This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 10, 2016.
It was 100 years ago in Bavaria, Germany, that Bayerische Motoren Werke AG — what the world would come to know as BMW — was born. Within that time, they have become one of the world’s biggest automakers, with a huge range of exceptional passenger cars and motorcycles that have starred in countless family histories and cherished memories. In 2012, BMW was listed as the most reputable company in the world by Forbes, based on aspects such as people’s willingness to buy, recommend, work for and invest in the company.
On Monday, the BMW Group celebrated its 100th anniversary all over the world, with owners and BMW enthusiasts sharing memorable moments and memories of relating to these iconic cars. Here in Malaysia, the #myBMW100Years contest sought out such moving tales, and 10 winners have been chosen from the many entries that poured in. These adept storytellers are the recipients of a full-expenses paid trip to the BMW Welt and BMW Museum in Munich, where they will enjoy an unforgettable brand experience which communicates the spirit of the BMW brand.
The contest required each of the participants to share their best moments with their BMW cars and motorcycles, highlighting the brand’s core characteristics — the principles of culture, innovation and challenge — which for BMW, are defining characteristics of joy. The 10 winners are Wan Aznir, Iylia Hakim Abdul Wahid, Carmen Tan, Eng Kim Leng, Elaine Tan, Thanendran Thanesvaran, Kasman Kamis, Lim Soon Hin, Lai Joo Koi and Adam Muza Muhayen.
Many of them shared memories from their childhood, reminiscing about days long gone. Thanendran recalled when his father used to bring home the company BMW car, which for a small child was an almighty vehicle, and how he fell in love with the car at first sight. It introduced him to a new world of people who were united with the common purpose of keeping these old gems on the road. “It has brought me closer to my Dad. Nowadays, we only fight about who gets to drive the car! I’m filled with a sense of pride when I see him drive the E30 — a car he couldn’t own before, but now flaunts to his friends,” he recounted.
Lai also remembers her father’s old BMW from the 1980s — a 530i which stayed in the family for many years, bringing the family comfort and safety. The picture that she sent in paints a thousand memories from the past — it features a vintage BMW with Lai and her relatives posing next to it.
Other entries included stories on how owning a BMW has been one of a major lifetime achievements. One of Kasman’s goals was to own a car when he turned 40. So, on his birthday, he bought himself an E46 320i, which he claims is the best car that he’s ever driven. “It didn’t stop there when last year, I bought another BMW, a 1989 E30 318i. I spent 10 months restoring it. As a 26-year-old car, it still handles beautifully, fun to drive and looks great too,” he said.
Iylia took his passion for BMW one step further by proclaiming that his BMW is his brother, not merely a car. As a child, he’d always wished for a brother, and now his BMW fills that void. When out on the road, Iylia often takes the longer route to get to his destination so that he can spend more time in his car, which is his companion. “Call me crazy, call me foolish, or even ludicrous. My BMW is my family,” he said.
Lim, the owner of the BMW R1200GS motorbike, craves adventure and his trusted seven-year old BMW helps get him to the next big voyage. He rode 5,000km through three countries, enduring rough terrain, jam-packed traffic, rain and sun while enjoying the beautiful scenery, and claims that he will forever remember this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
For more information on the winners of the #myBMW100Years and the carmaker’s 100 years of history, visit www.mybmw100years.com.