BMW M

{{Short description|High-performance luxury car manufacturer owned by BMW}} {{Redirect|///M||M (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox company | name = BMW M GmbH | logo = BMW M Grey-Colour RGB.svg | logo_size = 250px | logo_caption = Current logo introduced in March 2020 | type = [[Subsidiary]] ([[Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung|GmbH]]) | foundation = 1972 | founder = | former_name = BMW Motorsport GmbH (1972–1993) | location = [[Munich]], [[Germany]] | area_served = | key_people = Franciscus "Frank" Van Meel (CEO)<ref>{{Cite web |title=An interview with BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel |url=https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/frank-van-meel-interview.html |access-date=2026-04-28 |website=www.bmw-m.com}}</ref> | industry = [[Automotive industry|Automotive]] | products = [[Internal combustion engine]]s and cars Automotive sports accessories | services = [[High Performance Driver Education]], [[automobile tuning]] | revenue = | operating_income = | net_income = | assets = | equity = | owner = | num_employees = | parent = [[BMW|BMW AG]] | divisions = | subsid = | homepage = {{URL|www.bmw-m.com}} | footnotes = }}

'''BMW M GmbH''', formerly known as '''BMW Motorsport GmbH''', is a subsidiary of [[BMW|BMW AG]] that manufactures high-performance [[Luxury car|luxury]] [[cars]].

BMW M ("M" for "motorsport") was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. As time passed, BMW M began to supplement BMW's vehicle portfolio with specially modified higher trim models, for which they are now most known by the general public. These M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their counterparts. All M models are tested and tuned at BMW's private facility at the [[Nürburgring]] racing circuit in Germany.

BMW M also provides M packages for the [[BMW S1000RR]] motorcycle, with a limited-production [[homologation (motorsport)|homologation]]-special, race-type machine designated [[BMW S1000RR#M1000RR 2021-|M1000RR]], produced from 2021 onwards.

==History==

===Origins=== [[Image:BMW-M.M3.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|[[BMW E36]] [[BMW M3|M3]] in [[United Kingdom]]]] Established in May 1972 with 35 employees,<ref name=roundel201207>{{cite journal|last=Siuru|first=Bill|title=M At Forty|journal=[[Roundel (magazine)|Roundel]]|date=July 2012|volume=44|issue=7|pages=66–72|issn=0889-3225}}</ref> it grew to 400 employees by 1988, and is currently an integral part of BMW's market presence. The first racing project was BMW's [[BMW E9|3.0 CSL]]. After this came the BMW 530MLE in 1976. It was designed to compete in South Africa's Modified Production Series instead of the regular E12 528i. 100 homologated road cars had to be produced for this.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smyth |first=Mark |date=2021-07-26 |title=The forgotten ancestor of BMW M cars: on track in the 530 MLE |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/touring-cars/the-forgotten-ancestor-of-bmw-m-cars-on-track-in-the-530-mle/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

After the success of BMW M products like ''BMW 3.0 CSL'' in racing venues and the growing market for high performance sports cars, M introduced cars for sale to the public. The first official M-badged car for sale to the public was the [[BMW M1|M1]], revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. The M1, however, was more of a racecar in domestic trim than an everyday driver. The direction of the M cars changed with the 1979 release of the [[BMW 5 Series|M535i]], which was a high performance version of BMW's popular 5 Series mid-size sedan.

In 1993, BMW Motorsport GmbH changed their name to BMW M GmbH. BMW Motorsport GmbH supplied the 6.1-litre [[V12 engine|V12]] [[DOHC]] 48 [[valve]] [[engine]] that powers the [[McLaren F1]], which, like its engine supplier and manufacturer, has enjoyed plenty of racing success, famously winning the [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] in 1995, the first year of competition for the [[McLaren F1 GTR|GTR]] racing variant.

===Recent history=== At present, BMW M has offered modified versions of nearly every BMW nameplate, except for the [[BMW Z1|Z1]]. The [[BMW X5]] and [[BMW X6|X6]] [[BMW Sports Activity Series|sport activity vehicles]] received M derivatives for the 2010 model year onwards. These are the first M vehicles with xDrive four-wheel drive and automatic transmissions, and also the first M-badged SUV models. However, the E70 and E71 X5 and X6 M were actually developed by BMW Group rather than by BMW M.

