What Does the M Stand for in BMW?

1What is BMW M Series?

In the 1960s and 1970s the vehicle and motorcycles producer begun its racing program. These M badged cars were modified in high racing car models. The company added an M to its original acronym BMW with the meaning of "motorsport".

As time passed, BMW M began to supplement BMW's vehicle portfolio with specially modified higher trim models, for which they are now most known by the general public. These M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their counterparts. All M models are tested and tuned at BMW's private facility at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany.

M Series is BMW's highest performance 'top-tier' trim level, positioned distinctly above the "M Performance" specification level of BMW's regular model range.

Which BMW M Series is the fastest?

In fact, the current M Series also boasts the title of having the fastest BMW — the BMW M8 Competition Coupe.

2What is the BMW M Performance?

One step above M Sport is M Performance. An easy way to distinguish between the two is by the badge on the trunk. A 340i with the M Sport package, for instance, will just say ‘340i’; the M Performance version, the BMW M340i, though will actually say ‘M340i.’ And while M Sport is mostly about looks, M Performance adds genuine speed.

And it’s not just BMW’s passenger cars that have M Performance variants. There are M Performance versions of the X5, X6, and X7 SUVs, the Z4 convertible, and even the 8-Series luxury coupe. All M Performance cars have larger, more powerful engines than the cars they’re based on.

M Performance Cars: M135i, M240i, M340i, M550i, M760i, M850i, X3 M40i/d, X4 M40i/d, X5 M50i/d, X6 M50i/d, X7 M50i/Z4 M40i.

3What is the BMW M Sport Package?

The lowest rung in the BMW M ladder is M Sport. Unlike M Performance or M, which are unique vehicle variants, ‘M Sport’ is actually an accessory package that can be added to almost any BMW. Even luxury models like the 7-Series, 8-Series, and X7 can all be ordered with the M Sport package. Vehicles with the M Sport package are not to be confused with the top of the line M model cars such as the M3, but the packages do make the cars perform better than their non-M Sport brethren.

The package is available on many BMW models and usually includes features such as larger wheels with performance tires, unique exterior trim, an M steering wheel or M sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, an aerodynamic kit, and sport seats. Some cars also include the sport package as part of the M sport package, while others come with dynamic damper control or the Adaptive M Suspension. Cars with automatics may also receive the Sport Automatic transmission.