BMW i3 Production: Munich Plant’s Paint Shop & Tech
- BMW Group Plant Munich is gearing up for the series production of the new BMW i3, slated to begin in August 2026.
- The company highlighted the plant’s 104-year history and its integration of state-of-the-art technology.
- Unlike many modern automotive plants built on expansive greenfield sites, the Munich facility is situated within the city limits, in the Milbertshofen district.
BMW Group Plant Munich is gearing up for the series production of the new BMW i3, slated to begin in August 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the rollout of the Neue Klasse range and a transformation of the Munich plant into an all-electric vehicle facility by 2027, according to a press release issued on April 2, 2026.
The company highlighted the plant’s 104-year history and its integration of state-of-the-art technology. Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, explained that the BMW iFACTORY framework is central to this production overhaul.
Urban Manufacturing Challenges and Solutions
Unlike many modern automotive plants built on expansive greenfield sites, the Munich facility is situated within the city limits, in the Milbertshofen district. This presents unique challenges, particularly regarding space constraints. BMW has addressed this by rebuilding the factory vertically, implementing a multi-level production system where different assembly stages occur on top of one another. This approach maximizes efficiency in a limited footprint.
As noted in reporting from New Mobility News, the plant’s location, originally on the outskirts of Munich in 1922, has become increasingly integrated into the urban landscape over the decades. This has forced BMW to rethink traditional industrial logic and prioritize space optimization.
The iFACTORY and Neue Klasse Rollout
The iFACTORY represents a strategic framework for BMW’s production processes, focusing on efficiency, technology and digitalization. The start of i3 production in Munich is the first step in rolling out the Neue Klasse across BMW Group’s global production network. The company plans to introduce 40 new or updated models in the coming years, with the Munich plant serving as a model for flexible and adaptable manufacturing.
The plant is currently in a “pre-series” phase, with test vehicles being assembled and processes meticulously scrutinized before full production commences in August. Industrial robots are undergoing calibration, and trial vehicles are undergoing detailed analysis to ensure a smooth ramp-up to a daily output of 1,000 vehicles.
Paint Shop and Seat Production Advancements
Recent updates from BMW Group Plant Munich, as of April 2, 2026, detail advancements in both the paint shop and seat production areas, specifically geared towards the production of the BMW i3. A video released by BMW Group highlights the paint shop’s capabilities, while another focuses on seat production. These developments underscore the comprehensive upgrades underway at the facility.
The press release also mentions the availability of downloadable photos (132 images, totaling 710.64 MB) and attachments (5 files, totaling 1.39 MB) for media use.
A Century of Manufacturing, Embracing the Future
BMW’s transformation of the Munich plant demonstrates its commitment to electric vehicle production and its ability to adapt a century-old facility to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving automotive industry. The integration of advanced technologies and a focus on vertical production are key elements of this strategy. The company’s investment in the iFACTORY framework and the Neue Klasse range signals a long-term vision for sustainable and efficient manufacturing.
Dominique Becker of BMW Group is the press contact for further inquiries, reachable at +49-89-382-16929 or via email. Sandra Schillmoeller is also credited as an author for the press release.