Although these are considered the most well known in-house tuning divisions, BMW M has a considerably different philosophy than Mercedes-AMG. BMW M has emphasized tuning only vehicles with "Lateral agility" (which has long been the 3 Series, 5 Series, and roadsters), while AMG has created fast versions of many of its nameplates, including flagship sedans and SUVs. Accordingly, "an M car has to be responsive and fundamentally keen on turning as well as accelerating. The M5's technical spec is all about connecting the driver to a car that reacts blindingly fast, whatever request the driver hands down." Until the 2010 model year, BMW M has also never used supercharging or turbocharging, unlike Mercedes-AMG or [[Audi S and RS models|Audi]]; for instance the E39 and E60 iterations of the BMW M5 (using naturally-aspirated engines) competed against the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (with a supercharged V8) and the Audi RS6 (twin-turbo).<ref name="motortrend.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0412_2005_bmw_m5_mercedes_benz_e55/index.html#ixzz1FjrHt5m5 |title=2005 BMW M5 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz e55 AMG - Full Metal Rockets - Luxury Road Test |publisher=Motor Trend |date=13 December 2010 |access-date=6 August 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063556/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0412_2005_bmw_m5_mercedes_benz_e55/index.html| archive-date= 29 June 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="caranddriver1">{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/bmw-760li-first-drive-review |title=BMW 760Li - First Drive Review - Car Reviews |publisher=Car and Driver |date=1 March 2003 |access-date=10 July 2016}}</ref>

BMW ''M'' vehicles can use a variety of transmissions, including [[manual transmission|manual]], [[dual-clutch transmission|dual-clutch]], and [[automatic transmission]]s. The North American market [[E36 M3]]s in sedan and convertible form were the first M-vehicles offered with a traditional torque-converter automatic transmission.

BMW M engines were traditionally large displacement naturally aspirated high revving engines, particularly the [[BMW S85|S85]] V10 in the E60 M5 and E63 M6 and the related [[BMW S65|S65]] V8 in the E90 M3. These are the most powerful engines BMW has ever built (not including the [[BMW S70/2]]) without supercharging or turbocharging, with an output of 100 hp per liter of displacement, and each has won numerous International Engine of the Year Awards.<ref name="motortrend.com"/><ref name=GearHeads.org>{{cite web|title=BMW M7|work=Gearheads|url=http://gearheads.org/2015-bmw-m7/|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-date=22 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022112429/http://gearheads.org/2015-bmw-m7/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/winners_10/3_4.html |title=International Engine of the Year 2010 |publisher=Ukipme.com |access-date=6 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913221925/http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/winners_10/3_4.html |archive-date=13 September 2012 }}</ref> As late as the early 2000s, BMW regarded forced-induction (supercharging or turbocharging) as low-tech shortcuts to boosting horsepower, stating that this adds weight and complexity while reducing throttle response.<ref name="caranddriver1"/> BMW purists have noted that while forced induction and/or large displacement does produce more torque for better day-to-day driving, most of them like the "character" and sound of low displacement naturally aspirated engines with high redlines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bridger |first=Gabriel |date=2010-11-22 |title=Life & Death of BMW\'s Naturally Aspirated Engine |url=https://www.bimmerfile.com/2010/11/22/the-life-death-of-bmws-naturally-aspirated-engine/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=BimmerFile |language=en-US}}</ref>

