09 Apr 09
BMW M
Created in 1972, the M division prepared BMWs to go racing and only came into the car making business by accident.
BMW had commissioned Lamborghini to develop a racing car for a one-make series called Procar BMW M1 where former professional racers battled it against affluent customers. It wasn't a glorious venture - rumour has it Lamborghini was in such grave financial difficulties it used the profits from the series to stay afloat. This forced BMW to take the project back in-house and in 1978 it launched its first ever 'M' car - the appropriately-named M1.
From then on homologation kept the performance arm in the road car business and the firm has gone strength to strength with the M3 Saloon - in all its guises - achieving legendary status.
Best car: BMW M3 Saloon
Perhaps you were expecting the 'original' two-door E30 saloon, or maybe even the oddball-but-lovable M Coupe or racer-for- the-road M3 CSL. No, the M3 saloon is top dog. It has the world's best V8, is blessed with beautifully balanced handling, muscular looks and can shuttle a small family around in complete comfort.
What were they thinking: BMW M5 Tourer
The current 200mph (limiter removed) Tourer is an astonishing car and one that we adore. But why didn't they bother making an estate of the last equally sublime E39 model? And while we're at it, why didn't the firm make the generation E34 Tourer right-hand-drive? What a missed opportunity to those enthusiasts burdened, sorry blessed, with a family.
