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.
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Overview of the BMW M Series
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.
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 the M in BMW stand for?
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.
What distinguishes a BMW as a M Sport?
Keeping with the 3-Series, the M340i receives a unique engine from the base model. The base engine for the 3-Series is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower. However, the M340i boasts a 3.0 liter, six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that produces 382 horsepower. According to Car & Driver, the extra power caused the 0-60 time to decrease from 5.2 seconds to 3.8 seconds.
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. Additionally, according to R&T, the M340i is only available as an all-wheel drive model in markets outside of North America. In comparison to the conventional 3-Series, the M340i’s AWD is modified.
There are M Performance versions available for more than only BMW’s passenger vehicles. The X5, X6, and X7 SUVs, the Z4 convertible, and even the 8-Series opulent coupe all have M Performance variations.
Not every M Performance vehicle has the exact same attributes. For instance, according to Car and Driver, the X5 M50i comes standard with adaptive suspension and an electronically-controlled rear differential, while the M850i adds rear-wheel steering. However, compared to the cars they are based on, every M Performance vehicle has a larger, more potent engine.
What does M stand for on a BMW?
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.
What does M stand for in M Sport?
The M division of BMW develops the company’s high-performance vehicles, including the M3 and M5.
The letter “M” stands for “motorsport” simply, and as a result, the M Sport trim was created. This adds some of the sporty styling cues from M cars to BMW’s more mainstream models without increasing power or costing nearly as much as a genuine M model. Hyundai has N line, Volkswagen has R-Line, and Audi uses its S line trim in a comparable manner.
An M Sport package is what?
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.
Is the BMW M Sport Suspension difficult?
The stiffest suspension, regardless of Driving Experience setting, is M-Sport. Eco Pro and Comfort modes are soft if you have Dynamic Damper Control. In iDrive, sport mode may be adjusted to be as soft or stiff as M-Sport.
What makes M Sport and M Sport Pro different?
With all engines other than the 420i, upgrading to M Sport Pro Edition trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sportier aesthetics, a better sound system, three-zone climate control, and a M Sport Differential.
What distinguishes M Performance from M Sport?
The options for each BMW model are listed in the following table, which does not include some of the brand’s SUVs’ xLine designations but does contain the five options that are typically available throughout most model ranges.
You will receive the Standard BMW specification if you order a non-performance-oriented BMW car without selecting any style extras.
With wider wheels, additional trim, and an aggressive body kit, the Sport Line variants give the car a more dynamic appearance.
With M-style body modifications, wheels, trim, and the “M” badge visible throughout the car, the M Sport vehicles are mostly a decorative upgrade both inside and out. Additionally, the M Sport variants have a somewhat sportier handling 10mm lower ride height.
In addition to receiving visual and interior aesthetic updates very similar to those for the M Sport models, the M Performance models also receive engine, braking, and suspension modifications from BMW’s M Division, making them performance vehicles that are more practical for daily use.
Pukka BMW M models modify a variety of conventional BMW products. In order to achieve the highest level of performance, they frequently include custom engines, powerful brakes, the use of rare materials like carbon fiber, specially engineered suspension systems, distinctive interior features, and M-specific wheels and trim options.