BMW Group Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ).

Page Overview

Entrance to the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center

The BMW Group’s Research & Innovation Centre, FIZ, in Munich remains one of the most innovative and cutting-edge development centres in the global automotive industry – even after 30 years. With over a million square metres of space, it is home to over 25,000 employees ranging from developers, designers and scientists to planners and numerous partner organisations. Together, they create tomorrow’s mobility.

As the largest single location of the BMW Group, the FIZ is its technical heart. It’s here that BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad cars and motorbikes are engineered for more than 145 markets worldwide. The global development centre brings together progressive research, interdisciplinary collaboration and technological excellence, all in one place.

Facts & figures.

1986

FIZ is established

> 25,000

employees

12,000 m²

area

FIZ – a history.

1978

1986

1990

2000s

Historical aerial photograph of the future location of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center.

1978 The Board of Management first considers the FIZ.

Following the crisis of 1959, when BMW AG was nearly sold to Daimler, the 1960s and 70s saw the company undergo a major renaissance. As the model range expanded to include the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series, development work needed to be carried out on multiple vehicles simultaneously. Development departments began to burgeon and could no longer be usefully accommodated on rented premises. Plus, the company needed to be made futureproof – so, by the end of the 70s, action was needed. By 1978 the idea of a FIZ had been born: facilities were to be extended to accommodate plant- and non-plant-related departments and bring together Development, Production Technology and Purchasing at a single location. The basic idea of centralising development was revolutionary in the western European automotive industry at the time – although today, FIZ-style buildings are common.

Aerial view of the construction of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center

1986 First occupants move in.

In July 1983 the first construction phase – comprising a workshop building to accommodate design along with sample and prototype construction, and two office modules – was approved for realisation. In July 1984 the decision was made to add an acoustic testing facility as well. And in December of that year, proposals for two more office modules were approved. In September 1985 the FIZ build phase plan was confirmed up to phase three. Construction began in November 1984, with the topping-out ceremony held one year later. In 1986 the first developers and engineers moved into their new offices.

Entrance to the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center with parked cars around the fountain.

1990 Grand opening.

On 26 October 1990 the FIZ was officially opened. Speaking in the FIZ Forum, the then Board Member for Development, Dr Wolgang Reitzle, referred to the building as a special milestone in automotive development. Going on stream, the FIZ was the base for about 4,500 employees. It stood on a 100,000-m2 plot of land and comprised 370,000 m2 of floor space. Access was already available via the new underground trains, but also for personal transport, with parking for up to 3,500 cars.

CGI aerial view of the BMW Group's research and innovation center in the future.

2000 The FIZ keeps growing.

Since then, the FIZ has steadily grown to meet increasing demand. Architectural and technical highlights have been added on a regular basis, such as the Projekthaus (completed in 2004 and comprising nine floors and 12,000 m2 of space) and Europe’s most cutting-edge wind tunnel (completed in 2008 and costing approx. €180 million to build)

The FIZ in pictures.

A peek behind the scenes: The BMW Group’s Research & Innovation Centre FIZ, shown from different perspectives, from architectural to office life.

Aerial view of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center.

Interior view of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center.

An employee adjusts a vehicle model with a rod in the model wind tunnel of the Aerodynamic Test Center.

Exterior view of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center.

Vehicle on the turntable in the BMW Group's aeroacoustic wind tunnel.

Glass windows of the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center.

An employee prepares the turntable with a vehicle for the BMW Group's aeroacoustic wind tunnel.

FIZ Future:
Extending the BMW Group development centre.

By 2014 the buildings and facilities at the FIZ were running at capacity. So, to meet the needs of the growing BMW Group and its ever-increasing development work, the FIZ Future programme was established. This sets out the evolution of the FIZ through to 2050, when it will offer up to 15,000 additional workspaces. Gross floor area will increase by 500,000 m2 to a total of 800,000 m², and processes will become more efficient, increasing productivity at the FIZ.

The plans were created in close collaboration with the Department for Urban Planning and Construction in Munich and in consultation with local residents. In 2014 the Munich-based architecture studio HENN won the urban architecture competition for the new build and developed the masterplan for the project. The foundation stone for the first construction phase, known as FIZ Nord, was laid in October 2017. The BMW Group has invested some €400 million in the project, signalling a clear commitment to the future of the development facility and the innovativeness of the company.

Siegerentwurf im Wettbewerb zum Ausbau des BMW Group Forschungs- und Innovationszentrums.

BMW Group FIZ:
Directions and contact.

Address

Knorrstraße 147, 80788 Munich
Telefon: +49 89 382-0

BMW Group Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ).

Facts & figures.

FIZ – a history.

1978 The Board of Management first considers the FIZ.

1986 First occupants move in.

1990 Grand opening.

2000 The FIZ keeps growing.

The FIZ in pictures.

FIZ Future:
Extending the BMW Group development centre.

BMW Group FIZ:
Directions and contact.

Address

Learn more.

Company

News

Innovation

BMW Group Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ).

Facts & figures.

FIZ – a history.

1978 The Board of Management first considers the FIZ.

1986 First occupants move in.

1990 Grand opening.

2000 The FIZ keeps growing.

The FIZ in pictures.

FIZ Future: Extending the BMW Group development centre.

BMW Group FIZ: Directions and contact.

Address

Learn more.

Company

News

Innovation

FIZ Future:
Extending the BMW Group development centre.

BMW Group FIZ:
Directions and contact.