bmw fabriek tour

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ENJOY GUIDED TOURS.

Get to know the BMW brand right where its heart beats. In the direct vicinity of the BMW Group headquarters, you will encounter a variety of themed tours that will fascinate you. Explore BMW Welt from all sides, see automobile production first-hand at the BMW Group Plant in Munich. Explore over 100 years of corporate history with unique exhibits and truly legendary automobiles at the BMW Museum and BMW Group Classic. In short, experience the allure of the BMW Group and all its brands. Just so much more stunning than anywhere else.

• BMW Group Classic
• BMW Group Plant

BMW Welt not only looks incredible, it is also full of exciting stories. Go on a guided discovery tour. Explore the intriguing building, the brand areas, the secrets of the architecture and experience the enthusiasm for motoring first hand. The tours are offered as open and as group tours for companies or school classes and are in German and English.

Please note: Some passages of the tour are inaccessible by wheelchair or pram/buggy.

Duration: approx. 60 minutes.

Participants: max. 20 people. 

Starting point: Guided tours counter at BMW Welt. Get navigated to the meeting point here .

Ticket prices:   

Single price: 13.00 EUR / reduced* 11.00 EUR

All prices incl. VAT. 

> Book tickets

Group tour.

Duration: approx. 60 minutes. 

Participants: max. 20 people.

 Starting point: Guided tours counter at BMW Welt. Get navigated to the meeting point  here .

Ticket prices:  

Group price: 250.00 EUR / reduced* 220.00 EUR 

All prices incl. VAT.

> Book tickets

BMW MUSEUM.

On a guided tour of the BMW Museum take a fascinating look at the history of the company, the brand and the products. Around 125 of the brand's most valuable and attractive automobiles, motorbikes and engines are on display here. Founded in 1973 as one of the first brand museums, it was redesigned and expanded in 2008. Look forward to some very special glimpses into the history, present and future of the BMW brand at this now legendary location.

The open guided tour is offered in German and English and is barrier-free.

Duration: approx. 60 minutes. 

Participants: max. 20 people..

Starting point: Foyer Museum (Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 Munich). Get navigated to the meeting point here .

Ticket prices:  

Single price: 13.00 EUR / reduced* 11.00 EUR 

Family: 29,00 EUR (max. 2 adults and 3 children under 18 years)

All prices incl. VAT. 

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The group tour is offered in German and English and is fully accessible.

Starting point: Foyer Museum (Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 Munich). Get navigated to the meeting point here .

Group price: 250.00 EUR / reduced* 220.00 EUR 

All prices incl. VAT

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BMW GROUP CLASSIC.

What is in store for you on a guided tour of the BMW Group Classic? Nothing less than the historic vehicle collection and the BMW Group Classic Centre - gathered together in one place. One of BMW's first production halls was located on the 13,000 m² site near BMW headquarters. Then used for the production of engines, this fascinating BMW Group building  is now a very special and architecturally protected monument.

Please note:

There are no parking facilities on the BMW Group Classic grounds. We recommend travelling by public transport. It is not possible to bring umbrellas or large bags. Unfortunately, there are no storage facilities available. Some passages of the tour are not accessible by wheelchair or pushchair/buggy.

The group tour is offered in German and English. Duration: approx. 60 minutes. Participants: max. 20 people. Starting point: Classic Café (Moosacher Str. 66, 80809 Munich). Get navigated to the meeting point  here . Ticket prices:   Group price: 300 EUR / reduced* 280.00 EUR. All prices incl. VAT.

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BMW GROUP PLANT MUNICH.

Please note that BMW Group Plant Tours are only possible from Monday till Friday.

Representing all international production sites, the BMW Group's main plant in Munich offers exciting insights into state-of-the-art car manufacturing. Every productionday around 900 cars are built here. Every day, 7,000 employees from over 50 nations ensure that your BMW leaves the plant in top shape. Their keen understanding of vehicles and eye for detail is the foundation of great quality. We take you on a journey of discovery during our guided tours. Take a look behind the scenes of car manufacturing. Observe specific production steps up close and get to know your BMW in a whole new way.

Languages: German / English Duration: approx. 120 minutes  Participants: max. 24 people Starting point: BMW Welt, Factory tour area.  Ticket prices:   Single: 18.00 EUR / reduced*: 14.00 EUR  All prices incl. VAT.

Languages: German / English Duration: about 120 minutes Participants: max. 24 people Starting point: BMW Welt - Plant tour meeting point Ticket prices:   Group: 330.00 EUR / discounted*: 280.00 EUR All prices include VAT.

For groups of students and apprentices, we offer guided tours several times a week with special conditions.

Languages: German / English

Duration: approx. 120 minutes 

Participants: max. 24 people

Starting point: BMW Welt, Factory tour area. 

Single: 14.00 EUR / reduced*: 11.00 EUR 

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In addition, a shorter tour focusing on core content is offered in German at selected times.

Duration: approx. 90 minutes

Participants: max. 24 persons

Starting point: BMW Welt, Plant tour area

Ticket prices: 

Single: 11.90 / reduced*: 9.00 EUR

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Duration: about 120 minutes

Starting point: BMW Welt - Plant tour meeting point

Group: 260,00 EUR / discounted*: 220,00 EUR *All prices include VAT.

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6 essentials for the BMW Group plant tour.

• For safety reasons, guests must understand the language of the tour themselves or bring an interpreter (only possible for group tours).
• For safety reasons, the minimum age is 6 years accompanied and 14 years unaccompanied.
• Filming and photography in the work are expressly prohibited.
• The distance of the guided tour is about 3 kilometres. Please make sure you wear suitable footwear.
• The tour is generally barrier-free. However, this may change at short notice for production reasons. If barrier-free, a maximum of 2 wheelchair users can be taken per tour.
• There are no guided tours on weekends, public holidays (for the state of Bavaria) and on production-related closed days.