However, the late 2000s international regulations trends on reducing {{CO2}} emissions and fuel consumption are cited as the reasons not to continue further development on naturally aspirated high redline engines. The [[BMW N54|N54]] twin-turbo inline-6 which debuted in the 2007 BMW 335i (E90) gives almost equivalent performance to the E46 and E90 iterations of the BMW M3, while being much more practical and fuel-efficient as a daily driver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/report-bmw-m3-sedan-may-not-live-to-see-another-generation/ |title=Report: BMW M3 Sedan may not live to see another generation |publisher=Autoblog |date=13 April 2010 |access-date=10 July 2016|last=Noah|first=Joseph}}</ref> Starting with the X5 M and X6 M, and featured in the F10 M5, BMW used the twin-turbocharged [[BMW N63|S63]] which not only produces more horsepower and torque, but is also more efficient than the S85 V10. Also unlike the S85 and S65 which do not share a design with non-M BMW engines, the S63 has significant parts commonality with the base N63 V8 engine (which is also has twin turbochargers) making them less expensive to build.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1024680_report-bmws-m-division-moving-to-four-and-six-cylinder-turbos |title=Report: BMW's M division moving to four and six-cylinder turbos |publisher=Motorauthority.com |date=19 March 2009 |access-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413045904/http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1024680_report-bmws-m-division-moving-to-four-and-six-cylinder-turbos |archive-date=13 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themotorreport.com.au/13561/bmw-m-cars-to-use-twin-turbo-technology |title=Future BMW M Cars Moving To Smaller Capacity Turbo Engines | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications |work=The Motor Report |publisher=Themotorreport.com.au |date=28 November 2008 |access-date=6 August 2011}}</ref> BMW has not yet considered supercharging.<ref name="blog.caranddriver.com">{{cite web |url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-m-gmbh-head-friedrich-nitschke-on-m-diesels-for-u-s-and-m-tuned-i-models-our-love-of-manuals/ |title=BMW M GmBH Head Friedrich Nitschke On M Diesels for U.S. and M-tuned i Models, Our Love of Manuals |publisher=Car and Driver Blog |date=18 April 2012 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812130655/http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-m-gmbh-head-friedrich-nitschke-on-m-diesels-for-u-s-and-m-tuned-i-models-our-love-of-manuals/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[BMW M3]] (E92/E93) was the last "traditional" M car left, as the rest of the list features turbocharged engines. The next iteration of the M3 (F80) and M4 (F82/F83) features a twin-turbocharged straight-6 engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1108_2011_bmw_1_series_m_vs_2011_bmw_m3_comparison/viewall.html |title=2011 BMW 1 Series M vs 2011 BMW M3 Comparison |work=Motor Trend Magazine |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=25 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cparente.wordpress.com/2010/12/14/thoughts-on-the-upcoming-bmw-1-series-m-coupe/ |title=Thoughts on the Upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe « Work, Wine and Wheels |publisher=Cparente.wordpress.com |date=14 December 2010 |access-date=6 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m3/2010/?style=101216058&trim=base&sub=coupe |title=2010 BMW M3 Coupe 4.0L V8 6-speed Manual Reviews |publisher=Edmunds.com |date=9 March 2010 |access-date=6 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rikk |date=2010-11-12 |title=BMW introduces 440HP V6 engine from 2012 for the future M3 {{!}} BMWCoop |url=https://www.bmwcoop.com/2010/11/12/bmw-introduces-440hp-v6-engine-from-2012-for-the-future-m3/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=BMWCoop {{!}} BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Colum |date=2010-03-23 |title=Report: Next BMW M3 to Get 450-hp Twin-Turbo Six |url=https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/03/report-next-bmw-m3-to-get-450-hp-twin-turbo-six.html |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Autoguide.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[BMW X2]] (F39) 2018-2023.

This sports activity coupe (SAC) has a unique logo on the rear pillar, it pays homage to the BMW 3.0 CSL 1972, first car built by the M Sports team.

[[File: 2018_BMW_X2_xDrive20d_M_Sport_X_Automatic_2.0_Front.jpg|100px]]

== Leadership == * [[Jochen Neerpasch]] (1972–1980) * Dieter Stappert (1980–1993) * Adolf Prommersberger (1994–2003) * Ulrich Bruhnke (2003–2007) * Ludwig Willisch (2008–2009)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Schneiderlin |date=2025-04-12 |title=gg88 com |url=https://mobisafargov.in.net/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Significant growth in 2008: BMW M GmbH Car Sales up 50 Per Cent. High-performance sports cars continue their worldwide success - dynamic development also of M Sports Packages and BMW Individual. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0011584EN/significant-growth-in-2008:-bmw-m-gmbh-car-sales-up-50-per-cent-high-performance-sports-cars-continue-their-worldwide-success-dynamic-development-also-of-m-sports-packages-and-bmw-individual?language=en |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |language=en}}</ref> * Kay Segler (2009–2011) * Friedrich Nitschke (2011–2014)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BMW nomeia novo chefe da sua divisão esportiva M |url=https://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/noticias/bmw-nomeia-novo-chefe-da-sua-divisao-esportiva-m/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=Quatro Rodas |language=pt-BR}}</ref> * Franciscus van Meel (2015–2018)<ref name=":0" /> * Markus Flasch (2018–2021)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Markus Flasch, Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung der BMW M GmbH (ab 1. Oktober 2018) (09/2018) |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/photo/detail/P90322736/markus-flasch-vorsitzender-der-geschaeftsfuehrung-der-bmw-m-gmbh-ab-1-oktober-2018-09/2018 |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |language=de}}</ref> * Franciscus van Meel (2021–present)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boeriu |first=Horatiu |date=2021-10-08 |title=Frank Van Meel returns as BMW M CEO, Flasch moves to new role |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2021/10/08/frank-van-meel-returns-as-bmw-m-ceo-flasch-moves-to-new-role/ |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=BMW BLOG |language=en-US}}</ref>

