'Happy Birthday Mercedes-Benz': BMW Wishes Arch Rival With Cheeky Message

In a gesture that blends sportsmanship with trademark wit, BMW has publicly wished its oldest rival, Mercedes-Benz, a happy 140th birthday. The message, shared across BMW's global social media channels, acknowledges Mercedes' pivotal role in inventing the automobile while subtly reminding audiences of the century-old rivalry that has defined German luxury motoring.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of Karl Benz patented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1886, which is widely considered to be the world's first automobile. It's a milestone that forces even the most loyal BMW fans to pause and acknowledge that the modern motoring world quite literally began with Mercedes' father, if you will. Few brands can claim such deep roots. Long before the world knew the term "automobile," Benz and Daimler were laying the groundwork for what became global personal transport.

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For BMW, founded three decades later, the occasion represents both reflection and rivalry. The Bavarian automaker traces its lineage back to 1910, with its formal organization as Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) coming in 1922. Unlike Mercedes, whose origins lay in early motorcar development, BMW began life as an aircraft engine maker. That foundation forged a very different philosophy, one focused on precision, performance, and driver engagement.

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Over the decades, the two German giants have invested in distinct personalities. Mercedes built its reputation on innovation and engineering rigor, pioneering safety features. While BMW positioned itself as the dynamic alternative, marketing its cars as "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and perfecting the art of making executive sedans feel alive behind the wheel.

Mercedes-Benz's Response

Their rivalry intensified through the 1980s and 1990s, when BMW's M Division and Mercedes' AMG arm came face-to-face to prove their supremacy on road and track. Iconic duels include the BMW M3 versus the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16, or the M5 against the E55 AMG.

Today, as Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of automotive history, BMW's playful tribute underscores a deep mutual respect born from competition. Rivalry, after all, has driven both brands to innovate faster, perform better, and inspire generations of car lovers. Because even for BMW, it's impossible not to tip its hat to the company that started it all.