Motorcycle Berlin.

BMW Group's premium motorbikes roll off the production line in the capital. The motorbikes themselves are not only spectacular, but so is their production. More than 2,200 employees work here hand in hand with the most modern technology producing high-quality bikes.

Automobile plant Leipzig.

The BMW Group plant in Leipzig is one of the most innovative car factories in the world. Around 1,000 vehicles roll off production here every day.

MINI plant Oxford.

The BMW Group plant in Oxford is the birthplace of the MINI. Legendary and much-loved cars have been manufactured there for more than 20 years. The plant is also regarded as a laboratory for the future. It only takes around 22 hours from delivery of the material to the completion of a vehicle!

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PARTICIPANT INFORMATION.

Book guided tours..

Where can I book a guided tour? Book your guided tour now:  Phone:  +49 89 1250 16001 E-mail:  [email protected]

* BMW Welt, BMW Museum & BMW Group Classic:

Schoolchildren, trainees, students (7 to 27 years, children up to 6 years free of charge); senior citizens (from 65 years or with pension certificate); severely disabled persons (registered accompanying person free of charge); federal voluntary service, voluntary social or ecological year; job seekers; holders of the BMW Card (credit card) and BMW Premium Card (credit card); official BMW Clubs; Munich Tour Guide Association or Federal Association of Tour Guides; journalists (with press card); BMW employees

* BMW Group Plant:

Schoolchildren, trainees, students (6 to 27 years of age, minimum age for participation = 6 years); senior citizens (65 years of age or older or with pension certificate); severely disabled persons (registered accompanying person free of charge); federal voluntary service, voluntary social or ecological year; jobseekers; holders of the BMW Card (credit card) and BMW Premium Card (credit card); official BMW Clubs; Munich Tour Guide Association or Federal Association of Tour Guides; journalists (with press card); BMW employees (only applies to single tickets)

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BMW Group in Munich

BMW Welt and Museum - Guided tours

Fascination BMW Group - with guided tours you can get exciting insights into the inner workings of a global brand, right in the heart of BMW Group in Munich.

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Exciting insights behind the scenes of the BMW Welt

Visitors can get the best insight into BMW Group in Munich with the various tours. The BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and the BMW Group plant offer both individual visitors and groups different tours with exciting behind-the-scenes insights. The tours in the BMW Welt, in the BMW Group plant and in the BMW Museum take place almost daily and can be booked on site, online, by phone or by email.

The tours offered by BMW Welt are all about the different facets of the BMW Welt experience. From the BMW Welt-Museum-Plant Tour, which is exclusively dedicated to the highlights of the BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and BMW Group Plant, to a BMW Welt Tour in which you can go on a journey through the BMW Welt experience and, for example, discover the logistics behind the car collection.

The tour offer also includes special tours and comprehensive tours that can be combined with the BMW Museum and the BMW Group plant.

The overall view of BMW Group brand and product history in the BMW Museum shows over 125 of the brand's most important and attractive exhibits. Based on the originals, the guides explain the tradition and future of BMW in detail and comprehensively. A combined tour with BMW Welt is also offered.

BMW Group Plant

The BMW Group Plant in Munich produces over 900 automobiles and up to 1,400 engines every day. The production from the press shop to assembly extends over 12 halls. The tour of the BMW Group plant gives close insights into modern automotive engineering and is guided by the personal guide based on the individual information needs of the participants.

Information regarding the various tours at BMW Welt can be found here . You have the possibility to find the most suitable tour for you with the help of the interest query.

Recommendation

There is a choice of forays through BMW Welt, a look behind the scenes at the BMW Plant in Munich or the history of the company at the BMW Museum.

The recommendation for visitors is the BMW Welt-Museum-Werk Tour, which combines some of the highlights of all tours. From the moving tradition and history of the company in the BMW Museum, experience the fascination of production in the BMW Group Plant, and finally encounter all the brands of the BMW Group in BMW Welt.

Images from the BMW Welt and Museum

More information

• Here you can find information on the various tours at BMW Welt, BMW Museum and BMW Group Plant and the most suitable tour for you

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BMW Tours in Munich (Factory, Welt, Museum): A Complete Guide

Visiting bmw in munich offers many choices.

BMW is the automotive epicenter of Bavaria , and any trip to Munich should include a visit to the BMW Welt (BMW World).  The spectacular open architecture of BMW Welt instantly draws in visitors.  In thinking of BMW in Munich, most people are familiar with the BMW Museum and the BMW Factory tour , but the BMW Group Classic Tour and the BMW Recycling & Dismantling factory tours are hidden gems not visited by as many.

Did you know that you can rent almost any BMW model by the hour? or schedule an appointment with a “BMW Genius” to get one on one time with a BMW product specialist where you can learn about any BMW vehicle? BMW Welt also has 4 different restaurants from the casual Cooper’S café to the elegant Bavarie Brasserie, or Michelin Star essZimmer which can be considered an evening dining destination unto itself.  You can also visit the largest BMW Lifestyle shop with a massive collection of BMW and MINI clothing, accessories, and gifts.

In this Ultimate guide, you will learn about:

• BMW Welt Tours 

BMW Welt Restaurants

• BMW Factory Munich Tours
• BMW Museum Tours
• BMW Group Classic Tour
• BMW Recycling and Dismantling Center (Factory Tour)
• BMW European Delivery – Collecting your new BMW
• BMW Genius Service 
• BMW on Demand (Rent a BMW by the hour)
• BMW MINI Pavillion (formerly the BMW Pavillion)
• BMW Side Trips and Nearby Experiences
• Additional BMW Factory Tours within Driving or Train distance of Munich

The BMW Welt Tour and Experience List

Below the location map are individual sections dedicated to all of the options, tours, experiences, and addresses of BMW in Munich with links to appropriate websites, directions and hours of operation, and reservation options.  Additionally, most linked pages have an English translation option, so if you open a page in German, look to the upper right corner for “EN” to translate.  You may also use Google Chrome and translate the page directly.

