Wilhelm studied engineering at Technische Hochschule Darmstadt and received his doctorate in 1912 from the university.

In 1917, Wilhelm and his brother Heinrich Opel were raised to the nobility of the Grand Duchy of Hesse.

In 1933, Opel joined the Nazi Party and soon became an active supporter of it, making financial contributions to the SS and being awarded the title of Patron.

In January 1947, he was found guilty by a denazification court and had to pay a large fine.

This German engineer, inventor or industrial designer biographical article is a stub.