentation of the process of developing the new logo, we can't state definitively where the inspiration came from. I think there is still a good chance it was inspired by a propeller.

My $.02

Cheers,

LD

[Maz335i]

Very cool...

[tony20009]

Interesting. Thanks.

So BMW kept the logo, but ditched any hopes of producing economy cars. LOL Just as well; I don't want an economy car.

[Adriansideways]

Agreed why soon after do they superimpose the logo onto the plane there had to be some thought there?!

[Ali.K_BMW]

good stuff. many people do not know the true history.

[burrito007]

Originally Posted by Caspian

I don't think the tie to the previous logo border necessarily excludes the center being a representation of a propeller. They didn't describe the thought process going in to the blue and white, just stating that they were the Bavarian national colors.

Why not horizontal or vertical stripes? Why not the diamond shapes often used in Bavaria?

Unless there is a documentation of the process of developing the new logo, we can't state definitively where the inspiration came from. I think there is still a good chance it was inspired by a propeller.

My $.02

Cheers,

LD

came in here to post this. the video/manual have told us nothing about why they picked the blue/white checker pattern to replace the horse. i never was inspired by the black outer circle thinking "wow black outer circle must be a propeller" - the inside white/blue however . . .

[L8*Apex]

Originally Posted by Caspian

I don't think the tie to the previous logo border necessarily excludes the center being a representation of a propeller. They didn't describe the thought process going in to the blue and white, just stating that they were the Bavarian national colors.

Why not horizontal or vertical stripes? Why not the diamond shapes often used in Bavaria?

Unless there is a documentation of the process of developing the new logo, we can't state definitively where the inspiration came from. I think there is still a good chance it was inspired by a propeller.

My $.02

Cheers,

LD

Ya, you're probably right. The in house historian for BMW probably got it wrong. You should send him an email and let him know that your 2 pennies are way more correct than his silly "facts".

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by L8*Apex

Ya, you're probably right. The in house historian for BMW probably got it wrong. You should send him an email and let him know that your 2 pennies are way more correct than his silly "facts".

+1

There's a reason why he calls it myth.

[jhv]

heh, saw this a while ago through the bp subscription on youtube

[M3 Adjuster]

I Learned something today.

[EINSER M]

awesome 411

[OdomPHD]

The history of BMW is interesting, to be sure. I enjoyed seeing the evolution of the logo.

[lucas.kent]

Originally Posted by L8*Apex

Ya, you're probably right. The in house historian for BMW probably got it wrong. You should send him an email and let him know that your 2 pennies are way more correct than his silly "facts".

But what's funny is that in other BMW collateral (namely the video and booklet that came with my car) they do mention the propeller.