Bayerische Motoren Werke, also known as BMW, was founded in 1916 on the seventh day of March in Munich, Germany (BMW). Before BMW actually became “BMW”, the company was called Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, before the famous BMW name, now widely recognized throughout the world, was introduced. When BMW first opened it didn't specialize in cars but in flying cars! In 1913, Karl Friedrich Rapp was a German aeronautical engineer who worked for a German airline and also founded Rapp Motoren Werke in a suburb near Munich, Germany (FantasyCars). This company focused on manufacturing aircraft engines, Rapp soon discovered that the engines that were being produced were extremely problematic and suffered a large financial loss, the company eventually went bankrupt (Fantasycars). Another well-known aeronautical engineer named Gustav Otto, opened his own shop called Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik. Gustav Flugmaschinefabrik and Rapp Motoren Werke later merged to form Bayersiche Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works), which is what BMW is formally known as today (fantasy). This merger was beneficial to both parties because of the success these two companies have had and continue to have today. BMW produced its first aircraft engine in 1917, which was the 6-cylinder Type 3a model, this model set an (altitude) record of 9,760 meters (Fantasy). Since the Treaty of Versailles came into force in the same year, which banned the construction of all production of BMW aircraft engines, the company soon went out of business and the company switched to the construction of compressed air brakes for trains (fantasy). BMW's next brilliant idea was the creation of their first motorcycle, which was cal... middle of paper... customizable interior throughout with the choice of many different fine sections of leather and color. What's not to love? BMWs are definitely a good looking, good performing car to buy one day. According to U.S. News today, BMW is number one for best small luxury car with its 2014 i3 in first place and its 2013 1 Series in third place (usnews). BMW is also number one for its luxury midsize cars, with its 4 Series taking first place. In the small luxury crossovers and SUVs category, BMW got number two for its X1 model, for compact luxury crossovers and SUVs, BMW got number three for its X3 model, and for midsize luxury crossovers dimensions and SUVs BMW got number three for its X5 model (Editor's Choice). As you can see, the BMW came out on top in many different categories as the best car, making it an affordable automobile to buy.