BMW M is understood for its legendary efficiency automobiles, however some fashions by no means fairly acquired their second within the highlight. From the forgotten M540i to the misunderstood X3 M, these are essentially the most underrated M automobiles value a re-examination.
Established in 1972, BMW M has arguably turn into the preferred efficiency model amongst main premium carmakers, with icons such because the E46 M3, E39 M5, M4 CSL and 1M Coupe. But, whereas the division’s most celebrated fashions have constantly acquired immense reward and accolades, some M autos have over the many years slipped underneath the radar. Certainly, they had been each bit nearly as good because the all-time classics however, for varied causes, by no means acquired the prominence they deserved.
On this article, we’re going to checklist the highest 5 of them.
BMW X3 M
The X3 M, geared up with the award-winning S58 engine, produced 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, attaining a 0-60 mph time of simply 3.2 seconds. These figures had been similar to the M3, broadly thought to be the world’s greatest sports activities sedan. In reality, the X3 M supplied superior practicality (cargo house, trip top) to the M3, with solely a negligible trade-off in dealing with. And all of this was out there for round $80,000—a really aggressive worth provided that the common transaction worth for high-performance automobiles is $120,000 (Kelley Blue E book).
Too unhealthy, the gasoline X3 M gained’t see one other era, as BMW’s consideration turns to the first-ever iX3 M.
BMW M6 Gran Coupe (F06)
The M6 wasn’t a gross sales hit for BMW. But, with its luxurious interiors, placing aesthetics, and sharp driving dynamics, it introduced a compelling different for consumers whose budgets didn’t stretch to an Aston Martin or Bentley. Sadly, it nonetheless acquired overshadowed by the M5 (F10) and different rivals, together with the Audi RS7, Porsche Panamera, Porsche 911, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Sarcastically, the M6 Gran Coupe’s successor, the M8 Gran Coupe, faces the identical predicament. The F93 is among the most competent automobiles within the $150,000 phase, but it surely’s been cannibalized by the M5 and struggles to match the attract of its Porsche and Mercedes rivals.
BMW M2 (F87)
One may argue the M2 isn’t actually underrated, given its awards like Motor Development’s Efficiency Car of the 12 months, Evo Automobile of the 12 months, and Auto Specific Efficiency Automobile of the 12 months. Nonetheless, at its preliminary launch, the F87 didn’t function the identical S55 engine because the M3/M4. As an alternative, it packed the ‘inferior’ N55 powertrain—a alternative many lovers felt was a compromise. Even then, the M2 was a convincing success, turning into BMW’s best-selling high-performance car and arguably its most gratifying sports activities automotive because the 1M Coupe.
BMW M540i (E34)
After the E34 M5 was discontinued for non-European markets, the hole was stuffed by the M540i in 1995. That stated, not like the M5’s inline-six, the M540i was geared up with a V8 engine delivering 286 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, leading to a 0 to 60 mph time of round 6 seconds. Notably, the M540i wasn’t as sharply tuned because the M5, which made it a greater each day driver. Regardless, it by no means turned well-liked, as a result of it wasn’t a ‘full-fledged’ M automotive.
BMW M Coupe
The BMW M Coupe (manufacturing years 1998–2002) was a wonderful driver’s automotive, very like the M2 and the Z4. Nonetheless, its styling was too polarizing — due to which it was famously nicknamed the “Clown Shoe” — and that deterred most consumers.
It has nonetheless turn into a well-liked collector’s automotive, although, with examples simply fetching over $50,000.