Click on Map or List Below for Tour Location Information:

BMW Welt Tours – General Info

BMW Welt (BMW World) is the company’s experience and automobile collection center. It features fascinating, futuristic architecture and hosts a wide range of exhibitions and events. One unique area is the section dedicated to the personalized delivery of customer ordered BMWs. American customers who choose European Delivery will receive their car at the BMW Welt in a prominent display area only accessible to delivery customers.

BMW Welt is about Discovery

The BMW Welt is unlike any other building. You can take a guided tour of breathtaking architecture and experience the fascinating history of BMW firsthand from its beginnings in aviation and Motorsports to the present day as one of the Premium car and motorcycle manufacturers. Discover all brands of the BMW Group in more of a “show room”-like atmosphere without the sales pressure.  There are sections dedicated to BMW vehicles including M series, i Series, MINI, Rolls Royce, Motorrad (motorcycles), and often special exhibits or innovations on display.  You will also find a quite large “Lifestyle” (souvenir / fan) shop offering clothing, accessories and gifts for each BMW brand including a very large section dedicated to MINI.

Admission to the BMW Welt is free.   However, guided tours may be purchased at the welcome desk as well as Munich factory tours (which should be booked in advance).  There are several restaurants on site from casual to “reservations only” on offer (see BMW Welt restaurants), and corporate or special events can also be booked and held at the BMW Welt.

BMW Welt Tour Details

Guided Tour Times:

• Monday to Sunday: 3.30 pm (EN)
• Monday to Sunday: 2.00 pm (DE)

Participants: max. 20 people

Duration: 60 minutes

Ticket prices: 

• Individual: 7.50 EUR / 6.50 EUR discounted*
• Group: 150.00 EUR / 125.00 EUR discounted*

BMW Welt Opening Hours

• BMW Welt: Monday – Sat: 7:30am – 12am (midnight); Sundays 9am – 12am (midnight)
• BMW Lifestyle Shop: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm; Sundays/Holidays: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• BMW on Demand: Daily from 9:00am – 6:00pm

Getting to BMW Welt

BMW Welt Location / Directions

BMW Welt  –  Am Olympiapark 1; D-80809 München

Arriving via U-bahn Subway: Take U3 train to Olympiazentrum Station, follow the signs for the 3-minute walk to BMW Welt once you step off the subway train.

Restaurants at the BMW Welt

BMW Welt has 4 culinary offerings for all price ranges and appetites. Here is a brief overview of your options at the BMW Welt.  Some locals even visit the Bavarie Brassiere or the Michelin Star Rated essZimmer restaurant for celebratory evenings and special events.  Also, BMW Welt after dark is a magical space, so consider an evening meal some time during your visit to Munich!

Cooper’S – Snacks & Drink

The ground-floor bistro near the north entrance to BMW Welt is the snack and catering center for all visitors to BMW Welt. It offers a varied range of snacks at any time of day, including takeaways and culinary gifts.

• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30am – 7:00pm / Sundays and holidays from 9:00am – 7:00pm
• Reservations: not necessary

Biker’s Lodge – Snackbar

The Biker’s Lodge is the place to go for coffee breaks and delicious snacks. In this cozy lodge, you’ll find a wide range of cake specialties. The sweet offerings are complemented by pit-stop delicacies from Bavaria, the Alsace and Tuscany.

• Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10.00am – 6.00pm

Bavarie – Brasserie

TIP: Every Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm seating, you can enjoy a very special menu in a unique atmosphere. The “Chef’s Choice” is a 4-course menu which combines the most popular dishes of day with chef Dominik Kreuzig’s favorite products.  Be sure to reserve ahead!

Hours – Monday to Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm / Sunday and public holidays: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Reservations:

• e-Mail:   [email protected] 
• Phone: +49 (0)89 358 991 818

EssZimmer – Michelin Star Fine Dining

EssZimmer was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2014, and chef Bobby Bräuer and his team create a special experience each night for a small group of guests.  EssZimmer is often a destination restaurant for locals as the food combined with the ambience of the BMW Welt in the evening is magical.  Be sure to reserve well in advance!

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: from 7.00pm / Closed on Sunday, Monday and public holidays

• Dedicated Website (German site – open in Google Chrome to translate)
• e-mail: [email protected]
• Phone: +49 (0)89 358 991 814

BMW Factory Tour Munich

Models Produced: 3 Series Plug-in-Hybrid 330e, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series Coupe, M4 Coupe, Engines

( Note: For the other 8 BMW factory tours outside of Munich, be sure to check out BMW Factory Tours: The Ultimate Planning Guide )

A guided tour of the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich gives you access to all areas of automotive production: the press plant, the body shop, the paint shop and assembly. Around 8000 employees from over 50 countries work at this location, including approximately 850 apprentices.  Approximately 1000 automobiles and over 2000 engines are built here every day and are then integrated into the global production network.

BMW Munich Factory Tour Details

Tour Frequency: Factory tours are offered Monday – Friday between 9am and 4:30pm in English and German at scheduled intervals.  Book ahead for your preferred date and time.

• Single visitors: 12 EUR / 9 EUR reduced*
• Groups (up to 30 persons): 240 EUR / 200 EUR reduced*

Tour Booking for BMW Munich is done directly via email or phone to BMW and not through the online booking portal that other factory locations use.

• Book by e-mail: [email protected] (writing in English is fine, give a range of date options and specify that you want an English-speaking tour and they will reply with availability and booking options)
• Book by Phone: +44 (0) 89 1250 16001 The representative may answer in German but will respond in English as soon as you say “hello”. (From American landline dial: 01149 89 1250 16001, from a Cell Phone dial +49 89 1250 16001 – the (0) is omitted and only used for local calling.  The + plus sign may be entered by long pressing the zero key. Time difference should be considered if calling.)

