AN OVERVIEW OF THE M AUTOMOBILES.

With its timeless wedge shape, the first vehicle developed by the then BMW Motorsport GmbH in the late seventies gets an enthusiastic welcome. Developed by design legend Giorgio Giugiaro, the shape is based on the BMW Turbo, a 1972 study by BMW’s longtime designer Paul Bracq. The narrow kidneys, the folding headlights and the clearly-drawn lines combine esthetics and dynamics. And the performance is also legendary: Until 1983 it is the fastest production vehicle in Germany. The mid-engine super sports car reaches a maximum speed of well over 260 km/h, establishing the tradition of M road vehicles.

From 1979 to 1981 only 460 vehicles are made – all hand built. Anyone lucky enough to drive an BMW M1 talks of its exceptional driving style, flexible curve dynamics and fast-turning 3.5 liter engine.

Production period: 1978 – 1981

Engines: 3.5 liters (204 kW, 277 hp), 6-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,359 mm / 1,824 mm / 1,138 mm

Originally, the BMW M3 (E30/2S, E30/2SC) is intended to be the road version of a racing vehicle. However, interest is so overwhelming that many more than the 5,000 vehicles needed for Group A approval are sold. Extreme dynamics are immediately evident on the exterior; from the wide fenders and iconic rear wings to the newly designed C-pillar. The interior also features everything that has proven its worth in racing: internally ventilated brake discs, sports transmission with lower left first gear, the 2.3 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 200 hp (143 kW).

While the racing version goes from win to win, the BMW M3 exceeds all sales expectations: More than 18,000 vehicles, including the convertible version, are sold. As well as the revised 220 hp (154 kW) Evolution version and the BMW M3 Sport Evolution with 2.5 liter displacement and 238 hp (166 kW).

1992 sees the second generation of the BMW M3 (E36) continuing the success story. The vehicle is clearly more grown-up. There are only minor visual changes compared to the regular model, such the aerodynamically optimized M exterior mirrors. But there are radical changes under the hood: The inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with 286 hp (210 kW) and variable overhead camshafts (VANOS system) delivers breathtaking acceleration. From 1995 the model is updated to give not just 200 cm3 more displacement, but also 321 hp (236 kW).

At the turn of the millennium, the third version of the BMW M3 (E46) is launched, followed by the BMW M3 Convertible one year later. They continue the fundamental concept behind the BMW M3, combining as little weight as possible with as much driving dynamics as possible. The M genes are evident in the 343 hp (252 kW) driving experience. The exteriors of the Coupé and Convertible differ from the standard model with their wider camber, the grilles on the front fenders and the powerdome on the hood.

The BMW M3s built between 2007 and 2013 are now fitted with a number of new features. Just like the regular models, three bodies are available: Sedan (E90), Coupé (E92), and Convertible (E93). For the first time, a BMW M3 has a V8 engine. The 4-liter assembly delivers 420 hp (309 kW) and turns up to 8,300 rpm – the highest-speed production engine ever built by BMW! With the optional M Driver’s Package, the car reaches a maximum speed of 280 km/h.

From 2014, the fifth generation of the BMW M3 (F80) once again relies on an inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which, for the first time in an BMW M3, is fitted with turbochargers. The engine delivers its maximum torque at 1,850 rpm, making fast acceleration possible, whatever the circumstances. The 432 hp (317 kW) BMW M3 Sedan is the only body design available – the related Coupé and Convertible are now called BMW M4. The fender extensions, the M exterior mirrors, and the dark M carbon roof also show to the outside world that this vehicle has exceptional handling and driving dynamics. 2016 sees the introduction of the BMW M3 Competition, featuring an engine that delivers 450 hp (331 kW) and uses the adaptive M chassis as standard.

In 2018, the BMW M3 CS is manufactured for just three months, with an engine adding an additional 10 hp to bring it to 460 hp (338 kW).
The BMW M3 (G80) has been available since 2021 with a radically different appearance from the standard sedan due to its large, high-standing kidney. It continues the concept of combining sportiness, dynamism, and everyday practicality of the previous BMW M3 – the Sports Sedan is equipped with a manual 6-speed transmission and 480 hp (353 kW) engine. The BMW M3 Competition is also available, offering 510 hp (375 kW). The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic enables rapid gear changes for maximum driving dynamics, combined with the precisely-tuned M chassis.

Production period BMW M3: 1986 – today

Engines: 2.3 – 3.0 liters (143 – 375 kW, 200 – 510 hp), 4-, 6- & 8-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,346 – 4,794 mm / 1,680 – 1,887 mm / 1,370 – 1,431 mm

Visually, the first BMW M5 (E28S) in 1985 hardly differed from the standard sedan. But the hand-crafted vehicles feature an updated BMW M1 engine and can therefore reach a speed of over 250 km/h. With more than 2,200 vehicles produced, the foundations for the top-of-the-line version of one of the most successful sports sedans were laid.
In 1988, the new BMW 5 series also includes a new M5 (E34S). This initially delivers 315 hp (232 kW), but in 1992 the engines are re-engineered. Now they extract 340 hp (250 kW) from a 3.8 liter displacement and, in a limited edition of fewer than 900 units, the car is also available as an M5 Touring. Thanks to its flawless driving experience and high-precision steering, this M5 also copes with every situation confidently and competently.

From 1998 to 2003, the BMW M5 (E39S) conquers the highway with an 8-cylinder engine delivering a 5 liter displacement and 400 hp (294 kW). At this time, it is the perfect example of a sports sedan – ideal for everyday use yet, thanks to its performance and dynamism, a match for almost every sports car.

The successor model (E60) appears in showrooms in 2005, followed by the Touring version (E61) in 2007, which is also the last M5 in this body shape.

