Major milestone: First pre-series vehicles for new BMW i3 roll off the assembly line at BMW Group Plant Munich. – AutoMart Canada

Munich. BMW Group Plant Munich is entering the next
phase, as the plant launches production of the first near-series test
vehicles for the new BMW i3*. This marks the beginning of the final
preparation phase for the start of series production in the second
half of 2026.

“Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our
plant,” says Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich. “For the
first time, we have built a BMW i3 entirely at our plant – using
state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and digitally connected
processes. With production now close to series maturity, our logistics
and production processes are performing under real-world conditions
across all technologies: in our modernised press shop, the new body
shop, the state-of-the-art paint shop and the new assembly area, as
well as the innovative logistics structures. Over the coming months,
we will apply the lessons learned from the ramp-up to further refine
the processes for series production and ensure a smooth series launch.”

On the road to series production

Integration of new models begins with pre-series vehicles – a crucial
step in gearing up for future series production.

What makes Plant Munich unique is that a team from the facility has
so far worked alongside a team from the nearby pilot plant to assemble
the first vehicles at the Research and Innovation Centre. With the
completion of Plant Munich’s new manufacturing and logistics areas,
vehicles now pass through all production steps on site. This means
that all logistics processes, manufacturing equipment and operations
must already run smoothly. Although quantities are still small, all
parts are supplied via the designated material flows and processed on
the production line. Every part and every production step is closely
scrutinised. A particular focus is on the approval inspection for
cutting-edge production equipment and tools, and on how these are
digitally integrated with existing systems.

Running system tests for the future vehicle model helps identify
further potential for optimisation. In the coming months, efforts will
be directed towards refining processes, based on the insights gained.

Employee training – first virtually, then in the real world

During this phase, employees will also undergo intensive training:
until recently, using augmented reality and now, on the new
installations and machinery. Close cooperation across all areas of
production will ensure operations are seamlessly integrated for a
smooth and successful series launch.