Getting to BMW Factory Munich

Arriving via U-bahn Subway: Take U3 train to Olympiazentrum Station, follow the signs for the 3 minute walk to BMW Welt once you step off the subway train.

The Factory tour meeting point is inside of the BMW Welt at the Tour Desk.  You should arrive 15 minutes in advance of your appointed time.  There is plenty to see and do while you wait.

BMW Museum and Tours

Whereas BMW Welt is about current and future of BMW, the BMW Museum showcases its past .  The BMW Museum presents the company, brand and product history of BMW in a fascinating way. A visitor trail leads through 25 separate exhibition areas and more than 90 years of brand history. On the 5,000 square meter exhibition area around 120 original exhibits are on display.  Background information on the exhibits is provided in German and English

BMW Museum Tour Details

• iOS: Apple iTunes Store
• Android: Google Play Store

Tip: Allow about 2 hours to visit the BMW Museum

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)

Regularly closed: Mondays, 24-26 December, 31- December and 01 January.

Self-Tour Cost:

• Individual: 10 EUR / 7 EUR discounted*
• Groups of 5 or more: 9 EUR / person
• Family Ticket: 24 EUR (covers 2 adults and up to 3 children)

• Individual: 13.00 EUR / 10.00 EUR discounted* 
• Group: 190.00 EUR / 150.00 EUR discounted* 
• Family: 29.00 EUR (for parents with their own children)

* Discounted tickets are available upon presentation of valid ID for the following: BMW Clubs, students up to the age of 27, children under the age of 18, senior citizens and disabled persons.

Guided Tour Schedule:

Guided tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00am, 2:00pm (German) and 12:00pm, 3:00pm (English). You may also visit during other hours and do a self-guided tour (no advance reservation necessary).

Guided Tour Duration: 60 Minutes

Booking for guided tours:

Reservations for the guided tours are done either by e-mail or phone.  While you may be able to arrange a tour upon arrival, tours are frequently sold out on the day, so advance booking is advised.

• Book by e-mail: [email protected] (your reservation request e-mail may be in English or German)
• Book by Phone: +49 (0) 89 1250 16001

Getting to BMW Museum Munich

BMW Museum – Am Olympiapark 2; D-80809 Munich

The BMW Museum is located directly across the street from the BMW Welt.  There is an overpass bridge to cross the road, however there are traffic signals for crossing the road as well.  Be on the lookout for approaching bicycles!

BMW GROUP CLASSIC and Tour

Classic vehicles, heritage, and parts.

BMW Group Classic services acts as the central hub for owners of classic BMW vehicles in terms of parts sales, services, repairs, restoration, vehicle sales and purchasing, and vehicle certificates. Additionally, the BMW Group Archive specializes in answering questions on the history of the company, its brands and products. BMW Group Classic’s portfolio also includes participating in classic vehicle events, as well as preserving and managing a collection of some 1,000 exhibits.

Since 2016, Moosacher Straße 66 in Munich has been home to BMW Group Classic and the first port of call for anything to do with classic vehicles from the BMW Group.  The site covers an area of 13,000 square meters and is located not far from BMW Group headquarters – so it is also very close to BMW Welt, the BMW Museum and the BMW car factory.  The site contains one of BMW’s first production halls. Originally used in the manufacture of aircraft engines, this hall is now a listed building which stands as a monument to the allure of the BMW brand. 

Selected areas of BMW Group Classic, such as the historic vehicle collection center, can be visited in the course of the guided tour.  Here you’ll see an exclusive collection of classic cars and prototypes.  Note that you must purchase your tour tickets in advance from the BMW Welt as they do not sell tour tickets at the door. 

BMW Group Classic Tour Details

Dedicated Website

Group tour: Saturday: 4:00 pm (EN or DE)

Participants:   max. 20 people

Duration: approx. 60 minutes

Ticket prices:

• Individual: 16 EUR / 13 EUR discounted*
• Group: 250 EUR / 210 EUR discounted*

Tour Booking for BMW Classic is done directly via email or phone to BMW.

Cafe Mo. 66 at BMW Group Classic

During your visit, be sure to have a cappuccino, beer, or a light bite at the on-site Café Mo. 66!  From May through October, Café Mo 66 opens on the first and third Saturday of every month for a “Wheels & Weißwürscht” event. Visitors are invited to join in all the fun. At other times, the cafe is open during most visiting hours.

Cafe Location (within BMW Group Classic) – Moosacher Str. 66, 80809 München

Cafe Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
• Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Saturday, Sundays, public holidays: closed

Classic BMW Rental Program

Unlike BMW on Demand at the BMW Welt, the BMW Group Classic car rental program offers all style-conscious fans of vintage vehicles and recent classics the chance to experience the fascination of these legendary BMWs first hand. The selection of available models ranges from classic BMW, Rolls Royce, MINI and motorcycles to exclusive show cars and historic racing machines. Cars are available by the day or by the weekend. You can even rent a chauffeur if you like!

The rental process begins with your contact to the special group at BMW Group Classic.  They can advise you on the options available and put together a package to meet your individual requirements or a gift certificate for your BMW enthusiast. You can contact BMW Group Classic Car Rental Program at [email protected]

Getting to BMW Group Classic in Munich

BMW Group Classic Location / Directions

BMW Classic is just 8 minutes north by subway from the BMW Welt on the U3 line.

BMW Group Classic – Moosacher Str. 66; D-80809 München

Arriving via U-bahn Subway: Take U3 train to Oberwiesenfeld Station (1-stop / 8 minutes north of BMW Welt / Olympiazentrum station).

BMW GROUP Recycling & Dismantling Tour

Vehicle recycling.

