"Counterfeit" BMW Cars Are Manufactured In Kaliningrad, Russia
- 10.07.2026, 14:59
More parts from before the war.
After Russia’s war against Ukraine began, BMW withdrew from the Russian market. However, the Bavarian automaker’s SUVs continue to be produced at the plant in Kaliningrad—which is owned by its former partner, Avtotor—without official authorization. These counterfeit BMWs are being sold at luxury car prices, according to BILD.
According to Russian media reports, the cars are being produced using parts that have been in stock at former BMW plants since 2022. “Avtotor” has been using them since early 2025: BMW X5, X6, and X7 models are once again being assembled at its plants. According to Auto Motor und Sport magazine, nearly three times as many locally produced BMWs were registered in 2025 as in the previous year.
It is noteworthy that, outwardly, the cars correspond to the 2022 models, although they are registered as 2025 or 2026 models. Some details, however, differ: for example, the air intakes are smaller than those on current models. A BMW spokesperson, in a comment to the United24 portal, called this production “illegal.” In its statement, the Bavarian automaker warns buyers against purchasing so-called “counterfeit BMWs” and points out that quality control has not been conducted since 2022.
Fake BMWs — More Expensive and Inferior
As supplies of original parts for SUVs become increasingly limited, locally manufactured components—such as hoses, body parts, or wiring harnesses—are now reportedly being used. The vehicles are no longer connected to BMW’s official systems, so many digital features likely function only partially or with different software. In Russia, Avtotor is asking between 12 and 14 million rubles—about 150,000 euros—for a counterfeit BMW. By comparison, in Germany, a new X7 sells for approximately 105,000 euros.
Despite the sanctions, interest in BMWs in Russia remains high: according to Avtostat, approximately 42% more BMWs were sold there in 2025 than the previous year—a total of 16,700 vehicles. These vehicles enter the market in part through parallel import schemes via third countries.