50 Years of BMW M

The BMW M division was founded in May 1972 with the aim of enhancing BMW’s road models to help development and competitiveness in motorsport. Maybe, its therefore of little surprise that ‘M’ stands for motorsport and is one of the most well recognised letters in the automotive industry. 

The first road going model was the iconic BMW 3.0l CSL with 200kg of weight saved thanks to the BMW M technology was a showcase of things to come. Every component of the CSL was weighed, measured, and replaced with a lighter version. With aluminium used wherever possible, Perspex windows and lightweight bucket seats. The party piece was the huge rear spoiler which was removable for street use.

Then came the legendary BMW M1, designed by Paul Bracq and Giorgetto Giugaro. The M1 was a stunning supercar with 277bhp and quickly became one of the most desirable cars to come out of Germany. 

Arguably the most important M cars and the models which won over motor enthusiasts across the globe were the first M3 and M5 models launched in 1986 and 1985. These combined the luxury, technology, and practicality of the 3 Series and 5 Series with motorsport touches to provide unrivalled pace. 

Since then, there have been countless M models which appeal to every kind of motor enthusiast. These have all helped the development of the division and lead to today’s line-up which consists of coupes, saloons, estates and SUV models, as well as the recently announced M2 and M3 Touring.

Get in touch with your local Inchcape BMW to discover the history of BMW M and the current range of models.

BMW offers a range of M Lite models, these are designed to offer an alternative for those who want some extra performance and the special feel of an M product but also want more comfort and daily appeal. 

There are a range of M Lite models starting with the M135i, a car which we took out to celebrate 50 Years of BMW M. The M135i is a five-door hatchback with a powerful 2.0 turbocharged engine with 302bhp and all wheel drive which allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. As the M135i is the most premium model in the 1 Series range it comes well equipped with upgraded infotainment, sports seats, sports styling as well M performance tweaks. 

Other models include the new M240i, the M340i and M340d, i4 M50, M550i, M760e and M850i, X5 M50i and X7 M60i. 

Click to arrange a test drive of the M135i or to browse the latest Inchcape BMW new car offers.

Out of the desirable M model range, the M3 and M4 are arguably some of the most popular. We took the all new M4 out for a spin to celebrate 50 years of BMW M. 

The M4 is powered by an all new engine from BMW, a 3.0l inline 6 cylinder engine which produces 552bhp and 650 Nm to allow the M4 to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The M4 is packed with motorsport technology to support the power on offer with the ability to configure the steering feel, brake pedal firmness, chassis, and powertrain. Dynamic Stability Control has a ten-stage function to allow you to set the exact amount of driver aid.

Then there is the styling, the M4 is designed to make a statement. Starting with the large kidney grilles which indicate the amount of cooling the engine needs and therefore how powerful it is. The carbon fibre roof reduces mass and lowers the centre of gravity whilst the rear features an aggressive diffuser and quad tail pipes. The model we drove was in the stunning BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue which was complimented with the optional M Performance carbon fibre body kit and M Performance exhausts which completed the aggressive look.

Other models include the upcoming M2, M5, M8, X3M, X4M, X5M and X6M.

Click to experience the thrill of driving an M4 for yourself to browse the latest Inchcape BMW new car offers.

It is likely that the next generation of M models will be fully electric or hybrid. Currently there are two electric M models the i4 M50 and iX M60. The i4 is arguably just as exciting as other models in the lineup due to the instant access to 100% of the i4’s 795 Nm of torque which pushes you into your seat. The i4 can acceleration from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.

These models along with concepts such as the BMW Vision M NEXT hint at the future. Whilst BMW’s return to 24 hours of Le Mans in 2024 with its all new hybrid V8 racing car suggest that BMW M will remain as exciting and exhilarating as it has over the last fifty years.

Buying an approved used BMW M car widens your choice even further to some truly iconic cars. Inchcape stocks a wide range of BMW M cars and buying an Inchcape approved used car comes with many benefits:

• Minimum 12 month unlimited mileage BMW Warranty
• Independent, certified check to verify vehicle history and mileage
• Only Genuine BMW Parts used - most with a two-year warranty
• Meticulous checks carried out by our qualified BMW Technicians

Plus, you can easily value your current car should you wish to sell or part exchange it. 

Click to browse all our Inchcape BMW Approved Used M Cars.