This special guided tour will take you on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of BMW AG’s Recycling and Dismantling Center (RDZ). You will learn everything that there is to know about the individual stations that make up the center’s internal process — from the reception of the vehicle all the way to its dismantling. Additionally, you will receive interesting information about current governmental provisions on the reutilization of end-of-life vehicles and witness the “circular economy” in person.

The Recycling and Dismantling center is north of Munich in Unterscheisheim, which can be reached by the S-Bahn train and a 15-minute walk.  Tours are only offered by request, and generally require a group booking, however your group may be as small as one.  This tour is not suitable for those who need wheelchair access and is only advised for children aged 14 and above.  It is also required to wear non-slip shoes.

What is “RDZ”? – In German, the word for “Center” is “Zentrum”, so you will be visiting the “ R ecycling und D emontage Z entrum” or RDZ.  During your travels, you’ll likely notice that Z on many signs relating to other Centers.

BMW Recycling & Dismantling Tour Details

Tour Availability / Duration: Dates on request, contact booking center

Tour Cost : Group: 150.00 EUR / discounted* 125.00 EUR

Tour Booking for BMW Recycling & Dismantling is done directly via email or phone to BMW.

Getting to BMW Recycling & Dismantling “RDZ”

BMW RDZ Location / Directions

BMW Recycling & Dismantling Center: Carl-von-Linde-Straße 25a; D-85716 Unterschleißheim  

Arriving by S-Train : Take the S-bahn Train S1 to Unterschleißheim station – (use Google maps to guide you on the brief walk from the station.)

BMW European Delivery

If you haven’t considered taking advantage of this program, you should!

The BMW European Delivery program allows you to custom order your BMW from your local dealer in the United States, and then collect the car at the BMW Welt in Munich for an unforgettable “create-your-own” experience.  European Delivery cars include local registration, 2 weeks of prepaid road insurance (more is available), and GPS programming of local maps to use during your time in Europe. 

You drive your car during your time in Europe, and simply drop the car at one of the many locations in Munich or several other German cities or surrounding countries.  The car is then shipped to your dealer in America and cleaned up and delivered to you once again.

Learn More About the BMW European Delivery Program

The BMW European Delivery program has several planning steps for you to take, and they are covered in detail in BMW European Delivery: Complete Planning Guide .

When you visit the BMW Welt, you will see a center section with beautiful new cars on turntables and this is the area where customers are given one on one detailed instruction on their new car, and then drive it off down a special ramp directly to the outside roadway.

Would you like to find out more about a particular model? Or about engineering, equipment and engines? BMW is offering a new FREE service for customers, visitors and fans of the brand: an individual consultation on all BMW cars, given by a BMW Product Genius, with whom you can now arrange a scheduled appointment.

The Product Genius is a highly qualified vehicle expert with a comprehensive technical knowledge of all BMW models. At BMW Welt, they present BMW products, engineering and various application options to existing and prospective customers in a relaxed and inspiring environment – with absolutely no time or purchasing pressure.

Booking a Genius Reservation

BMW suggests booking this appointment by phone; however, you may first try an e-mail contact to confirm this.  If you do email, be sure to list your desired dates, model of interest, and that you prefer an English-speaking Genius. BMW has an excellent customer communication team, and they will do their best to accommodate you and will advise on any other details needed to book.

• Book by e-Mail: [email protected]
• Book by Telephone: +49 (0)89 1250 16001 to arrange an appointment with the BMW Welt Product Genius. The representative may answer in German but will respond in English as soon as you say “hello”. (From American landline dial: 01149 89 1250 16001, from a Cell Phone dial +49 89 1250 16001 – the (0) is omitted and only used for local calling. The + plus sign may be entered by long pressing the zero key.  Time difference should be considered if calling.)

BMW On Demand

Experience the joy of driving a BMW firsthand by renting a current model BMW vehicle by the hour at the BMW Welt.  Select from a range of cars that you can keep from one hour to up to 5 days.  Hourly rates include insurance, and cars can be booked online up to 6 weeks in advance.  The price range is approximately 35 to 70 Euros per hour, so this truly is meant for a short-term experience.

Non-German customers will need a valid passport, a credit card and a valid driving license. Additionally, all documents need to be issued in the name of the renter.  Minimum driver age is either 21 or 25 depending on the vehicle rented.

BMW on Demand Details

BMW on Demand Website (select EN for English)

• List of models available with hourly prices in Euro
• Schedule of availability for your desired date and model
• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the service

Cars are picked up and returned to the BMW on Demand counter inside the BMW Welt.   Hours: Pickup / return is possible between the hours of 9:00am and 6:00pm

BMW On Demand Customer Desk

• e-mail: [email protected]
• Telephone:  +49 (0) 89 382 71201

BMW MINI Pavillion

The new MINI Pavillion opened in October of 2019, is the reincarnation of the BMW Pavillion that offered an in-town showcase of the BMW brand for visitors.  Today, the MINI reinvention takes that idea up a level and has now become a place where you can learn about the MINI brand.  The Pavillion incorporates a snack / coffee bar, an eyeglass boutique, a Harmon Kardon lounge, a work-share space where you can book a meeting room, and a Barber offering wet shaves, beard styling and haircuts.  A perfect place for an afternoon coffee or cake.

The MINI Pavillion is a freestanding building that closely resembles a car dealership from the outside with surrounding windows and new MINI cars on display.  If you arrive after hours, they generally have spectacular lighting on the cars on display, so it’s still a sight to see when they are closed.

Getting to the MINI Pavillion

Location: MINI Pavillion – Lenbachplatz 7a; D-80333 Munich

Hours: Mon – Friday 10am – 7pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, closed Sunday and for special events.

The MINI Pavillion is a 3-minute walk from the Karlsplatz / Stachus S-Bahn / U-Bahn Station, but is also within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) or Marienplatz as well. (basically, between the two and 1 block to the north). 

