Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) (English: Bavarian Motor Works) is an independent German automobile manufacturer founded in 1916. After World War I, BMW (and Germany) were forced to cease aircraft (engine) production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted, followed by automobiles in 1928. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new MINI, which was launched in 2001. Rolls-Royce Cars (2003-present) is a subsidiary of the BMW Group.

BMW has a long and successful history in touring and sports car racings. BMW motorcycles have won many times the Dakar rally.

The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is often alleged to portray the movement of an airplane propeller, an interpretation that BMW adopted for convenience in 1929, which was actually twelve years after the roundel was created. In fact, the emblem evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW Company grew. The Rapp logo was combined with the blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria to produce the BMW roundel so familiar today.