The name Bayerische Motoren Werke was first registered in 1917 creating what we now know as BMW. The logo was based on the Rapp Motorwerke logo which was the company that became BMW. The logo had a similar black ring but used the colors on the Bavarian Free State flag inside and gold for the type and outlines. BMW even placed their letters the same way as Rapp Motorwerke did in their logo. BMW decided to design the logo around the former company to stay connected, because BMW assumed all business responsibility from Rapp Motors.
Other than the influence from the former company the BMW logo had no other inspiration, despite the myth that its was inspired by airplane propellers. This myth was created in 1929 when a BMW magazine showed airplane propellers creating the BMW logo. This was just ad campaign and had nothing to do with the creation of the logo. Since then the logo has undergone many changes. The first major changes were made in the 1950s, this was the first time that BMW used white and silver lettering and outlines. Unlike other variations of the logo, these models of the logo were very successful. BMW used the two logos in everything from ad campaigns to their motorcycles.
Since then the logo has changed very little. In 1979 BMW used a san serif font in the logo instead of the original serif. This was most likely done to keep up with new styles of marketing in the 70s and 80s. The current BMW logo was created in 1997 and it give the old logo a 3D effect. This is the logo that car enthusiast of today know and love, the BMW logo is one of the top 10 most recognizable car brands.
The colors of the BMW logo may have something to do with it’s popularity even though it was not intended. When seen in a logo the color blue symbolizes trust and loyalty. These two things are needed in a car brand because customers need to trust that the brand is dependable. The color black signifies elegance and power. The BMW logo is a symbol of status because it is a well known luxury car brand. The color white in the logo shows simplicity and purity. Even though it was not intentionally designed that way the color white sums up the logo. The BMW logo works because it is simple and true to its heritage.
