OVERVIEW OF THE BMW M SERIES.

Even though the BMW 1 has been delighting drivers who appreciate sportiness and outstanding handling in a compact vehicle since 2004, the BMW 1 M Coupé has only been available since 2011. A twin turbocharger boosts the inline 6-cylinder petrol engine to 250 kW (340 hp). Combined with the short wheelbase and the wider track than the regular BMW 1, this provides a driving experience with extraordinary dynamics. More than 6,300 vehicles were built up to 2012. Three years later the BMW M2 joins the series, continuing the concept of merging a compact vehicle with the best characteristics of a sports car.

Production period: 2011 – 2012

Engines: 3.0 liters (250 kW, 277 hp)^[1], 6-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,380 mm / 1,803 mm / 1,420 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 143 kW (200 hp).

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 154 kW (220 hp) Evolution version and the BMW M3 Sport Evolution with 2.5 liter displacement and 166 kW (238 hp).
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 210 kW (286 hp) 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 236 kW (321 hp).

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 252 kW (343 hp) 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 engine delivers 309 kW (420 hp) and revs up to 8,300 rpm – the highest-revving 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 317 kW (432 hp) 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 331 kW (450 hp) 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 7kW (10 hp) to bring it to 338 kW (460 hp).

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 BMW M3 Competition is also available, offering 375 kW (510 hp). 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 – 1,903 mm / 1,370 – 1,434 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 232 kW (315 hp), but in 1992 the engines are re-engineered. Now they extract 250 kW (340 hp) 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 294 kW (400 hp). 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 373 kW (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 412 kW (560 hp) 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 423 kW (575 hp), and in 2014 the 8-cylinder “30 years of M5” Special Edition is re-engineered to produce 441 kW (600 hp). 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 18 kW (25 hp) more, taking 460 kW (625 hp) 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 467 kW (635 hp). 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 (210 – 460 kW, 286 – 625 hp)^[1], 6-, 8- and 10-cylinder

Length/width/height: 4,620 – 4,983 mm / 1,700 – 1,903 mm / 1,400 – 1,473 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 83 km of purely electric range^[2] 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 (230–430 kW, 313–585 hp)^[1][3], 6&8-cylinder combustion engine + electric motor (145 kW, 197 hp)^[3][4][5], system output 350–550kW (475–748 hp) ^{[1][3][4][5][6]}