BMW History
Discover the rich heritage and innovation that has shaped BMW into the iconic brand it is today. From the first BMW to the latest models, we've got you covered.
1972
BMW M IS BORN.
Created as a division of BMW’s racing teams, BMW Motorsport roars onto the scene. Only one year later, the BMW 3.0 CSL wins the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
1978
BMW M1
As the namesake of BMW M vehicles, the BMW M1 launches the career of the letter “M” that is destined to be a synonym for top performance and success.
1983
BMW WINS THE FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.
BMW wins its first title in a Brabham BMW driven by Nelson Piquet. The winning vehicle has a BMW turbo engine – producing an incredible 790 hp.
1984
BMW M635 CSI.
As the first luxury sportscar of its kind, the BMW M635 CSI perfectly embodies elegance and power on wheels.
BMW M5.
Making history, this sportscar becomes the first street-legal high-performance sedan.
1986
BMW M3.
The first BMW M3 is introduced as a street version of the champion touring car – bringing motorsport performance to everyday roads.
1988
BMW M coupe.
the 321 M coupé brings the great tradition of BMW two-seaters sportscars back to life.
BMW M5.
The third generation of the M5 debuts as one of the most powerful vehicles ever built by BMW. It's also the first to be powered by an impressive 8-cylinder engine capable of producing 400 hp.
2000
BMW M3 COUPE.
With the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine, an impressive front spoiler, and classic coupe design, the BMW M3 delivers a thrilling driving experience.
2001
BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE.
Open driving at its best - the powerful BMW M3 Convertible is born.
BMW M3 GTR.
Equipped with a 450 hp engine, the BMW M3 GTR wins the honors in the American Le Mans series in its first year.
2005
BMW M5 SEDAN.
With five-liter displacement and a 507 hp high-revving concept, the V-10 engine in conjunction with the 7-gear SMG Drivelogic transmission, delivers elegance with exceptional power.
BMW M6 COUPE.
With a 500 hp V-10 engine, the BMW M6 Coupe is the most powerful BMW ever built.
2008
BMW M3 SEDAN.
The spacious M3 Sedan makes no compromises when it comes to power, dynamics, or responsiveness.
M DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION WITH DRIVELOGIC.
With two transmission shafts, the M DCT instantaneously transfers engine power to the road without disruption and optimizes power to the rear wheels.
BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE.
The new BMW M3 Convertible offers a uniquely sporty driving experience with an open top and full engine sound.
2009
BMW X5 M
With a stylish mix of spaciousness, comfort, and signature M sportiness, the X5 M reinvents the SUV.
BMW X6 M.
A high-performance SUV with an unmistakable coupe-like design, the BMW X6 M has a particularly impressive presence.
2011
BMW 1 SERIES M COUPE.
With 340 horsepower and a muscular appearance, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe combines impressive power and dynamics
BMW M3 CRT.
Made for the racing circuit yet completely roadworthy, the BMW M3 CRT is a small yet powerful M3 spin-off.
BMW M5 SEDAN.
With the BMW M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder engine, the BMW M5 generates a maximum power of 560 hp. The M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and the innovative Active M differential ensure optimal performance and traction.
2013
BMW M6 GRAN COUPE.
As a new BMW M flagship, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe perfectly embodies exclusivity and extraordinary elegance.
2016
BMW M4 GTS.
Conceived for the racing circuit but perfected for road use, the BMW M4 GTS uses innovative water injection to achieve peak performance.
BMW M2 COUPE.
Proving power comes in all sizes, the first BMW M2 Coupe arrives with a M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine and a specially adapted M sport chassis.
2021
BMW M3 & BMW M4.
Reborn with more power than ever, the M3 and M4 Competition models generate up to 500 hp. For the first time in history, they are available with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system allowing for maximum handling and dynamics on the racing circuit and everyday roads.
2022
50 YEARS OF BMW M
On our 50th anniversary, we celebrated five decades of thrilling history. This milestone was dedicated to our avid fans, drivers, and all M enthusiasts. As we race into the future, we start a new era of emotion, electrification, and powerful technology.