The 10 Best BMW M Cars of All Time
3 minute readThe 10 Best BMW M Cars of All Time
Established in 1972, BMW’s M Division began with only 35 employees. The aim being to bring a taste of their successful motorsport heritage to the commercially available road car. Swiftly growing to 400 employees by 1988, the rest is history. BMW M has since become a household name with an undeniably legendary status within the world of motoring.
From its humble beginnings to the present day, the BMW M name has evolved into something more than just its most hardcore road-going offerings. With M Sport trim lines available on most models as well as the large range of M Performance models, more colloquially known as baby M cars, times have certainly changed. We’ve taken a dive into BMW M’s history and selected 10 of the best BMW M cars ever made. It’s certainly not been easy, and we’re sure we’ll stir up some controversy with these selections, but let’s get started. Our list is in order of model release.
- BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)
Initially introduced in 1972, BMW’s 3.0 CSL was homologated to make the car eligible for the European Touring Car Championship. This iconic model is practically a road-legal race car, with a major focus on lightness and aerodynamics. Perspex side windows, a thinner steel body, and even the deletion of trim and soundproofing in some countries were implemented in order to reduce weight.
BMW 3.0 CSL
It wasn’t until 1973 that the 3.0 CSL was released in its ultimate form that would earn itself the ‘Batmobile’ nickname. This variation had an increased engine displacement from 3.0 – 3.2 litres as well as the unmistakable aerodynamic package which included an air dam, front fender fins, a rear roof spoiler, and a rather large rear wing! Despite its somewhat tame power output of 203 hp by today’s standards, the 3.0 CSL is optimised for maximum track performance which translates into an exhilarating vehicle to drive on public roads.
- BMW M1 (E26)
The first-ever BMW to be branded with the famous M division name, nothing quite like the M1 has ever been recreated by BMW to this day. A naturally aspirated mid-engined sports car with Italian styling from one of the world’s most influential car designers, Giorgetto Giugiaro. An anomaly of sorts, the M1 did however remain true to its German roots mechanically speaking, with its M88 3.5-litre straight-six engine deriving from the 3.0 CSL. This time producing 277 hp with an exquisite soundtrack to match. 453 BMW M1s were produced in total, all of which were left-hand drive.
BMW M1
As envisioned by the head of BMW’s motorsport division, Jochen Neerpasch, the M1 was to be a car developed with Lamborghini to compete in Group-5 racing. Unfortunately, due to various challenges, the M1’s development process was a difficult one, which ultimately resulted in the M1 never quite achieving the motorsport glory it could have.
Despite this, an M1 Procar was created for competitive racing. This track-built specification saw a boosted power output of 470 hp as well as enhanced aerodynamic components. Competing in both Group-4 and Group-5 among other racing series, the M1 also had its own slice of unique motorsport history. This was the spectacular BMW Procar Series which saw the top five F1 drivers, based on their performance in practice sessions during the respective Grand Prix, participate in a race where they drove identical BMW M1 cars against private drivers, established racers, and emerging talents. An absolute spectacle, such racing would never be seen today and certainly thrilled viewers around the world.
- BMW M3 (E30)
The E30 M3 is a true poster car. Perhaps one of the most recognisable cars BMW has ever built. It was also the first ever M3, and just like the legendary M models that came before it, derived directly from BMW motorsport. With multiple championship victories in touring car racing, this generation of M3 pulsated with success. This was one of the more closely matched models when comparing the road-going car to its racing version. A considerable focus on performance and circuit driving capability is evident – the brake system with ABS and ventilated disks alongside an extremely sporty suspension and damping setup, ensures you can really feel the racing-inspired engineering behind the car.
BMW E30 M3
The four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine at the heart of the E30 M3 produces 200 hp and utilises sophisticated technology to provide low weight, high torque, and improved durability. This contributes towards a 6.15 kg/hp power-to-weight ratio, an impressive figure at the time and one that certainly provides considerable driving enjoyment today.
Many different variants of the E30 were made, including the rare convertible and M3 Sport Evolution models. The Sport Evolution is regarded as the very best by many, featuring a revised engine, aerodynamics, and one-piece racing seats.
- BMW Z3 M Coupé (E36/8)
The BMW Z3 M Coupé is a real oddball. Its design is often compared to that of a clown’s shoe or other items you wouldn’t usually associate with a car. Polarising looks? Yes. A brilliant drive? Also, yes. You’re either going to love or hate the way this car looks but there’s no denying just how good it is to drive.
BMW Z3 M Coupe
The E36 M3’s 3.2-litre 6-cylinder straight-six can be found under the bonnet, unless it’s the February 2001 or later model which houses the upgraded S54 unit from the E46 M3. The exceptional agility of the Z3 M Coupé stemmed primarily from its fundamental design principles: a front-engine layout, rear-wheel drive configuration, extended wheelbase, nearly balanced weight distribution at around 50/50, rearward-positioned seats, a low centre of gravity, complemented by a robust suspension system and a wide track.
- BMW M5 (E39)
Widely considered one of the all-time great super saloons, the E39 excels in just about every category. The V8 M5 is exceptionally versatile, being both practical and capable of such high performance, leading to many instances where these cars accumulated substantial mileage. With its understated aesthetics, roomy interior, and comfort features, it became highly attractive to executives and drivers requiring swift and stress-free long-distance travel.
BMW E39 M5
The E39 M5 introduced numerous groundbreaking elements for the M5 series, marking several firsts such as the inaugural V8 engine, fly-by-wire throttle system, inclusion of DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), implementation of BMW’s VANOS variable valve timing system, and various other advancements in both electronic and mechanical realms. This model truly ushered in a new era for BMW M cars. Despite its extraordinary features, only a relatively small quantity of right-hand drive M5s were manufactured – 2,595 units to be specific. Even fewer being the crucial facelift models released in the 2001 model year.
- BMW M3 CSL (E46)
The BMW M3 CSL stands as an iconic and pinnacle achievement within the third generation M3 series. In 2003, BMW M harnessed the very best of motorsport technology and elevated the sports car to new heights with the M3 CSL.
