After BMW returned to the market as a manufacturer of automobiles in 1952 with the 65 hp 501 model, criticism was levelled at the absence of engine power and the high price tag. BMW responded in spring 1954 by presenting two revised models, the BMW 501 A and the 501 B. These models offered significantly improved performance resulting from the increase in power of the engine to 72 hp. BMW also adjusted the price with the BMW 501 being marketed at a more favourable price around DM 1,500 cheaper than its predecessor with comparable equipment.