BMW Visitor Side Trips

Visit the largest bmw dealer in munich.

Visit the Largest MINI Dealer in Munich

Lunch Tip Nearby BMW Welt / Museum / Factory

For Americans (or anybody) who is craving a German take on the American-styled pizza, a visit to the Pizza Hut across the street from BMW Welt is a must!  I know this sounds silly, but the Salami Pan Pizza is better than any pepperoni counterpart version on offer from Pizza Hut in America, and you will be pleasantly surprised.  The prices are reasonable and there are even lunch deals available, however it’s amazing how few visitors make the walk across the street for a quick and hearty lunch.  Pizza Hut is located on the opposite corner from the BMW Welt, or across the Petuelring from the BMW Museum and Headquarters (Pizza Hut am Olympiazentrum – Lerchenauer Str. 42, D-80809 München )

Visit the Olympiapark

• Olympia Tower (Turm) – Take in 360-degree views from 190 meters above Munich
• Take an adventurous (guided) walk across the rooftop of the Olympic Stadium
• Zip Line from the rooftop across the Olympic Stadium
• Descend from the stadium roof in a 40-meter drop to the ground – exhilarating and unforgettable.
• Or you could just have lunch…

If the adventures are too much, you can simply stroll around the park and view the venues and relaxing atmosphere.  Entrance to the Olympiapark is free, and only some of the venues have an admission fee. There are direct walks to Olympiapark from the BMW Welt that cross over the busy street.

Olympia Park Website in English

Olympia Park site layout of venues

Additional BMW Factory Tours Near Munich

If you enjoy car production factory tours, consider making a visit to one of the factories about 60 or 90 minutes by car from Munich.  Please see BMW Factory Tours: The Ultimate Planning Guide for outlines of all BMW Factory tours including:

• BMW Factory Dingolfing – see the birthplace of 3,4,5,6,7 and 8 series vehicles
• BMW Factory Landshut – this is where cockpits, Carbon Fiber, drive shafts, and parts for all BMW Group autos are made.
• BMW Factory Regensburg – this is where most convertibles are produced along with 1, X1, 2, X2 and 4 Series vehicles.

Reduced Entry Guidelines and General Tour Notice

Reduced entry fee:.

Reduced entry is offered to Children and school students up to the age of 18, persons undergoing training, university students, disabled persons with escort, persons taking a year out for voluntary social or environmental service, unemployed persons, old age pensioners and the retired, members of BMW Clubs, the MGV (Association of Munich Tourist Guides) and the BVGD (Association of Tourist Guides in Germany), representatives of the press, BMW staff, holders of the BMW Card or the BMW Premium Card.

Guidelines from BMW:

• Please be at the agreed meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
• Please note that photo or video recordings are not permitted during the tour.
• As the factory tour runs through production areas, it is mandatory to wear sturdy, closed shoes.
• Walking distances may be up to four kilometers, the tours usually last between 2 and 2.5 hours.
• For safety reasons, it is essential that guests speak the language of the respective guide (DE/EN), or bring a suitable interpreter.
• For safety reasons, the minimum age for accompanied participants on the guided tour of the Munich plant is 6 ; young people aged 14 and over many participate in the tour unaccompanied .
• There are no tours of the plant on weekends, public holidays (in the state of Bavaria), and production-related closing days.
• Please understand that it is not always possible to visit all areas of production. We reserve the right to cancel tours at short notice, if required by production.
• The usual factory tour is connected with climbing stairs. Please let BMW know when booking if you would like to visit BMW with people with reduced mobility.
• It is not allowed to bring animals.

European Contact:

For any questions regarding a reservation booking, please do not hesitate to contact the BMW Welt Visitor service center for further information. You may reach BMW Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Central European Time (CET), Saturday, Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CET on the following:

• Contact by e-mail: [email protected]
• Contact by Phone: +49 (0) 89 1250 16001
• Contact by FAX: +49 (0) 89 1250 160 09

As this is the general visitor phone line, English will be understood and spoken.  If they answer in German simply say “hello” and they will adjust and assist!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should I spend at BMW Welt

BMW Welt has many things to see and do.  You can spend the better part of a day there, or brush through the exhibits in 30 minutes.  Ideally, you should allow about 2 hours for the BMW Welt itself.  You can add in time for lunch, any tour that you have booked, and your BMW day will be quite full.

• BMW Welt – minimum 2 hours
• BMW Museum – up to 2 hours
• BMW Factory tour – 2.5 hours
• Add time for lunch or dinner
• Add time for a browse in the Lifestyle Shop

Do I need to make a reservation to visit BMW Welt?

You do not need reservations for BMW Welt, itself.  However, if you plan to take a factory tour or other guided tour of BMW, the BMW Museum, of BMW Welt, then you should start by booking tour reservations in advance .  Then you can set aside that day as the day to visit the BMW Welt before or after your reserved tour.

Can Children enjoy the BMW Welt?

Of course!  There are special and educational exhibits for children.  BMW Welt has special programs for kids including a monthly “Night at the Museum” sleep over, however they are mostly in German, but children will have an exciting time at the BMW Welt in activities in English.  Note that there is a minimum age for participation in the Factory Tour (6yrs for accompanied children and 14yrs for unaccompanied)

Since its opening in 2007, BMW Welt has become the iconic entry point into the world of BMW in Munich.  There are so many opportunities for tours and learning adventures and with advance planning, you’ll be able to participate and enjoy in all that you want. Be sure to book in advance!  – JK

About The Author

Josh Kennedy

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The BMW Group celebrated its 100th anniversary with a centenary event at its main plant. The nerve centre of the company will continue to play a prominent role in the future with its transformation into the BMW iFACTORY.

