BMW Motorsport

In May 2002, BMW Motorsport celebrates its 30th Anniversary. We celebrate it here!

 

Second Generation M5

The E34 M5 was introduced at the Paris International Motorshow in October 1988. It had 315 hp and a top speed of 250 km/h. Later, European models had 340 hp, 6-speed gearbox, 18" wheels and racing suspension.

This Euro 1995 E34 M5 shows the contrasting lower body panels

The E34 M5 Sport Wagon or Touring model

Motorsport produced 12,100 units worldwide between September 1988 to July 1995, including 891 units of the BMW M5 Touring, the first and only M Touring model.

Second Generation M3

The E36 M3 coupe was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 1992. The M3 had an inline six cylinder engine designated the S50 with 286 hp and a top speed of 250 km/h. Beginning in 1994 the M3 was produced in sedan and convertible models. In 1995 the Euro M3 received a small face lift, a new S52 engine with 321 hp, and a six speed transmission.

The E36 M3 Lightweight model with distinctive logo

The E36 M3 for North America was first produced as a 1995 model with the S50 US B30 engine. Horsepower output is 240 at 6,000 rpm, while the torque peak of 236 lbs/ft occurs at 3,800 rpm. The car can go from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds, with a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 98 miles per hour.

A number of special edition E36 M3's were also created, like the M3 lightweight. The M3 sedan ended production in 1997, and The E36 M3 coupe and convertible ended production in 1999.
 

8 Series M car

The only production V-12 engine ever developed by BMW Motorsport was made for the 8 Series model M850CSi. Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) with differential lock and active rear axle were introduced in the BMW 850CSi.

The 5.6-liter 12 cylinder S73 engine develops 380 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds.

The only V-12 made by M was the 8 Series M850CSi

Only 1,510 units were built. Pictures of 8 Series models:

Click here for a story of an M850CSi in action on the Autobahn!