BMW M was established in 1972 and represents BMW’s foray into the sports cars market. The first M product didn’t wear an M badge, but nonetheless it is considered a sports car by any means. The 3.0 CSL was built for the racing venues and was followed by the first M-badged vehicle: the M1.
Built starting in 1978, the M1 is one of BMW’s finest vehicles to date. It was the first and only mid-engined BMW to be mass produced. It was powered by a twin-cam M88/1 3.5 liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine with Kugelfischer injection.
Another iconic M car was the M8, but the iconic M model never made it into production. The M8 was equipped with a V12 prototype engine based on the S70 engine, producing around 550 horsepower.
For the compact segment, BMW launched a series of classic M cars that have gone to the heart of BMW purists, such as the E30 M3, E28 M5 or the M Coupe.
In more recent times, models like the E46 M3, E61 M5 Touring and the 1M are bound to become classics in their own way. BMW M continues to evolve and adapt to modern era requirements and regulations, and over the next decade an interesting M lineup will come to life, maybe even the first M5/M6 all-wheel drive.
Here are the Top 10 Best M Cars in our opinion:
1. E9 3.0 CSL
Years: 1971 – 1975
2. E12 M535i
Years: 1979 – 1981
3. E26 M1
Years: 1978 – 1981
4. E36/8 M Coupe
Years: 1998 – 2002
6. E31 M8 (never launched to market)
Years: 1990
6. E30 M3
Years: 1986 – 1990
7. E24 M635CSi
Years: 1983 – 1989
8. E28 M5
Years: 1984 – 1988
9. E39 M5
Years: 1998 – 2003
10. BMW 1M
Years: 2011
Special mention: E46 M3 CSL
Years: 2004
What are YOUR favorite M cars?