==M cars versus M-badged cars== Apart from the pinnacle M versions of each model, BMW Motorsport also offers "M Sport" accessories upgrades to cars in its lineup. This single purchase option, which offers more dramatic enhancements from the standard Sports Package, includes a sportier suspension, steering wheel, gearshift, wheels, fully-adjustable sport seats, and a sports aerodynamic package. Cars with the "M Sport" option are sportier than their respective stock models, but trade some of the performance and handling of ''M'' cars in exchange for greater comfort.

Vehicles with the "M Sport" upgrade feature smaller ''M'' badges on the wheels, front fenders, steering wheel, gearshift and door sills, whilst fully-fledged ''M'' cars have larger "M" badges on the grille and/or trunk, wheels, steering wheel, gearshift and door sills with the model number (e.g., "[[BMW M4|M4]]" or "[[BMW M5|M5]]"). The exceptions include the [[BMW M Roadster|M Roadster]] and [[BMW M Coupe|M Coupe]] models, both Z3, Z4 and [[BMW 1 Series (E87)#1 Series M Coupé|1 Series variants]], which only have an "M" badge with no number displayed on the boot.

BMW has offered these 'M Sport' options on their standard vehicles since the late 1970s which explains why these vehicles carry ''M'' badges straight from the factory. In comparison, vehicle maker Audi also employs this same type of nomenclature. There are fully fledged 'S' models (S4, S5, S6, S7 and TTS), as well as an optional 'S'-line package that can be equipped to their standard vehicle lineup. An example of 'M'-badged vehicles in recent times includes the 5 Series and 6 Series only having a choice of either a manual or automatic transmission, but the 'M' Sport package had an optional [[semi-automatic transmission|Sequential Sport Gearbox (SSG)]] (a gearbox similar to the M5 and M6 (SMG)) until after the 2007 model year.

=== Exclusive M cars === [[File:BMW XM 1X7A6874.jpg|thumb|BMW XM]] Two models, the [[BMW M1|M1]] (1978–1981) and [[BMW XM|XM]] (2022–present), are not pinnacle versions of an existing BMW model, but rather, are ground-up performance models produced and sold exclusively in their M variant. Sometimes labelled as "M Original" cars, these models represent flagship performance and design for the M brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The first-ever BMW XM. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0403971EN/the-first-ever-bmw-xm?language=en |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-15 |title=From the Archive: The History of the BMW M1 |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15141546/the-m1-trilogy-the-history-of-the-m1-feature/ |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The First-Ever BMW XM: A BMW M Original. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0404063EN_US/the-first-ever-bmw-xm:-a-bmw-m-original?language=en_US |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com}}</ref>

==M Performance models== In 2012 BMW introduced a new category for ''M'' cars, branded as ''M'' Performance, designed “to bridge the gap between M Sport variants and the outright M high-performance models.“<ref>{{Cite web |title=The new BMW X6 debuts with the BMW M Performance Models |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0124580EN_GB/the-new-bmw-x6-debuts-with-the-bmw-m-performance-models?language=en_GB |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com}}</ref> The lineup included the diesel-powered M550d in saloon and touring body styles, X5 M50d, and X6 M50d, marking the first diesel-powered BMW models to ever carry M-badging. The gasoline-powered M135i debuted shortly after.

BMW has since announced M Performance variants of nearly every model in their lineup, including four electric models, the i4, i5, iX and the i7.

