Russia sold 145 locally assembled BMWs in 2025, despite the brand halting production and sales there in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.
The vehicles, built from leftover parts, have become a growing market.
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Data from Russian newspaper Kommersant shows BMW sales in Russia nearly tripled year-on-year in 2025.
The cars are produced at the Avtotor Kaliningrad facility, where BMW once had a partnership.
A Hodgepodge of Old Parts
The unauthorized SUVs include the X5, X6, and X7. They retain the styling of pre-facelift 2022 models but are registered as 2025 and 2026 vehicles.
As original inventories dwindle, some locally sourced parts like wiring harnesses and painted body panels are being used.
BMW has distanced itself from the situation.
A spokesperson said Avtotor began producing limited batches from old, partially outdated kits left after the termination of cooperation in 2022.
The company has warned public authorities, retailers, and potential customers about the risks.
No Oversight, No Guarantees
Automotive analyst Christopher Ludwig noted that without BMW's engineering oversight, quality and safety are questionable.
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Modern BMW software and electronic systems are either frozen or reprogrammed, as they are no longer tied to official systems.
Despite the risks, buyers are lining up.
Prices start between 11.9 and 12.9 million rubles (about $154,000 to $167,000) for base versions, with some listings showing 13.6 million rubles ($172,150).
That's comparable to a Range Rover SV.
Demand remains strong because these locally built SUVs are tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than gray-market imports.
Sellers even market the disconnected software as a feature, claiming the cars cannot be remotely disabled by BMW.
Parts will eventually run out, but experts estimate that if the plant previously produced 1,000 vehicles per month and now makes only 50, three months of pre-2022 stock could last five years.
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For now, the bootleg BMWs continue to roll off the line.
