What is "M" in BMW Models? All That And More At BMW of Dayton

The History of the BMW “M”

In the mid-20th century, BMW cars were heavily involved in the racing scene. In order to distinguish the vehicles that BMW put on the track from those available to the public, the company created the "M" branding and the BMW M division of the company. The letter "M," in this case, stands for "Motorsport,” fully known as BMW Motorsport.

Now, BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW. Their job is to manufacture performance cars, which were originally created to facilitate BMW's racing program. Specifically, in 1972, the BMW M automobiles were created for racing teams, and BMW Motorsport took the racing circuit by storm. Only one year after they were introduced, the 3.0 CSL won the Nürburgring 24 Hours, an impressive feat.

BMW M: The First Street-Legal Racecar

As time went on, however, and BMW racecars began to rack up wins on the track, BMW car enthusiasts wanted to take the M for a joyride to test out the outstanding performance of these models for themselves. As a result, BMW M began to design vehicles that were available to the public. In fact, in 1984, the BMW M5 made racecar history as the first street-legal high-performance sedan on the market. Since then, the BMW Group has included these high-performance models in the lineup every year.

Any BMW M model enjoys specialized parts ranging from exceptional engines to exterior modifications, including an aerodynamic design, special interior trims, custom steering wheels, a custom BMW M logo, smooth driving dynamics, a premium sound system, the M Sport Package (including sport brakes, sport seats, sports suspension, and more), and other special features.

Where is the BMW M Series Built?

Unlike many BMW models, the high-performance M Series is built in a special facility located right next to the legendary Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. This means your M Series benefits from the expertise of German engineers and mechanics throughout the entire manufacturing process, from assembly to final tuning. This close attention to detail ensures your M Series delivers exceptional performance, whether you're pushing its limits on the track or cruising through Redmond.

While the performance sport seats from the M lineup might be from the facility in Germany, BMW has manufacturing plants in Germany, Mexico, China, South Africa, and America for the rest of their new vehicles. This includes the one and only BMW Manufacturing Plant in the US, located in astute South Carolina.

The BMW M Vehicles

With over 50 years of the BMW M model lineup in addition to standard BMW models, you can surely expect wonderful things from these vehicles. They come equipped with a perfect combination of standard and optional equipment, a range of powerful engine options and vehicle styles, and safety and technology features that are sure to impress. You’ll surely want to explore.

BMW M Models

Over the years, BMW has grown and expanded, and the BMW M lineup shows it. From the BMW M2 Coupe, BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Competition Coupe, BMW X5 SUV, BMW X6, BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe, and many more, there are plenty of options for a BMW individual to choose from.

The company offers racetrack-grade coupes, sedans, convertibles, and even Sports Activity Vehicles (BMW's take on the SUV). Some of these, like the BMW M4, are available in multiple configurations. The M4 can be purchased as the Coupe or the Competition Convertible. Whether you're looking for a beautiful and fast car to get around in Dayton, OH, or a larger vehicle in that can fit the whole family confortably, BMW M has you covered.

Powerful Engine Options

Today, there are more than a dozen vehicles available from the BMW M division. This means that quite a variety of cars, based on different standard BMW models, are available with the M treatment. Some of these automobiles are distinct because they are offered with diesel engines, which get better gas mileage and have lower emissions than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The BMW X3 M40d, for example, is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine!

Other options include a plug-in hybrid powertrain or a selection of fully electric sedans and SUVs. While fuel consumption might not be the biggest factor in a BMW buyer’s decision, the electrified options offer impressive fuel efficiency for the power in the engine. Regardless of fuel preference, residents of the Montgomery County, OH, area will find that BMW M has something for everyone.

Performance M Models

Currently available performance M models include:

• M240i xDrive Coupe
• M235i xDrive Gran Coupe
• M340i Sedan
• M340i xDrive Sedan
• M440i Coupe
• M440i xDrive Coupe
• M440i Gran Coupe
• M440i xDrive Gran Coupe
• M440i Convertible
• M440i xDrive Convertible
• M850i xDrive Coupe
• M850i xDrive Convertible
• M850i xDrive Gran Coupe
• Z4 M40i Roadster
• X1 M35i SUV
• X2 M35i Sports Activity Vehicle
• X3 M40i SUV
• X4 M40i Coupe SUV
• X5 M60i SUV
• X6 M60i Coupe SUV
• X7 M60i SUV

High-Performance M Models

Currently available high-performance M models include:

• M2 Coupe
• M3 Sedan
• M3 Competition Sedan
• M3 Competition xDrive Sedan
• M4 Competition Coupe
• M4 Competition xDrive Convertible
• M4 Competition xDrive Coupe
• M4 Coupe
• M8 Competition Coupe
• M8 Competition Convertible
• M8 Competition Gran Coupe
• X3 M SUV
• X4 M Coupe SUV
• X5 M SUV
• X6 M Coupe SUV

Electrified Performance M Models

Currently available electrified performance M models include:

• i4 M50 Gran Coupe - a fully-electric luxury sedan
• i5 M60 - a fully-electric luxury sedan
• i7 M70 - a fully-electric luxury sedan
• iX M60 SUV - a fully-electric luxury SUV
• XM SUV - a large luxury plug-in hybrid SUV

M: The Most Powerful Letter, Available At BMW of Dayton

The BMW M lineup takes BMW's signature performance and style and turns the proverbial dial up by several notches. These vehicles are stylish and will turn heads everywhere they go, from the streets of downtown Dayton to the Ohio countryside. They can also pass just about anything on the highway and can even hold their own on the racetrack.

We know that our Dayton, OH, drivers can be busy folks. That's why BMW of Dayton offers Evans Cars Direct, which lets you test-drive vehicles at home and see all of the features they have to offer. Whether you choose to use this service or visit our dealership in person, you can be sure that your experience will be a positive one, even after you've purchased a new vehicle. That's because our service extends beyond the Showroom.

Take a look at our currently available selection of new, electric, and pre-owned vehicles at BMW of Dayton. If you find a vehicle you like, give us a call at 833-207-3762 or stop by our dealership to take one for a test drive. From a sport car packed with power in an impressive engine to a range of family-friendly luxury cars with an all-wheel drive system, Ohio drivers are sure to find something they love at BMW of Dayton.