===Exceptions=== *The BMW X-based M vehicles bear their normal model designations followed by the "M" stripe badge (the [[BMW X3#X3 M|X3 M]], [[BMW X4#X4 M|X4 M]], [[BMW X5#X5 M|X5 M]] and [[BMW X6#X6 M|X6 M]]). If the nomenclature followed tradition, then they would have had the "M" preceding the model designation, e.g. MX5 and MX6, already used by [[Mazda]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The BMW X5 M. The BMW X6 M. |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0011958EN/the-bmw-x5-m-the-bmw-x6-m?language=en |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Gear: M Battle |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/bmw-x5-x6-news-2009-04-06 |access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> *The Z3-based M Roadster and M Coupe bore numberless "M" badges as standard fitment. *The first generation Z4-based Z4 M Roadster and Z4 M Coupe bore their normal model designations followed by the "M" stripe badge (the Z4 M Roadster and Z4 M Coupe). *The [[BMW M6|M635CSi]] followed the M535i naming tradition but was a fully-fledged M-Car (the M6). *The [[BMW 1 Series (E87)|BMW 1 Series]]-based M cars is called the [[BMW 1 Series (E87)|BMW 1 Series M Coupe]] to avoid confusion with the original [[BMW M1]].

==List of cars==

===Current M Performance models=== *[[BMW i4|i4 M50 xDrive]] - G26 BEV gran coupé (2021–) *[[BMW i5|i5 M60 xDrive]] - G60 saloon and G61 estate (2024–) *[[BMW i7|i7 M70 xDrive]] - G70 saloon (2023–) *[[BMW iX|iX M60]] (2022–) *[[BMW 1 Series (F70)|M135 xDrive]] – F70 five-door hatchback (2024–) *[[BMW 2 Series (F44)|M235 xDrive]] – F74 gran coupé (2024–) *[[BMW 2 Series (G42)|M240i/M240i xDrive]] - G42 coupé (2021–) *[[BMW 3 Series (G20)|M340i xDrive and M340d xDrive]] - G20 saloon and G21 estate (2019–) *[[BMW 4 Series (G22)|M440i xDrive and M440d xDrive]] - G22 coupé and G23 convertible (2020–) *[[BMW 7 Series (G70)|M760e xDrive]] - G70 saloon (2023–) *[[BMW X1|X1 M35i xDrive]] - U11 (2023-) *[[BMW X2|X2 M35i xDrive]] - U10 (2023–) *[[BMW X3#Fourth generation (G45; 2024))|X3 M50 xDrive]] - G45 (2024–) *[[BMW X5 (G05)|X5 M60i xDrive]] - G05 (2023–) *[[BMW X6#G06|X6 M60i xDrive]] - G06 (2023–) *[[BMW X7|X7 M60i xDrive]] - G07 (2023–)

