M GmbH, which stands for Motorsport and is the name of BMW’s performance division, has been in existence since the 1970s. When it was first established, the department concentrated all of its engineering expertise on building race cars. However, as the brand soon yearned to expand operations into the high-performance market, BMW permitted the creation of M-branded cars for the general public. The M1 was the first M automobile made accessible to the general public; it was a mid-engine race car with a very thin veneer of comforts.
The M recipe evolved throughout time; instead of creating pure street racers, they opted to push the edge and create vehicles that are not only as quick and maneuverable as certain racecars, but also provide comfort and high-tech amenities often found in luxury automobiles.
Today, M produces high-performance versions of almost all of the vehicles offered by BMW. Let’s explore everything the M Series has to offer.
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BMW M
BMW M GmbH, originally BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a division of BMW AG and a producer of supercars.
The original purpose of BMW M, which stands for “motorsport,” was to support the company’s racing program, which was tremendously successful in the 1960s and 1970s. As time went on, BMW M started to add specially modified higher trim models to the lineup of BMW vehicles, for which they are today best known to the general public. To distinguish them from their rivals, these M-badged automobiles typically feature upgraded external trim, aerodynamics, interior trim, transmissions, and suspensions. At BMW’s exclusive testing and tuning facilities at the German racing circuit of Nurburgring, all M vehicles are scrutinized.
In addition, BMW M offers M packages for the BMW S1000RR motorbike. The M1000RR is a homologation-only, limited-production race-style vehicle.
M Sport BMW
M Sport is the bottom rung of the BMW M ladder. Instead than being a special vehicle variation like M Performance or M, “M Sport” is simply an accessory package that can be applied to practically any BMW. The M Sport package is available for even high-end vehicles like the 7-Series, 8-Series, and X7.
The M Sport package varies from vehicle to vehicle in terms of what is included. Carwow notes that, at the very least, it offers distinctive outward and interior elements. Some minor M emblems, darker exterior and interior trim, bigger wheels, a sportier-looking body package, and a unique steering wheel are among these changes. However, certain BMWs get much more.
For instance, according to Car and Driver and Road & Track, the M Sport option for the 3-Series includes M Sport suspension, faster steering, and variously colored brake calipers. In contrast, the X5 M Sport package replaces the sport suspension with an adaptable one. The M Sport package can therefore increase handling, if not exactly performance, despite the fact that it is primarily aesthetic.
What sets BMW M, M Sport, and M Performance apart
M Sport is the bottom rung of the BMW M ladder. Instead than being a special vehicle variation like M Performance or M, “M Sport” is simply an accessory package that can be applied to practically any BMW. The M Sport package is available for even high-end vehicles like the 7-Series, 8-Series, and X7. Depending on the car, the M Sport package may have different items. But at the very least, it offers distinctive outward and interior details. Some minor M emblems, darker exterior and interior trim, bigger wheels, a sportier-looking body package, and a unique steering wheel are among these changes. However, certain BMWs get much more.
M Performance is a level up from M Sport. The insignia on the trunk makes it simple to identify between the two. For example, a 340i with the M Sport package will only say “340i,” whereas the BMW M340i with M Performance will actually say “M340i.” And whereas M Sport focuses primarily on appearance, M Performance adds real speed. Keeping with the 3-Series, the M340i receives a unique engine from the base model. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower is the standard powertrain for the 3-Series. The 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder in the M340i, however, produces 382 horsepower. The M Performance variant still has a manual transmission, but it also includes M Sport brakes, M Sport exhaust, sportier tires, bigger wheels, more selectable driving modes, and a standard electronically controlled locking rear differential.
The quickest and most potent trims are the M Performance cars, although due to the extensive performance upgrades, BMW officially views its M products as unique models. Because of this, official M vehicles lack trim names; for example, the M3 and X6 M are simply badged as “M3” and “X6 M.” And every BMW M SUV and automobile is built with track racing in mind, unlike M Performance cars, which are primarily meant for street driving. Every X5 M and X6 M purchaser has access to training at one of BMW’s M driving schools. Which, given the support the M models receive, is probably absolutely necessary. The most evident is increased strength. Similar to the M340i, the regular BMW M3 has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, however the M3’s engine produces 425 horsepower. This is increased to 444 horsepower by the M3 Competition. The forthcoming 2021 M3 might have up to 510 horsepower. The M-specific alterations, however, go beyond that.
What does M in BMW stand for?
BMW had a significant presence in the racing world in the middle of the 20th century. The firm established the “M” trademark and the BMW M section of the company to set apart the vehicles that BMW put on the track from those that were made available to the general public. In this instance, the letter “M” stands for “Motorsport.” But as time went on, BMW M started to create cars that were sold to the general public. Since then, several high-performance vehicles have been offered by BMW. Specialized components, from extraordinary engines to exterior alterations, are available for BMW M vehicles.
M5 BMW: What does that mean?
