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50 YEARS OF M POWER.
6 min reading time

50 YEARS OF M POWER.

One Passion: The BMW M automobiles from „The Huddle“. The anniversary film "The Huddle" features some of the most iconic vehicles from the past 50 years of BMW M. Here, we show the M automobiles in more detail.

WE ARE M: BMW M vehicles are known for their perfect interplay of highest dynamics and racing precision, combined with expressive design and everyday driveability. Many iconic vehicles have been created under this premise over the past 50 years. An impressive selection of these cars can be seen in the new film "The Huddle", which kicks off the brand's 50th anniversary celebration. Here, we will introduce the high-performance protagonists.

BMW 3.0 CSL RACE CAR.

It’s hard to miss this motorsport icon with its unmistakable paint job. The BMW 3.0 CSL was first created in 1973 under Jochen Neerpasch the head of motorsport at BMW M at the time. The vehicle was an extremely powerful development of the BMW E9 Coupé. So powerful, in fact, that the blue and red stripes became increasingly famous in the years that followed and resulted in several titles from Europe’s biggest touring car championships. But that wasn't all. The power coupe also made its mark in the USA as the BMW 3.0 CSL won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1975 and the 24 Hours of Daytona a year later. And three class victories at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race finally made this race car into the asphalt hero it is today.

The inline-6-cylinder engine under the hood of the BMW 3.0 CSL, which was fitted with aero fins, can produce between 360 and 440 hp, depending on the version. This enabled acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds and a top speed of around 275 km/h.

BMW 3.0 CSL RACE CAR.

BMW M3 E30 DTM.

The BMW M3 E30 2.5 Group A - also known as the BMW M3 DTM is the most successful racing touring car of all time. Between 1987 and 1992, this car crossed the finish line as the winner 41 times in DTM races (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). It also had countless triumphs in the world and European championships as well as in the major 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps and racing drivers such as Roberto Ravaglia and Johnny Cecotto became world famous with this M3.

The 315 hp four-cylinder engine had an easy time with the BMW M3 DTM, which had a curb weight of only around 1,000 kg. Developed by then BMW engineer Paul Rosche, the engine could rev up to 9,600 - under racing conditions.

BMW M3 DTM.

BMW M1 PROCAR.

A race car straight out of a picture book – the super sports car silhouette of the BMW M1 Procar makes it clear that even when it is parked that this is a very special car. To this day, the vehicle is a central component in the history of BMW M. The winged mid-engine sports car became famous in 1979 and 1980: At that time, the BMW Procar series was one of the most spectacular racing series in the world of motorsports. As part of most of the European Formula 1 Grand Prix, the five fastest F1 drivers from the qualifying rounds of this race took part in identical BMW M1 Procar cars, competing against private drivers, renowned sports car professionals and up-and-coming talents.

The Procar’s engine was based on the inline 6-cylinder production power unit of the BMW M1 but was able to generate more power. A good 470 hp was said to be produced by the naturally aspirated engine. This meant that the BMW M1 Procar could reach speeds of up to 310 km/h. Motorsport fans around the world still celebrate the inimitable sound the race car makes when it is driven at full throttle.

BMW M1 PROCAR.

BMW M3 CSL.

There can be no meeting of M enthusiasts without the BMW M3 CSL. In 2003, the special edition of the third BMW M3 generation (E46) offered drivers everything you could get from the world of motorsport - but street legal. Thanks to its intelligent lightweight construction, quick-shifting SMG II transmission with Drivelogic and race-proven M suspension, the M3 CSL quickly became a must-have for all lap time fanatics and collectors.

The BMW M3 CSL is highly recognizable thanks to its model-specific front and rear apron, the curved gurney spoiler at the rear and the roof finished in exposed carbon. The high-performance coupe, which was only produced in small numbers, is now one of the most sought-after youngtimers among BMW M automobiles.

The 360 hp inline-6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters featured revised camshafts, modified valves and a carbon airbox. With 111 hp per liter of displacement, the engine was the benchmark in its class in the early 2000s.

BMW M3 CSL.

BMW M8 COMPETITION COUPÉ.

The first BMW M8 in the brand's history was unveiled in 2019. The high-performance M automobile, which is now available in three sizes, marked the start of a new era of expressive luxury at BMW M. The unique sports car combines pure M genes with maximum exclusivity. New colours and an extensive range of BMW Individual equipment make the BMW M8 the top BMW M model.

The latest version of the M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine guarantees performance in keeping with the company's high standards. The high-revving unit develops an output of 625 hp in the BMW M8 Competition Coupé. The adaptive M suspension, intelligent M xDrive all-wheel drive system and the M carbon ceramic braking system ensure M typical driving dynamics.

BMW M8 Competition Coupé [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   11.4
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   260
CO2 class   G

BMW M8 COMPETITION COUPÉ.

BMW iX M60.

The ultimate electric driving machine: BMW M GmbH is breaking new ground with the first BMW iX M60, this Sports Activity Vehicle champions local emission-free mobility and offers outstanding performance at the same time. The extravagant exterior design gives the vehicle serious presence. The shy-tech concept in the interior puts the focus on the passengers and the state-of-the-art technology is elegantly integrated into the high-quality and extravagant design.

The BMW iX M60's powerful powertrain guarantees extremely spontaneous power delivery with two high-performance BMW M eDrive motors. With up to 619 hp*, the fully electric xDrive all-wheel drive system and M specific suspension setup, the SAV offers driving dynamics at the highest level. When Launch Control is activated, a maximum system torque of 1,100 Nm** is available.

* Electric drive up to 397 kW, with temporary power boost <10 seconds up to 455 kW

** Maximum torque of 1,015 Nm in Sport mode or 1,100 Nm with Launch Control activate

 

BMW iX M60 [1]:
Energy consumption combined in kWh/100 km   24.7
CO2 emissions in g/km   0
CO2 class   A
Electric range in km   500

BMW iX M60.

BMW M 1000 RR.

M Power on two wheels – the BMW M RR is the logical extension of BMW Motorrad's range for bikers with a particular affinity for racing. Developed by BMW Motorrad in collaboration with BMW M, the model is impressive thanks to its numerous modified details and racing expertise for the ultimate high-performance riding experience on two wheels. In short, this is a highlight that should not be missing from the anniversary film "The Huddle".

The BMW M 1000 RR's inline-4-cylinder engine, optimized for racing, produces 212 hp at 14,500 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. Acceleration only comes to an end at 315 km/h in the racetrack gear ratio.

BMW M 1000 RR.

WE ARE M – 50 YEARS OF BMW M.

50 Jahre BMW M

WE ARE M – 50 YEARS OF BMW M.

On our 50th birthday, we celebrate five decades of history with a unique community. We dedicate this anniversary not only to our numerous successes, but above all to our fans, drivers and all M enthusiasts.

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