BMW Group Plant Munich has completed functional checks of its new manufacturing equipment, marking a critical milestone ahead of next-generation vehicle production. The automaker announced that its new body shop and assembly line installations passed the “Common Function Test,” a rigorous dry-run process that validates all production systems.
Highlights
- Functional testing complete: All manufacturing equipment in the new body shop and assembly line has passed dry-run validation
- Production timeline: Series production of the new BMW i3 begins in the second half of 2026
- Digital-first approach: Plant Munich was digitally planned and built following BMW iFACTORY principles
- Rapid transformation: Approximately one-third of the plant underwent extensive remodeling in just 18 months
Common Function Test Validates Production Readiness
During the Common Function Test, production planners and plant technicians execute all manufacturing steps without actual parts in the system. Each cycle simulates vehicle production, verifying that equipment operates correctly before real components are introduced.
Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, stated that all manufacturing technologies and equipment are operational. The plant is already training associates for BMW i3 production and advancing toward first pre-series vehicles.
Assembly Operations Relocating in January
BMW i3 assembly currently takes place at the nearby Research and Innovation Centre. This operation will relocate to Plant Munich in January, consolidating all production technologies at a single facility for comprehensive system testing.
iFACTORY Digital Planning Approach
Plant Munich follows BMW iFACTORY guiding principles throughout its transformation. The new body shop and assembly line were digitally planned and constructed from the outset. Existing press shop and paint shop installations are integrated into the BMW Group’s Virtual Factory platform.
This digital integration enabled functional testing of all new vehicle generation technologies virtually and well in advance of physical commissioning.
18-Month Transformation While Maintaining Output
The plant completed extensive remodeling of approximately one-third of its grounds in 18 months. During this period, workers dismantled old halls and constructed a new assembly facility, logistics center, and body shop while the plant continued manufacturing up to 1,000 BMW 3 Series and 4 Series vehicles daily.
Series production of the new BMW i3 is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
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