It all began on 20 May 1922: an extraordinary general meeting of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG approved the sale of the engine manufacturing business, the aluminium foundry and its company name to Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG. Since then, BMW’s headquarters have been located on Lerchenauer Strasse in Munich, in the heart of the Milbertshofen district. A historic moment both for the BMW Group and for the city of Munich.

The centenary event underlines the importance of the main plant. “Our roots are in Munich. This plant is where it all began. And this is where the future will be too,” said Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, emphasised how all stakeholders work so closely together: “When I see what we are achieving together here at the main plant in Munich – around 7,000 employees, the company, the works council, the city and the local residents – it gives us self-confidence and optimism. We have been ploughing our own furrow at BMW for over 100 years.”

The Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, was one of the many guests invited. He spoke of a “strong commitment to Munich as a business location”.

Its location in the heart of the Bavarian capital is one of the factors that make the main plant so special. “This is a high-tech production site,” Milan Nedeljković emphasised. “Around 900 top-quality BMW vehicles leave this plant every day. Five different models with all drive types. This is not only testament to our high flexibility, but also the enormous experience and expertise of the people who work here. They are the driving force behind everything that happens here.”

Source: BMW Group Historical Documentation Center; Photographer: Kirchbauer

Source: BMW Group Historical Dokumentation Center

Plant Munich stands for change and flexibility.

The plant in Munich has always been symbolic of transformation – built to shape tomorrow. The production facility has successfully stood for continuous change for 100 years. The first BMW motorbike, the R 32 model, was manufactured here between 1923 and 1929. The factory had now made the leap from being an aircraft and built-in engine manufacturer to a road vehicle supplier. In 1952, automobile production started at the Munich plant with series production of the BMW 501. A classic followed in 1955, with production of the BMW Isetta starting in the spring of that year. The Motocoupé was successful and guaranteed secure jobs in Munich. The BMW Group’s most successful model to date rolled off the production line at the main plant in 1975: the BMW 3 Series. The production facilities for the mid-range vehicle were rebuilt at the Munich plant. The automobiles could now be assembled in the body shell according to customer specifications. All of the following six BMW 3 Series generations were destined to be manufactured at the main plant.

The milestones kept coming: in 2016, the ten millionth vehicle rolled off the production line at the Munich site and the main plant received the Ludwig Erhard Prize for top performance in the German economy. At the same time, the BMW Group celebrated its centenary in the neighbouring Olympic Park. The year 2018 saw the start of production of the seventh BMW 3 Series generation at the main plant. The successful transformation continued relentlessly: production of the BMW i4 started in Munich in autumn 2021. “In the space of just three years, we have evolved from a pure ‘combustion engine’ plant through to the hybrid and up to the all-electric i4,” explained plant manager Peter Weber. “This means that we now produce five different models with all drive types on a single production line. This is the clearest indication that this plant takes transformation in its stride and epitomises change and flexibility.”

Source: BMW Group Historical Documentation Center; Photographer: Gehner, Wolfgang, Spenge

The heart of the BMW Group beats at Plant Munich.

This constant change shows what the main plant in Munich is all about: this location has always had the future firmly in its sights; this is where the heart of the BMW Group beats. Processes and technologies reach other production sites around the world in conjunction with the BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). Project i, the think tank for sustainable mobility of the future, from which the BMW i3 emerged, had its origins at Plant Munich. A small series of the first all-electric MINI E was produced at the Munich plant as part of this project.

A quarter of the vehicles leaving the factory already have a fully electric drive. Next year, every other vehicle produced in Munich will be an all-electric BMW i4. “This means that in 2023, the main plant will already hit the target set for the BMW Group worldwide to achieve in 2030, namely a battery electric vehicle share of at least 50 per cent,” said Oliver Zipse at the ceremony to mark the plant’s centenary.

LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. – the path to the BMW iFACTORY.

One of the keys to Munich’s success story has been its location in the heart of the Bavarian capital. The main plant has continued to develop alongside the urban residential area in the immediate vicinity – and will continue to do so in future. The plant in Munich remains a model of innovation. It will become the BMW iFactory in line with the production strategy. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. In Munich – as in all its plants around the world – the company is bringing a new dimension of efficient, sustainable and digital vehicle production to life. An impressive number of applications has already been implemented at the Munich plant around LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL.

A new body shop will be built on the site of the former paint shop, and the company will construct a completely new assembly line for production of the all-electric NEUE KLASSE from 2024 onwards on the site of the current engine shop. This transformation will also entail changes to the structure of the location in the Bavarian capital. In autumn 2021, the BMW Group, in close cooperation with the city of Munich, announced the “BMW Munich – Urban Production” international architecture competition. The goal was a long-term structural development of the inner-city production site. The inspiring visions from the two winning firms OMA from Rotterdam and 3XN from Copenhagen form the basis for the development of a master plan. This plan will fully align the 100-year-old plant in Munich with the futuristic principles of the BMW iFACTORY.

Source: BMW Group Historical Documentation Center

A forward-looking location for the coming decades.

The result combines the best elements from competition designs that the two winners submitted. Their vision for the future of production at the BMW Group plant in Munich now forms the basis for the development of the BMW iFACTORY master plan to further align Plant Munich to the LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL. principles. “This will keep the Munich plant a competitive and forward-looking production site for the coming decades,” said plant manager Peter Weber. The planned structural improvements and the associated production processes will generate the highest levels of flexibility and efficiency, sustainable processes and outstanding digitalisation for Neue Klasse production.

Efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation.

“The BMW Group headquarters in Munich has already seen extensive changes in its 100-year history, but never before to the extent of this vision. This is a powerful commitment by the BMW Group to this unique production site in the heart of Munich,” said board member Milan Nedeljković. “BMW Group production is showcasing the automotive production of the future with its BMW iFACTORY. Efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation are coming together to shape a unique production campus where people and production coexist in complete harmony with living and industry.”

