Lease a 2026 X3 30 xDrive for $569/month for 39 months. Click here to find yours.

What Does BMW Stand For?

BMW X7 parked on a desert road

Have you ever seen a BMW on the roads of Corona and wondered “What does BMW stand for?” Fortunately, BMW of Murrieta has the details. Check out the guide below to learn more about BMW’s origins, including the answer to “What does BMW mean?”



What Does BMW Mean?

So, exactly what does BMW stand for? BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which is German for Bavarian Motor Works. What makes this name unique? In German, the term Motorenwerke is typically a single word.

BMW Origins – How Did BMW Get Its Name?

We’ve covered what BMW stands for, but maybe you’re still curious about the BMW origins. How did BMW get its name? BMW has its origins over 100 years ago in a few different companies that manufactured vehicles and aircraft engines. Listed below are just a few highlights of this iconic automaker:

  • The Rapp Motorenwerke company, founded in 1913, manufactured aircraft engines in Munich, Germany. When founder Karl Rapp left the company in 1917, the name was changed to Bayerische Motoren Werke.
  • “Bayerische” (Bavarian) indicates the company’s headquarters in Bavaria, a federal state in the southeastern part of Germany bordering Austria and the Czech Republic.
  • The blue and white circular BMW logo was influenced by the look of the Bavarian flag, which features a blue and white checkered diamond pattern.
  • The full name of the company is actually BMW AG. What does “AG” stand for? It means Aktiengesellschaft, which is defined as an incorporation owned by shareholders.
Front-facing gray BMW 3 Series on a blue gradient background

What is a Bimmer? What is a Beemer?

While you may know the answer to “What does BMW mean?” there are other terms you may have heard in reference to the company you’re unfamiliar with: “Beemer” and “Bimmer”. These slang terms are used in English to describe a BMW motorcycle or BMW automobile, based on how the three letters of BMW would sound put together. While these terms are common, there are some discrepancies about the proper usage of the terms. There are some that believe “Beemer” is specific to motorcycles, while “Bimmer” designates cars. In Canada, however, “Bimmer” is used to refer to both motorcycles and cars.

What Does BMW Stand for as a Company?

In 1974, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” BMW slogan was selected for use in North American markets, indicating the high quality and exceptional performance BMW aimed to offer. In 2010, this slogan was briefly replaced with the slogan “Joy.” This lasted until 2012 when “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was once again made the slogan for the brand, to once again put the focus on the quality and high-performance BMW is known for.

Is BMW Made in the USA?

While BMW is a German company, there are BMW models manufactured right here in the USA! Opened in 1994, a BMW manufacturing plant in Greer, South Carolina makes many of BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle lineups. This means that, if you see a BMW SAV like the X3 or the X7 driving around Riverside, chances are that it was built in the USA. That said, BMW does have manufacturing facilities in several countries, including their home country of Germany as well as Austria, Mexico, South Africa, India, China, and Brazil.

Experience the BMW Difference at BMW of Murrieta

If you are interested in finding out more about the BMW brand at BMW of Murrieta, such as who owns BMW or what is the fastest BMW model, our team would be glad to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to experience the BMW legacy in person to help answer your question of “should I buy a used BMW?”, set up a test drive on the Murrieta roadways. Contact us today at your convenience.

Learn More at BMW of Murrieta

  • Is a BMW a Good Investment for Murrieta Drivers? Longevity & Value Explained

      According to an article from Consumer Reports, “Almost any car can make it well into six-figure territory with proper care.” And, according to the Department of Transportation, the average age of all cars on the road is over 12 years, compared to about 8 years in 2000. But what about a BMW? How long…

  • The 2024 BMW 3 Series: An Overview

      Sporty luxury is at your fingertips when driving a new BMW 3 Series Sedan in Corona. Ever since the first BMW 3 Series Sedan rolled off the manufacturing floor, it’s been a standard against which other sport-luxury automobiles are measured. So keep reading to learn more about the 2024 BMW 3 Series price, features,…

  • 2024 BMW 3 Series Specs & Performance

      The 2024 BMW 3 Series is a small collection of high-performing, stylish vehicles popular among drivers in Corona and the surrounding areas. If you want to learn more about how BMW 3 Series vehicles perform before taking a test drive at our dealership in Murrieta, our team is here for you. We cover the…

Select a series:

Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

$85.00 Dealer Document Processing Charge included in advertised price. All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, smog certificate of compliance or noncompliance, emission testing charge and electronic filing fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer. All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:

Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

Loyalty Offers available to qualified customers who have leased or financed a BMW model through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC in the last 12 months. In order to qualify for a BMW Loyalty Offer, loyal current or former BMW owners or lessees must show proof of ownership or BMW Financial Services account number and qualify for credit approval. Available Loyalty Offer of $5,000 off MSRP on select new 2026 740i xDrive Sedan models (consists of $4,000 BMW of North America, LLC contribution plus $1,000 loyalty contribution from your BMW Center). Must take delivery by June 30, 2026. Availability of Loyalty Offers are subject to dealer participation. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 X3 30 xDrive models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Valid on 2026 330i Sedan models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW 330i Sedan models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $479 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $46,685 (MSRP of $53,900, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $2,660 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,555 capitalized cost reduction, $479 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $30,723, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $499 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $41,405 (MSRP of $47,200, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $2,905 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $1,890 and Lease Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $2,905 capitalized cost reduction, $499 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $26,432, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. **Valid on 2026 X1 xDrive28i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $799 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $72,555 (MSRP of $89,950, including destination and handling fee of $1,450, less $5,375 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $4,520 and Lease Credit of $7,500). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $5,375 capitalized cost reduction, $799 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.30/mile over 30,000 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $47,674, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 01, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $869 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $66,100 (MSRP of $76,250, including destination and handling fee of $1,450, less $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,015 and Lease Credit of $2,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $5,135 capitalized cost reduction, $869 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $39,650, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. **Valid on 2026 X5 xDrive40i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Available Purchase Credit of $1,000 off MSRP for well qualified buyers.

Valid on 2026 X7 xDrive40i models. Through June 30, 2026, 0.90% APR financing for up to 24 monthly payments of $42.06 for every $1,000 financed, and 0.90% APR financing for up to 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for every $1,000 financed is available from participating BMW Centers to well qualified customers who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. No down payment required for well qualified customers. Not all customers will qualify for down payment waiver or lowest rate. Other rates and payment terms available. All offers are subject to dealer participation. Offers valid through June 30, 2026. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details. Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW X7 xDrive40i models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $989 per month for 39 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $81,105 (MSRP of $93,200, including destination and handling fee of $1,550, less $6,375 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,720, Lease Credit of $1,000, and National Credit of $1,000). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $6,375 capitalized cost reduction, $989 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.30/mile over 32,500 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $49,396, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

From 1.99% APR up to 72 months at $14.75 per month per $1,000 financed applies to all 2022–2024 BMW Certified Pre-Owned iX models. No down payment is required. Offer valid through 06/30/2026. Offer available from participating BMW Dealers to eligible, qualified customers with excellent credit history who meet BMW Financial Services NA, LLC credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify for the lowest rate. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Delayed first payment is not available in PA or ME. Interest will accrue during 90-day period to first payment and will be due prior to maturity of the contract. This offer is available on all model-year 2021-2024 CPO BMW models with 36-to-72-month retail contracts financed through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, excluding Select contracts. To be eligible, qualified customers must have excellent credit history and meet BMW Financial Services’ credit requirements. Not all customers will qualify. Other rates and terms available. All offers subject to vehicle availability. Offer valid through 06/30/2026.

Lease payment is calculated based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for vehicle as shown and does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price. Dealer sets actual price. Lease offer available on new 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40 models from participating BMW Centers through BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, to customers who meet BMW Financial Services' credit requirements. Offer not valid in Puerto Rico. Monthly lease payments of $499 per month for 36 months is based on an adjusted capitalized cost of $50,295 (MSRP of $60,700, including destination and handling fee of $1,350, less $3,355 capitalized cost reduction, $0 security deposit, suggested dealer contribution of $3,300 and Lease Credit of $3,750). Actual MSRP and dealer contribution may vary and could affect your monthly lease payment. Cash due at signing includes $3,355 capitalized cost reduction, $499 first month's payment, $925 acquisition fee and $0 security deposit. Lessee responsible for insurance during the lease term, excess wear and tear as defined in the lease contract, $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, plus disposition fee of up to $495 (not to exceed an amount permissible by law) at lease end. Not all customers will qualify for security deposit waiver. Tax, title, license, registration and dealer fees are additional fees due at signing. Advertised monthly payment does not include applicable taxes. Purchase option price at lease end is $33,385, plus the purchase option fee disclosed in the lease contract. Additional tax, title, and government fees may also apply. Offer valid through June 30, 2026 and may be combined with other offers unless otherwise stated. Models pictured may be shown with metallic paint and/or additional accessories. Visit your authorized BMW Center for important details.

Menu

Get Directions

41430 Auto Mall Parkway, Murrieta, CA, 92562
BMW of Murrieta 33.531420, -117.170690.