BMW Warns Buyers Against Russian-Made Pirate Vehicles

Although the German automaker BMW withdrew from the Russian market following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, production of its vehicles has continued at the Kaliningrad plant of its former partner, Avtotor, without the company's authorization. Since the start of the year, the X5, X6 and X7 have been assembled there using parts left over from the partnership, which ended in 2022.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, cited by German daily Bild, nearly three times as many locally assembled BMWs were registered in Russia this year as in 2024. Although the vehicles are based on 2022 models, they are registered as 2025 or 2026 model years.

A BMW spokesperson told the United24 news portal that the vehicles are assembled only intermittently. The company also warned customers against buying so-called pirate BMWs, saying it has had no oversight over their production or quality control since 2022.

As stocks of original parts dwindle, Avtotor is increasingly relying on components from local suppliers. The vehicles are not connected to BMW's official systems and may have limited digital functionality. Prices start at around €150,000 ($176,000), while a new BMW X7 in Germany starts at approximately €105,000 ($123,000).

(echo24, bak)