===Previous M cars=== {| class="wikitable" |- style="background:#cccccc;" ! Production ! Model ! Type ! Displacement ! Engine Type ! Power ! Body ! Production Number ! Image |- | 1978–1981 | '''[[BMW M1|M1]]''' | [[BMW M1|E26]] | 3.5-litre | [[Straight-six engine|I6]] | {{convert|204|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe | 453<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=20|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E26 M1|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M1, front right (Brooklyn).jpg|100px]] |- | 1980–1984 | '''[[BMW 5 Series (E12)#M535i|M535i]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E12)|E12]] | 3.5-litre | I6 | {{convert|160|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 1,410<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=3|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E12 M535i|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:1981BMW M 535i (5969143588).jpg|100px]] |- | 1984-1989 | '''[[BMW M6#E24 M635CSi/M6 (1983–1989)|M 635 CSi]]''' | [[BMW E24|E24]] | 3.5-litre | I6 | {{convert|191|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|210|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe | 5,859<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=5|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E24 M635CSi + M6|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:Bmw 6er sst.jpg|100px]] |- | 1985-1988 | '''[[BMW 5 Series (E28)|M535i]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E28)|E28]] | 3.5-litre | I6 | {{convert|136|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|160|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 9,483<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=6|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E28 M535i|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:1986 BMW M535i (E28) sedan (2015-06-04) 01.jpg|100px]] |- | 1985-1988 | '''[[BMW M5#E28 M5 (1984–1988)|M5]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E28)|E28]] | 3.5-litre | I6 | {{convert|210|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 2,191<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=7|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E28 M5|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:M5sig (E28).jpg|100px]] |- | 1986-1991 | '''[[BMW M3#E30 M3|M3]]''' | [[BMW 3 Series (E30)|E30]] | 2.3-litre 2.5-litre | I4 | {{convert|143|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|175|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe Convertible | 17,184 (Coupe)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=8|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E30 M3|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> 786 (Convertible)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=9|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E30 M3 convertible|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M3 E30 front 20090514.jpg|100px]] |- | 1988-1995 | '''[[BMW M5#E34 M5 (1988–1995)|M5]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E34)|E34]] | 3.6-litre 3.8-litre | I6 | {{convert|232|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|250|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors Station wagon (since 1992) | 11,336 (Sedan); 891 ([[Station wagon]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=12|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E34 M5|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M5 (16249758041).jpg|100px]] |- | 1990 | '''[[BMW 8 Series (E31)#M8|M8]]''' | [[BMW 8 Series (E31)|E31]] | 6.0-litre | V12 | 410 kW (558 PS) | Coupe | 1 prototype | |- | 1992-1999 | '''[[BMW M3#E36 M3|M3]]''' | [[BMW 3 Series (E36)|E36]] | 3.0-litre 3.2-litre | I6 | {{convert|179|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|236|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors Coupe Convertible | 71,242<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=14|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E36 M3 3.0|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E36 M3 3.2|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M3 E36 coupe.jpg|100px]] |- | 1996-2002 | '''[[BMW M Coupé and Roadster#Z3 M Roadster (1998–2002)|M Roadster]]''' '''[[BMW M Coupé and Roadster#Z3 M Coupé|M Coupe]]''' | [[BMW Z3|E36/7]] [[BMW Z3|E36/8]] | 3.2-litre | I6 | {{convert|179|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|236|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Roadster Coupe | 6,291 (Coupe);<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=17|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E36/8 M coupe|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> 15,375 (Roadster)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=16|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E36/7 M roadster|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW Z3 M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 1998-2003 | '''[[BMW M5#E39 M5 (1998–2003)|M5]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E39)|E39]] | 5.0-litre | V8 | {{convert|294|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 20,482<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=18|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E39 M5|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M5 (2002) - Flickr - The Car Spy (24).jpg|100px]] |- | 2000-2006 | '''[[BMW M3#E46 M3|M3]]''' | [[BMW 3 Series (E46)|E46]] | 3.2-litre 4.0-litre (GTR) | I6 V8 | {{convert|252|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|279|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe Convertible | 85,744<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=19|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E46 M3|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M3 Coupé E46 (14245863196) (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 2005-2010 | '''[[BMW_M5#E60/E61_M5_(2004–2010)|M5]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (E60)|E60]] [[BMW 5 Series (E60)|E61]] | 5.0-litre | V10 | {{convert|373|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors Station wagon (since 2007) | 19,522 (Sedan); 1,025 (Station wagon)<ref name="bmwmregistry.