Equipped with a 10-cylinder engine, its 507 hp accelerates the vehicle to 305 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

In 2011, BMW M GmbH equips the M5 (F10) with a twin turbo engine for the first time. The engine delivers 560 hp (412 kW) and, at the time, is the most powerful model in the BMW line-up. Two years later, the first M5 Competition model is available with a slight increase in performance to 575 hp (423 kW), and in 2014 the 8-cylinder “30 years of M5” Special Edition is re-engineered to produce 600 hp (441 kW). Placing maximum torque between 1,500 and 5,750 revolutions per minute is unusual – so acceleration capacity is there, whatever the circumstances.

The current BMW M5 (F90) has remained true to the product line since 2017 and combines the typical M sportiness with the comfort and elegance of the BMW 5 Sedan. The recognizable engine from the previous M5, the new M xDrive all-wheel drive, and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission mean powerful acceleration and outstanding driving dynamics are typical features of this vehicle from BMW M GmbH. This is only surpassed in 2018 by the BMW M5 Competition, which delivers 25 hp more, taking 625 hp (460 kW) to the streets. Limited to just one year of production, the BMW M5 CS (Competition Sport) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds with 635 hp (467 kW). Carbon parts reduce the weight of the extremely sporty sedan, which, on request, can be electronically controlled from 305 km/h.

Production period BMW M5: 1985 – 1995, 1998 – 2003, 2005 – today

Engines: 3.5 – 5.0 liters (302 kW, 410 hp), 6-, 8- and 10-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,620 – 4,966 mm / 1,700 – 1,903 mm / 1,400 – 1,512 mm

The M8 Coupé has been around for almost 30 years. At the beginning of the 1990s BMW engineers developed a BMW M8 prototype with a V12-cylinder engine based on the E31 Coupé.

But it took until 2019 for the first fully-badged BMW M8 Competition Coupé (F92), Convertible (F91) and Gran Coupé (F93) to appear in showrooms. With two parallel turbochargers, the 8-cylinder boasts a power output of 625 hp (460 kW) which, with the optional M Driver’s Package, enables speeds well above 300 km/h.

Even when parked, it is obvious the BMW M8 is the perfect combination of sportiness and luxury. The radical lines are dynamic and yet extremely elegant. Details such as the black chrome radiator grille and the high-gloss black mirror caps highlight the car’s sporty character: This is underscored by the standard carbon roof. What’s more, the adaptive M chassis, which adjusts to current driving conditions and supports the BMW M xDrive, ensures unparalleled driving dynamics. Whether as a Coupé, a Convertible or a four-door Gran Coupé, these vehicles offers superlatives in every respect.

Production period BMW M8 Competition: 2019 – today

Engines: 4.4 liters (460 kW, 625 hp), 8-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,867 – 5,098 mm / 1,907 – 1,948 mm / 1,353 – 1,420 mm

The M model is launched with the second generation of the BMW X4 in 2019. The sporty elegance of the basic model is even more clearly and precisely presented: The exclusive design elements of the optional M Carbon Exterior Package (no longer available as a package after the model redesign but as individual carbon fiber components), from the air intakes in the bumper to the mirror caps, emphasize the athletic character of the SUV/Coupé crossover. The vehicle shares the technical specifications and engines with the BMW X3 M: The BMW X4 M boasts 480 hp (353 kW), and the X4 M Competition 510 hp (375 kW) and has, after the model redesign, an enormous torque of 650 Nm. Thanks to the optional M Driver’s Package, the vehicles achieve maximum speeds of 280 and 285 km/h, respectively. The BMW X4 M combines outstanding performance and exclusivity with an expressive temperament.

Production period BMW X4 M: 2019 – today

Engines: 3.0 liters (353 – 375 kW, 480 – 510 hp), 6-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,758 mm / 1,927 mm / 1,618 mm

In 1995 BMW launches the purist Z3, a roadster based on the former BMW 3 Compact (E36). From 1997, using the engine from the former BMW M3 (E36), the vehicle delivers exceptional performance, particularly in driving dynamics, and leaves far more powerful competitors standing in the slalom. A year later, the fixed-roof version is also available as an M model. From 2001 onwards, BMW equips both versions – Coupé and Roadster – with the M3 successor’s engine (E46), creating more dynamic handling with almost the same power thanks to its high-rev temperament.

Production period BMW Z3 M: 1997 – 2002

Engines: 3.2 liters (236 – 239 kW, 321 – 325 hp), 6-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,025 mm / 1,740 mm / 1,279 mm

Equipped with modern plug-in hybrid technology, the BMW XM brings a sporty 480 kW (653 hp) onto the road thanks to its newly developed V8 engine and with its 88 km of purely electric range (WLTP) permits almost silent and emission-free driving.

Optically, too, the large and powerful proportions demonstrate its uncompromising individuality. With the new, unmistakable front design, the BMW M brand is further establishing itself within the luxury segment.

The winning combination of bringing BMW M and BMW X elements together with the uncompromising standard of luxury to produce something entirely new also continues systematically within the interior of the BMW XM. The front section displays a performance-orientation. And in typical BMW M style, the focus is clearly on the driver. The new screen grouping of the BMW Curved Display creates a bridge between traditional driver orientation and modern digital character.

The extremely driver-centred front section contrasts with a cosy and luxurious lounge atmosphere in the rear. This is where passengers encounter a haven with celebrity character and materials of supreme quality, inspired surfaces and expressive details. The roof with its three-dimensional prism structure presents an optical highlight in the rear. Together with the ambient light, this element impressively conveys the interplay of progressive luxury and comfort.

Production period: from late 2022

Engines: 4.4-litre (360 kW, 489 hp) 8-cylinder combustion engine + electric motor (145 kW, 197 hp), system output 480 kW, 653 hp