BMW M3 / M5 / M6 (Motorsport Edition)

Contents

Intro
Available Listings
Sold Listings
Resources

BMW M Class (Motorsport / M-Technik)

M1 (Classic)
M3 (3-Series)
M5 (5-Series)
M635CSi / M6 (6-Series)
M8 (Concept Car)

Written by Matt Krepinski (Enthusiast)

For the uninitiated, the M series of BMW’s is the art of taking some excellent and making it extraordinary. You will no longer simply drive; you will be treated to an orchestra of sounds as your M tuned vehicle empowers you to become the master of the roadway.

The M1 is the most elusive of the M family. It was produced for 3 years, from 1978 to 1981. This supercar was produced as a part of an agreement with Lamborghini, to build a production racecar. Lamborghini was to work on the development of the chassis and assemble a prototype, while BMW handled the rest. The M1 was the version of this race car intended for the public. This was the only mid-engine BMW ever produced, only 456 examples of this car were ever made. Fans can still get a taste of the experience, as a rendition of the same engine was used in the M5 and the M6/M635CSI.

The M3 is the king of the 3 series. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90 3 series. With the M3 you will experience a 3 series with a high performance engine, improved handling and suspension, a more aggressive looking body, and an interior that reflects the M package. This car received a highly tuned I4 gas engine with the valve train and head architecture borrowed from the same engine found in an M1/M5/M6. The first version of this engine put out approximately 200hp. These E30 M3's were produced from 1986 to 1992. Despite having a small displacement engine, the E30 M3 has a top speed of 230km/h, eventually reaching 242km/h as the engine was improved near the end of E30’s reign. This is a very fast, and well tuned car that will turn heads and never fail to impress.

The M5 is the 5 series for the true enthusiast. M5 has been made from various versions of the 5 series throughout the years, including the E28, E34, E39 and most recently the E60. The first M5 was based on the 535i chassis, with a modified version of the M1 engine. The E28 M5 was produced from 1985 to 1988, and is the rarest of all. The E28 M5 was handbuilt by BMW Motorsports, and at the time was the world’s fastest production sedan. The M5 came in a LHD/RHD Euro spec, LHD North American and a South African edition. The engine delivered 286hp and had a top speed of 246km/h. In 1989 to 1995, the E34 M5 was produced. This car was only available in manual transmission, and while governed topped out at 255km/h but circumventing the electronic governor allowed this car to hit 295km/h. In 1999, the E39 style M5 was introduced. The M5 had a 2 year hiatus from 2003 to 2005, but came back stronger than ever with the E90. This is a very fast, and very exclusive car.

The jewel of the 6 series hands is the M635CSI. In North America this car was badged as the M6, but throughout Germany it is considered a 6 series. You get a well tuned 24 valve 3.5L I6 with twin cams for an engine, this engine was used in the BMW M1 supercar and also appears in the M5. You also are rewarded with a specially made Bilstein shocks, upgraded brakes, manual transmission, a factory lowering of 0.4 inches and a M style bodykit. You will be able to differentiate it from the rest of the 6 series from the M badges and the aerodynamic cues. Less than 6000 of these cars were ever produced, but they can be found if you look hard enough.