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=54|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ F10 M5|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M5 E60 - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (2) (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 2005-2010 | '''[[BMW M6#E63/64 M6 (2005–2010)|M6]]''' | [[BMW 6 Series (E63)|E63]] [[BMW 6 Series (E63)|E64]] | 5.0-litre | V10 | {{convert|373|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe Convertible (since 2006) | 9,087 (Coupe); 5,065 (Convertible)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=22|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E63 + E64 M6|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M6 E63 - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (15) (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 2006-2008 | '''[[BMW M Coupé and Roadster#Z4 M Roadster (2006–2008)|Z4 M Roadster]]''' '''[[BMW M Coupé and Roadster#Z4 M Coupé|Z4 M Coupé]]''' | [[BMW Z4|E85]] [[BMW Z4|E86]] | 3.2-litre | I6 | {{convert|252|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Roadster Coupe | 4,275 (Coupé);<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=23|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E85 M Roadster|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> 5,070 (Roadster)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=24|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E86 M Coupe|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW Z4 M Roadster02.JPG|100px]] |- | 2007-2013 | '''[[BMW M3#E90/92/93 M3|M3]]''' | [[BMW 3 Series (E90)|E90 E92 E93]] | 4.0-litre 4.4-litre (CRT & GTS) | V8 | {{convert|309|kW|PS|abbr=on}} {{convert|331|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors Coupe Convertible | 9,606 + 68 M3 CRT (Sedan); 39,954 + 138 M3 GTS (Coupé); 16,219 (Convertible)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=50|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E90 + E92 + E93 M3|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW M3 E92 - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (8) (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 2011-2012 | '''[[BMW 1 Series (E87)#1 Series M Coupé|1M Coupe]]''' | [[BMW 1 Series (E87)|E82]] | 3.0-litre | I6 | {{convert|250|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe | 6,342<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=53|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E82 1 Series M Coupe|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW 1M - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (7) (cropped).jpg|100px]] |- | 2009-2013 | '''[[BMW X5 (E70)#BMW X5 M (2009-13)|X5 M]]''' | [[BMW X5 (E70)|E70]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|408|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | 8,974<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=64|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E70 X5 M|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW X5M (9314586495).jpg|100px]] |- | 2009-2014 | '''[[BMW X6#BMW X6 M (2009–2014)|X6 M]]''' | [[BMW X6#First generation .28E71.3B 2008.E2.80.932014.29|E71]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|408|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | 10,678<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=52|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ E71 X6 M|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW X6 M (E71) – Frontansicht, 26. Juni 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg|100px]] |- | 2011-2016 | '''[[BMW M5#F10 M5 (2011–2016)|M5]]''' | [[BMW 5 Series (F10)|F10]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|412|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|441|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 19,533<ref name="bmwmregistry.com"/> | [[File:BMW M5 F10 (8694398487).jpg|100px]] |- | 2012-2018 | '''[[BMW M6#F06/F12/F13 M6 (2012–2018)|M6]]''' | [[BMW 6 Series (F06/F12/F13)|F06/F12/F13]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|412|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|441|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors Coupe Convertible | 6,719 (Sedan with 4 doors); 4,515 (Coupe); 4,318 (Convertible)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=59#2|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ F06 + F12 + F13 M6|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:2012 BMW M6 (F13) coupe (2018-11-27) 01.jpg|100px]] |- | 2013-2018 | '''[[BMW X5 (F15)#X5 M|X5 M]]''' | [[BMW X5 (F15)#X5 M|F85]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|423|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | 12,915<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=70#2|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ F85 X5 M|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:2017 BMW X5M.jpg|100px]] |- | 2014-2019 | '''[[BMW X6 (F16)#X6 M|X6 M]]''' | [[BMW X6 (F16)#X6 M|F86]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|423|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | 9,794<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=71#2|title = BMW M Registry - FAQ F86 X6 M|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:BMW X6M F86 (28004084531).jpg|100px]] |- | 2014-2018 | '''[[BMW M3#F80 generation (2014–2019)|M3]]''' | [[BMW M3#F80 generation (2014–2019)|F80]] | 3.0-litre | I6 | {{convert|317|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|338|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | 33,414 + 1,263 M3 CS<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23945730&postcount=1|title=BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum - View Single Post - F80 M3 Complete Model Life Production Data|access-date=2026-04-28}}</ref> | [[File:2017 BMW M3 (F80) sedan (2018-08-31) 01.jpg|100px]] |- | 2014-2020 | '''[[BMW M4#F82|M4]]''' | [[BMW M4#F82|F82]] [[BMW M4#F82|F83]] | 3.0-litre | I6 | {{convert|317|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|368|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Coupe Convertible | | [[File:2017 BMW M4 Competition Package 3.0 Front.jpg|100px]] |- | 2015-2021 | '''[[BMW M2|M2]]''' | F87 | 3.0-litre | I6 | 272 kW (365 hp) to 331 kW (444 hp) | Coupe | 61,856 | [[File:2019 BMW M2 Competition Automatic 3.0 Front.jpg|100px]] |- | 2017-2023 | '''[[BMW M5#F90|M5]]''' | [[BMW M5#F90|F90]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|441|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|467|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Sedan with 4 doors | | [[File:2018 BMW M5 Automatic 4.4.jpg|100px]] |- | 2019-2025 | '''[[BMW M8|M8]]''' | [[BMW M8|F91/F92/F93]] | 4.4-litre | V8 | {{convert|412|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|441|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | Gran Coupe Coupe Convertible | | [[File:BMW M8 Competition IMG 3364.jpg|100px]] |- | 2019-2024 | '''[[BMW X3 (G01)#X3 M|X3 M]]''' | [[BMW X3 (G01)#X3 M|F97]] | 3.0-litre | I6 | {{convert|353|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|375|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | | [[File:BMW X3M (49730059211).jpg|100px]] |- | 2019-2025 | '''[[BMW X4 (G02)#X4 M|X4 M]]''' | [[BMW X4 (G02)#X4 M|F98]] | 3.0-litre | I6 | {{convert|353|kW|PS|abbr=on}} to {{convert|375|kW|PS|abbr=on}} | [[Sports Activity Vehicle|SAV]] | | [[File:2019 BMW X4 M Competition Automatic 3.0 Front.jpg|100px]] |}

