BMW shifts from V8 engines to electric vehicles at Munich plant

The era of BMW's V8 internal combustion engines has come to an end in Munich, signaling a significant transition in the automotive industry.

Production of the V8 engine officially ended on November 10 at BMW's Munich engine plant. As part of the transformation, this renowned engine manufacturing facility is being converted into an assembly plant for future electric vehicle models.

Ilka Horstmeier, Board Member Responsible for HR, revealed that the 1,200 skilled employees who were previously dedicated to building combustion engines in Munich have undergone retraining for new roles within the company. While this marks the end of combustion engine production in Munich, it doesn't signify the end of engine manufacturing in Germany for BMW.

The BMW Steyr plant in Austria will continue producing the N63 and S63 engines, still used in some models, including non-BMW vehicles. Furthermore, the British Hams Hall factory has become the exclusive producer of the new S68 engine and all N74 engines, further diversifying BMW's production network.

The decision to cease production of internal combustion engines at the main plant in Munich is a strategic move to prepare for the next generation of NEUE KLASSE vehicles, which will begin production in 2025 and usher in a new era of BMW electric vehicles.

In the meantime, BMW will continue manufacturing the highly successful i4 Gran Coupe in Munich, followed by the BMW i3 (codenamed NA0) from 2025. Later, the NA1 3 Series Touring and the new NA2 BMW i4 will join the production lines in Munich.