Munich is buzzing. The production of the next generation of BMW vehicles is gearing up with surgical precision. Manufacturing equipment has been installed in the new body shop and assembly line, ready to bring forth mechanical wonders. Imagine a chef meticulously preparing his ingredients before the grand service; that’s exactly what’s happening here.
Promising functional tests
The first checks, called “Common Function Tests,” have been successfully conducted. Each system has been put to the test during these trials, where production planners and factory technicians subjected the machines to dry runs. No real cars on the horizon, but each operational cycle brings forth an invisible vehicle, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Imagine an orchestra playing a symphony without instruments, while making sure the concert is flawless when the time comes.
A milestone reached with enthusiasm
Peter Weber, the head of the BMW plant in Munich, expresses his satisfaction: “Just in time for the holidays, we have reached an important milestone: all manufacturing technologies and equipment are ready, and we are already training our teams for the production of the BMW i3. We are making great strides towards the production of the first pre-series vehicles, which will come entirely from our plant.” Such enthusiasm is reminiscent of a coach announcing the selection of a championship team before a big match.
A crucial move in January
However, we will have to wait a little longer. The assembly of the BMW i3, which has so far taken place at the nearby Research and Innovation Centre, will move to the Munich plant starting in January. This transfer will mark the implementation of all the necessary technologies to continue rigorous testing of the complete production system. Series production of the new BMW i3 will then begin in the summer of 2026.
A digital and efficient iFACTORY
Speaking of efficiency, the Munich plant aligns with the guiding principles of the BMW iFACTORY. The new body shop and assembly line have been carefully planned and digitally constructed from the outset. Existing facilities in the press shop and paint shop have also been integrated into the BMW Group’s Virtual Factory. This has allowed for virtual functional tests of all technologies for this new generation of vehicles well ahead of their launch.
Major works completed in 18 months
In just 18 months, nearly a third of the factory grounds has been extensively remodelled. Old halls have been demolished, making way for a new assembly centre, a logistics centre, and a body shop – all while continuing to produce up to 1,000 vehicles from the 3 and 4 series per day. The preparation is unprecedented: you can imagine a conductor managing multiple musical sections at the same time, while ensuring that every note is perfectly tuned.
© BMW Group