The concept integrates itself into the cityscape masterfully in this interplay of production and urban environment. Transparent and open exterior façades open up insights into the car production of tomorrow, openly designed working worlds network employees and technologies. At the same time, newly designed levels create natural green spaces that regulate the microclimate in the plant. The BMW Group once again underlines its social responsibility by maintaining and modernising the main plant. Social, ecological and economic sustainability are central building blocks of this vision in equal measure – meaning this prestigious location will play a prominent role for decades to come.

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Welcome to BMW GROUP Plant Spartanburg.

BMW Manufacturing employs 11,000 people at its eight million square-foot campus. The Spartanburg plant assembles the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes and their variants. For 30 years, our associates have been proud to assemble more than 6.5 million safe, premium-quality BMWs for our customers around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the BMW Group is one of the largest automotive exporters by value from the U.S. with a total export value of about $10.1 Billion in 2023. 

Please Note:

To the extent that historical press releases reference BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC as the manufacturer of certain X model vehicles, the referenced vehicles are manufactured in South Carolina with a combination of U.S. origin and imported parts and components.

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Experience the past, present and future of BMW in the only BMW museum in North America or see for yourself how the Ultimate Driving Machine is assembled during a guided plant tour. 

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Corporate responsibility is more than just economic success. With innovative processes and structures we invest in a sustainable, successful future for our associates, environment and society.

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Come be a part of the team at the only BMW plant in the United States. Experience the pride and passion that goes into assembling the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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Xi Jinping arrives in France with Ukraine and EU trade row at top of agenda

On his first visit to Europe since 2019, Xi is set to meet with Emmanuel Macron before heading to Serbia and Hungary

Xi Jinping has lauded China’s ties with France as a model for the international community as he arrived in Paris amid threats of a trade war over Chinese electric cars and French cognac.

On his first visit to the EU in five years, China’s president will meet his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen , who will urge him to reduce trade imbalances and use his influence with Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Ahead of the visit, Macron told the French newspaper La Tribune that an update of relations was necessary “because China now has excess capacity in many areas and exports massively to Europe”.

In September 2023 the EU launched an investigation into whether to impose punitive tariffs to protect EU producers against cheaper Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports that it says are benefiting from state subsidies.

On Sunday night, Von der Leyen signalled the EU’s continued discontent with China , which she said was “currently manufacturing with massive subsidies”. An oversupply of cars and steel due to weak demand at home was leading to unfair trade and unacceptable market distorting practices, said Von der Leyen, that “could lead to deindustrialiasion in Europe” and loss of jobs, particularly in the German car industry.

Macron will try to talk Xi out of retaliating over the EV investigation, potentially with import duties on French cognac and agricultural goods.

The EU is also expected to raise suspicions that sanctions on exports to Russia are being circumvented by Chinese companies trading with its neighbour. They believe multinationals based in Asia are selling legitimately into Hong Kong and mainland China but the destination of the goods is Russia.

Xi, who was welcomed in Paris by the French prime minister, Gabriel Attal, said in a statement released on his arrival that ties between China and France were “a model for the international community of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems”.

In a separate op-ed published in the French daily Le Figaro, the Chinese president said he was coming to France with three messages: that Beijing was committed to opening up “new vistas” in its relationship with France, opening up “ever wider” to the world, and to upholding world peace and stability.

“While opening up itself, China also encourages Chinese companies to go global,” Xi wrote. “France is advancing reindustrialisation based on green innovation, whereas China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces.”

On the war in Ukraine , he wrote that China “understands the repercussions of the Ukraine crisis on the people of Europe”. He emphasised that Beijing was not “a party to or a participant in it”, adding that “China has been playing a constructive role in striving for peaceful settlement of the crisis”.

Xi’s six-day visit to Europe is the first since 2019 and will also see him visit Serbia and Hungary . The latter is hoping to become the European hub of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturing after BYD in 2023 sealed a deal for its first EV factory in Europe.

One of Macron’s key priorities will be to warn Xi of the danger of backing Russia in its invasion of Ukraine , with western officials concerned Moscow is already using Chinese machine tools in arms production.

The west wants China above all not to supply weapons to Russia and risk tipping the balance in the conflict.

“It is in our interest to get China to weigh in on the stability of the international order,” said Macron in an interview with the Economist published on Thursday.

“We must, therefore, work with China to build peace.”

China opened an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the European Union in January, sparking fears cognac could suffer a similar blow to that taken by Australian wine when China introduced tariffs of more than 200%.

“We want to obtain reciprocity of exchanges and have the elements of our economic security taken into account,” Macron told La Tribune.

Von der Leyen said on Monday: “We have to act to make sure that competition is fair and not distorted. I have made clear that the current imbalances in market access are not sustainable and need to be addressed”.

The European Commission, the European Union’s authority on trade issues, has opened more than 20 competition probes targeting China in recent months including into the supply of cars, wind turbines and medical devices.

Beijing has reacted furiously to the most recent investigation, into suspected inequitable access to China’s medical devices market, calling it a sign of EU “protectionism”.

The EU’s 27 members – in particular France and Germany – are divided on their attitude towards China.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, will not join Macron and Xi in Paris due to prior commitments, according to sources.

“In Europe, we are not unanimous on the subject because certain players still see China as essentially a market of opportunities,” Macron said, without naming any countries.

France will also seek to make progress on opening the Chinese market to its agricultural exports and resolve issues around the French cosmetic industry’s concerns about intellectual property rights, officials have said.

China may announce an order for about 50 Airbus aircraft during Xi’s visit, but it remains uncertain whether it will be a new deal, people familiar with the negotiations have said.

On Tuesday, Macron will take Xi to the Pyrenees, a mountainous region dear to the French president as the birthplace of his maternal grandmother, before Xi heads to Serbia and Hungary .

Reuters and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report

• Ursula von der Leyen
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