BMW-SG InMunich 2023: Also the Museum

In an earlier post, we unveiled the BMW Welt’s exceptional early opening time, greeting visitors at a remarkable 7:30 am—a departure from the usual German schedules. While the Welt invites early birds to explore its new automotive wonders, the BMW museum patiently bides its time, unveiling its treasures only at the stroke of 10 am (on the dot!). This distinctive timing offers a unique opportunity for a leisurely morning experience at the Welt, before one ventures into the museum.

As we also mentioned in an earlier post, there was a Z3 meet happening that very morning too! Giving me plenty of things to do before I enter the museum. For those wondering, entry into the museum is priced at 10 euros and they can now be purchased online as well, which allows you to join a shorter line at the entrance. Do make use of the free lockers in the basement as well to store your heavy bags as you will not be permitted entry before doing so.

Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, the museum was undergoing some light renovations which meant not all rooms were accessible. Having flown halfway across the world, this wasn’t going to be a deal-breaker. Considering I’ve been here on previous occasion, I’ll keep my sharing to just certain highlights.

Not many know this from their first visit but here’s a hot tip. Head down to the basement even if you have no need for the locker because just behind the lockers and restrooms is a display stand where BMW rotates their Art Cars and is an area open to the public. I felt pretty lucky because this is one of my favourites, the Roy Lichtenstein E21 320i Group 5 Racer. Right up there with the Alexander Calder CSL (Frank Stella’s beautiful CSL is a close third).

Seeing this car up close was quite the experience. All the little details and textures hidden in photos are much more apparent in reality. As is the whole overall visual presence of the car that just can’t be conveyed in pictures.

Roy Lichtenstein, often hailed as the pioneer of American pop art, made a groundbreaking impact in the late 1950s. His exploration of mundane aspects of culture, like comics and advertisements, marked the advent of an entirely fresh artistic style. In the company of influential artists like Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and James Rosenquist, Lichtenstein played a central role in shaping the emerging “Pop art” movement.

Although Lichtenstein’s comic art style was already a thing of the past when he was commissioned by BMW, his Art Car is clearly influenced by it: the long-drawn coloured strips act as “speed lines” – a feature used in comics to suggest speed. Even the oversized dots used by Lichtenstein, the “Benday Dots,” are reminiscent of his famous comic book pictures.

For a car painted by such a celebrated artist, it really was quite brave of BMW to send it off racing in Le Mans. Nonetheless, while it might have been a rolling work of art, it managed to finish 9th Overall (and first in class) in the 1977 running of the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Straight into the museum, some familiar sights remain. This room with generations of 3s on display obviously needs some serious expansion. Perhaps they are awaiting the unveiling of the Neue Klasse?

There were also some new exhibits on display like this area showcasing BMW’s EV evolution. For those naysayers when they see what Bavarian Econs has done to their 2002, here’s proof that an EV 02 is somewhat period correct!

I really do miss driving mine.

The exhibition hall featuring their meticulously curated M cars has undergone a transformation. These cars are now arranged in a less structured manner throughout the hall, offering visitors the opportunity to capture more aesthetically pleasing photographs.

I love this era of M cars.

Understated, pure and lean. Design cues that will probably never pass scrutiny by today’s younger generation.

A lovely pair to have.

I doubt anyone will scoff at one of these though.

BMW Perfection.

I miss the days when these were actually attainable.

There was also a beautiful display of 1:43s at the back of the hall. No, not for sale. Sadly. I want those Art Cars so bad.

Over in the main open hall, it was surprising how most people walked by this without even giving it a look! Don’t they know it’s an 850i Convertible from when BMW mulled over the option of offering an E31-based drop top and built this one-off as part of the project?

Unfortunately for the E31 (again), due to concerns that it might not generate sufficient sales to justify its substantial development and production expenses, the project failed to secure approval from BMW’s senior management for mass production. Remember, this was back in the early 1990s when the World’s economy took a shit (as always).

Somewhat hidden away are some of BMW’s newer race cars, I’m guessing they will be moved one the museum finishes its renovation.

These two beauties were also tucked away albeit in a more permanent-looking space.

From one CSL to another, here are two of BMW’s newer concepts.

While they are both absolutely gorgeous, unfortunately, as we all know by now, only one made it to production.

The Museum also features a dynamic exhibition space on the upper floor, with each exhibit revolving around a distinct theme. During my previous visit, the theme centred on sustainability (yawn). However, this time around, the atmosphere was far more exhilarating as they were commemorating 100 Years of BMW Motorrad, showcasing a stunning array of their motorcycles. Although I’m not particularly well-versed in motorcycles, I can certainly admire their aesthetic appeal.

Please pardon my ignorance as I know next to nothing about bikes.

They do look cool though.

If I had a Bike license, a Nine-T is what I’d like to ride.

Circling back down after the exhibit, it was time to say goodbye to the Welt once again and head back into town. Thanks for reading!