Speed, luxury and performance- they are often equated with BMW cars. To firm its foothold in the challenging automotive industry, BMW Motorsports came into being. The aim was to produce high-performance cars that would deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
That said, BMW Motorsports’ history wraps up the models that led to BMW’s success in the racing circuits. The BMW M history will explain the brand’s take on racing cars since motorsports are often taken as a testing ground in automotive.
Here are the details of BMW’s M performance models.
HISTORY OF BMW MOTORSPORTS
The history of BMW is rich with several milestones. The brand hasn’t held back on its models, from aircraft production to electric cars. One such chapter of this evolution is dedicated to sports cars which started in 1972. Synonymous with speed, these high-performance cars catapulted BMW’s growth and popularity across the globe.
That said, let’s revisit the history of BMW Motorsports GmbH and its prime years.
BMW M1 (1978-81)
The M1 is the first car produced by BMW in the motorsports category. Designed as a mid-engine car, the M1 holds the flagship for M-performance models.
The M1 was designed by Italian automobile manufacturer Giugiaro and produced in collaboration with Lamborghini. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a low-slung body and a distinctive twin-kidney car grille at the front.
With a powerful 3.5-litre inline-six engine, the BMW M1 was capable of impressive performance for its time. It had a top speed of around 260 km/h and could accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in only 5.5 seconds. Moreover, the engine was mounted in the middle of the car, providing excellent weight distribution and handling.
The M1 of BMW Motorsports’ history neared its era in the late 70s. The production of the M1 was limited to only 453 vehicles. However, it served as the basis for the BMW M1 Procar Championship, a one-make racing series that supported Formula One races.
BMW M5 (1985-PRESENT)
The M5 was produced in the second quarter of 1984 as a high-performance limousine. With the model, a new category was launched in BMW M GmbH, as a high-performance sedan.
The exterior of the BMW M5 models gave way to a sporty appearance with dynamic curves. A blackened front grille with the BMW logo, heavy side arches and 16-inch alloy wheels reflected the M5’s sporty performance. Moreover, the luxury interior complemented the aerodynamic exterior and the car’s excellent handling.
The M5 featured a 3.5-litre inline-six engine producing 286 horsepower and 340 Nm torque. With a top speed of 245 km/h, it became one of the fastest street-legal cars of all time.
This model of the BMW M history is currently in its sixth generation. Powered by a 4.4 V8 engine, the BMW M5 produces 600 horsepower and can reach 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The model is based on the F90 5 Series. The M5 is also one of the popular used sedans by BMW, known for its high-end performance.
BMW M3 (1986-PRESENT)
The BMW M3 made its debut in 1986 as a homologation special for BMW’s motorsport endeavours. It was based on the E30 3 Series and featured a 2.3-litre inline-four engine producing 192 horsepower.
This model of BMW Motorsports’ history soon gained ground due to functionality modifications, powerful drivetrains and lightweight construction. These models stood out since they earned the brand several wins in racing competitions worldwide.
Currently, the BMW M3 CS 2023 draws power from a six-cylinder inline engine and produces 550 horsepower. BMW has also introduced special editions and performance-oriented variants of the M3. This includes CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) and GTS, which offer high levels of performance and exclusivity.
BMW M6 (1983-2018)
The M6 was rolled out in 1983 and became the second-fastest model in BMW Motorsports’ history. It was also known as the M635CSi and was based on the E24 6 series.
The M6 was powered by a 3.5-litre inline-six engine which generated 256 horsepower. The M model featured the signature car grille of BMW with M badges, a front spoiler and M-specific design cues. Moreover, with impressive speed and handling, the M6 offered a comfortable GT ride experience.
When the second generation of the M6 rolled out, it was made more aggressive and powerful. It offered exceptional performance capabilities, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. It had a top speed of 97 km/hr in just 4.5 seconds. The model was offered as a coupe and convertible car body type.
The M6 model completed its journey in 2018. BMW took inspiration from its former model and incorporated its features in other lineups such as the M8 series.
BMW M2 (2016-PRESENT)
The BMW M2 was rolled out as a successor to the 1 series M coupe. The M2 became the talk of the town since it had the lightest chassis and the heaviest engine. The model was produced as an N55, CS variant and M2 modified version.
The first M2 of BMW Motorsports’ history was powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. Moreover, M2 was known for its impressive performance capabilities. The standard M2 could accelerate from 0 to km/hr in around 4.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the M2 Competition could achieve the same feat in just 4.0 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph.
The M2 featured a specially tuned chassis and suspension system, which included M Performance components such as an Active M Differential, M Dynamic Mode, and an adaptive M suspension system.
BMW M2 is now in its second generation. It draws power from a six-cylinder in-line engine and generates up to 460 horsepower. The new model was launched in 2022 as one of the highlights of the 50th anniversary of the BMW M GmbH category.
All in all, these were the prime models of BMW Motorsports’ history. The above-mentioned cars possess an iconic status as high-performance machines. Therefore, if you wish to add these cars to your collection, go through these used BMW cars for sale in the UAE. BMW has also launched hybrid and electric sports cars, such as XM SUV and other M1, M2, M3 and M4 coupes and sedans.
In case you are looking for a ride for your daily commute, here are used cars for sale in the UAE at budget-friendly prices.
Stay connected to dubizzle’s autos blog for more on popular automotive lineups and their specs.
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