BMW Malaysia in quest for the oldest M models in every model series

PETALING JAYA: BMW Group Malaysia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of M on May 24 in its own way with a search for the oldest M model in every model series in Malaysia.

If you think you know of the oldest M cars in the country, join in the celebrations by providing your details via link.

Winners will stand a chance to receive exclusive BMW M merchandise and a feature of their prized vehicle by BMW Group Malaysia.

One winner will be selected for every BMW M model series, with special prizes for notable submissions as well.

Submissions will close on June 8.

No stranger to the motorsports scene in the 60s and 70s, BMW Motorsport GmbH was originally founded to facilitate the premium automaker’s foray in the world of performance driving, as well as meet the demands of drivers in competitions where most vehicles were prepared and sold by tuning companies.

The division started out with 35 employees in 1972 and quickly became a core part of the BMW Group, as it exemplified the engineers’ expertise in combining authentic motorsport functionality with exclusive and sporty aesthetics.

The car the team first worked on was the 3.0CSL which was created for the European Touring Car Championship.

The race car went on to dominate the championship every year from 1975 to 1979.

But it is the legendary BMW M1 that became the first-ever official M car, making its debut in 1978.

Boasting a powerful 6-cylinder in-line engine and a striking name, the BMW M1 became a major player in the automotive world from its debut.

With only 456 units produced, the racing sports model was crowned Germany’s fastest road-going sports vehicle (264.7kph).

This was little compared to the racing version that had a top speed well over 300kph.

Although BMW M focused almost entirely on the construction of performance and racing cars, many BMW enthusiasts were also looking for the M power and badging on road cars.

This is how the first BMW 5 Series arrived in the form of the 530, 533i and 535i, paving the way for M Performance upgrades for the future.

Since then, there has been a long list of M cars produced such as the M2, M3, M4, M6, M8, X3 M Competition, X4 M Competition, X5 M and X6 M.