BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. As time progressed, BMW M began to supplement BMW's vehicles portfolio with specially modified higher trim models, for which they are now most known for to the general public. These M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their counterparts.

M-Cars vs. M-badged cars
There are several BMW models which BMW Motorsport made changes on, without them becoming full M-Cars. Vehicles which have been modified by BMW Motorsport, but are not full M-Cars, may feature plain "M" badges with no number, whilst full M-Cars will have "M" badges with the model number (e.g. "M3" or "M5").