===M-badged cars=== All these cars are true BMW Motorsport models, not M-line sport models that bear BMW Motorsport features such as sport body kits, and interior specs.

*[[BMW 5 Series (E12)#Special models|E12 M535i]] (1979–1981) – often considered the first mass-production vehicle built by BMW Motorsport *[[BMW 8 Series (E31)|E31 850CSi]] (1992–1996) – an M car in all but name; it had a BMW M–sourced engine and its VIN indicated that it was developed by BMW Motorsport, like all other M cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e31.net/models.html#850CSi|title=850CSi @|publisher=E31.net|access-date=3 October 2010}}</ref>

===M-engined cars=== In the late 1980s, due to prohibitive taxes for cars above 2.0-litres of engine displacement in Italy and Portugal, BMW decided to build the E30 320is as an alternative to the 2.3-litre M3. This car was equipped with a shorter stroke [[BMW S14|S14]] engine and produced 192 PS. BMW produced a total of 3648 units between 9/1987 and 11/1990 of which a majority of 2542 units were made available in two-door form (code name AK95). No catalytic converters were installed on this limited version. The steering rack, springs, shock absorbers, and brakes were similar to the normal E30 6-cylinder models (i.e. 325i) with sports suspension. The engine was mated to a Getrag 265 5-speed transmission in [[Dog-leg gearbox|dog-leg]] configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicheroes.co.uk/cars-for-sale/1838/bmw-e30-320is-a-rare-and-inspired-car|title=BMW 320is @|publisher=classicheroes.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2014}}</ref>

==Competition== Audi's RS models, Mercedes-Benz's AMG models, and Lexus F models are often reviewed in direct competition to a similarly sized BMW M car, such as the [[Lexus IS|Lexus IS-F]] vs. [[Audi RS 4]] vs. [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class|Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG]] vs. [[BMW M3]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009/02/comparobmw-m3-vs-audi-rs4-vs-cadillac-cts-v-vs-lexus-is-f-vs-mercedes-c63-amg/ |title=BMW M3 vs. Audi RS4 vs. Cadillac CTS-V vs. Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63 AMG |date=23 February 2009 |publisher=The Truth About Cars |access-date=6 August 2011}}</ref>

In contrast to aftermarket tuners, [[Alpina]] BMW-based cars are currently mostly built by BMW on its production lines and are more comfort-oriented. Alpina is recognized as a car manufacturer and works very closely with BMW, sometimes participating in the development of BMW models and engines. Some Alpina models are even sold in North-America by BMW and either compete with the BMW M6 Gran Coupé, in the case of the Alpina B6 Gran Coupé, or replace them, in the case of the Alpina B7 as there is no M7 variant of the 7 Series to compete with the model.<ref>{{cite web|title = BMW M7 not needed, Alpina B7 covers that niche, according to BMW exec {{!}} CarAdvice|url = http://www.caradvice.com.au/321081/bmw-m7-not-needed-alpina-b7-covers-that-niche-according-to-bmw-exec/|access-date = 30 August 2015|date = 25 November 2014|last = Fung|first = Derek}}</ref>

BMW M also faces competition from several independent companies offering their own performance versions of BMW models; some performance packs can be retrofitted to existing cars while others are applied to new cars bought directly from BMW AG and converted prior to first registration. Such companies include [[Hamann Motorsport]], [[Dinan Cars]], [[G-Power]], [[AC Schnitzer]] and [[Hartge]].

==See also== * [[BMW]] * [[BMW in motorsport]] * [[BMW Motorsport]] * [[BMW model designations]] * [[History of BMW]] * [[Audi Sport GmbH]] * [[Audi S and RS models]] * [[Hyundai N]] * [[Mercedes-AMG]]

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== {{Commons category|BMW M}} * [https://www.bmw-m.com/en/index.html BMW M: Home of high performance cars] * [http://bmw-motorsport.com/ BMW Motorsport (competition) website]

[[Category:BMW in motorsport]]

[[Category:Automotive companies established in 1972]] [[Category:Motorsports and performance divisions of motor vehicle manufacturers]] [[Category:1972 establishments in West Germany]]