A high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series known as the BMW M5 is sold under the BMW M sub-brand. In the sports sedan class, it is regarded as iconic. The majority of M5s have been made in sedan (saloon) body form, however from 1992 to 1995 and from 2006 to 2010, the M5 was also offered in some countries as an estate (wagon).
With a modified M1 engine, the first M5 model was hand-built in 1985 on the E28 535i chassis and was the fastest production sedan at the time. Since 1985, M5 models have been created for each generation of the 5 Series.
What do the M and three stripes on a BMW mean?
The M stands for “Motorsport,” the name given to BMW’s line of high-performance automobiles. You can anticipate having the best handling automobile with strong performance to back it up when you purchase a BMW M vehicle. On these models, the M logo with the three stripes is frequently present:
- BMW M2
- BMW M3
- BMW M4
- BMW M5
- BMW M6
- BMW M8
A few models are available with the BMW M emblem if you are a die-hard BMW M enthusiast but don’t need the quickest or firmest BMW available. These BMW M series cars will have M features sporadically placed throughout with the ideal balance of performance and luxury.
- BMW 1M
- BMW M235i
- BMW M240i
- BMW M340i
- BMW M440i
- BMW M550i
- X3 M40i BMW
- BMW X3 M
- BMW X5 M
- X7 M50i BMW
These cars typically have updated wheels with a sportier appearance and aerodynamic details like a rear spoiler. Additionally, the interior is decorated with the BMW M emblem, and the steering wheel has been modified to the M sport steering wheel with paddle shifters for a sportier feel.
The meaning of the BMW M colors
Blue represents BMW, red represents motorsport, and violet represents the special union of the two, according to BMW M. This still remains true today if dark blue is used in place of purple. The BMW M colors are derived in a clever yet straightforward way.
What distinguishes the BMW Normal from the M Sport?
The wheels, suspension, and brakes on M Sport variants are larger than those on regular BMW models. Wider tires provide better traction, the suspension lessens how much the automobile leans into turns, and the brakes let the vehicle stop more quickly. When you add everything up, M Sport vehicles are more enjoyable to drive. And that says a lot considering that even non-M Sport models are more enjoyable to drive than the majority of competitors.
The trade-off is that M Sport models typically aren’t as comfortable because you can feel road imperfections more readily due to their lower suspension and low-profile tyres. However, keep in mind that if you’re considering a used M Sport model, it can come with optional adaptive or air suspension that makes the ride feel almost luxuriously smooth.
Because M Sport vehicles are offered with the exact same engines as any other BMW, they do not accelerate any more swiftly than other models. Not that a single BMW is even close to being slow.
How quickly can a BMW M5 travel?
For the majority, the base BMW M5 is more than adequate. It is a breathtaking blend of luxury and performance in an adult-size car, with 600 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-8, a 2.8-second 0-to-60 time, and a top speed computer-limited to 155 mph.
M5 or M3: Which is faster?
The BMW M3 and M5 once both came equipped with V8 engines. The M3 was limited to an inline-six in 2014, while the midsize still has a V8 under the hood. We frequently think that more cylinders and power are better at the drag strip, but this comparison between an unmodified 2017 M3 and a stock 2020 M5 Competition shows a different tale.
The most recent M5, which produces a whopping 627 horsepower in the CS version, is the most potent model to bear the badge. With 617 horsepower, the M5 Competition that was raced here is little less potent, but it still poses a danger to the majority of contemporary muscle cars.
The previous generation M3’s twin-turbo inline-six engine produced a maximum of 425 horsepower in basic trim. The M5 Competition is about 200 horsepower faster, but this blue four-door vehicle is not your typical 2017 M3. With the update, the drivetrain now produces 600 horsepower. Now it appears that we will be engaged in a fair fight.
Okay, it’s not quite fair because the M3 is lighter and the M5 Competition has all-wheel drive, but at least the horsepower is comparable. Speaking about curb weight, there is a sizable difference. The M3 weighs only 3,540 pounds, compared to the M5 Competition’s huge 4,370 pounds (1,982 kg) weight (1,606 kg). This adds 840 pounds (381 kg) more weight for the midsize vehicle to transport.
The drag race has gotten off to a shady start. The M3 driver accelerates roughly a second too slowly, whereas the M5 Competition driver almost flawlessly hits the green light. You probably believe that the M3 has no chance at this moment.
However, the small vehicle has the faster time of acceleration, finishing in 10.84 seconds. The M5 Competition stays in the 10s as well, but it moves a little more slowly at 10.99 clicks. The M3 outperforms the M5 in the trap speed competition with a speed of 132.36 mph (213.01 kph) (207.63 kph).
Given what happens when the lights turn green, the outcome is unexpected, but not at all startling given that the M3 is significantly lighter and virtually as powerful as the M5.
To be fair, this M5 Competition clocks in at 10.99 seconds, which isn’t bad at all. And it actually beat the powerful Shelby GT500 with a 10.88-second pass.