The BMW M88 | Racing Roots

The BMW M88 | Racing Roots

The BMW M88 engine is one of the most iconic engines in BMW's history, powering BMW's first supercar, the M1, as well as the first generation M5, the E28 M5, and the M635CSi coupe.

Powering some of the fastest vehicles of its era, the BMW M88 engine was designed with racing technology in mind. Featuring dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the head of the M88 maximized airflow in and out of each cylinder. The 3.5L straight-six power plant used a precise fuel injection system to further enhance power and produced between 277 and 286 horsepower, depending on the version. For the late 1970's and early 80's, these were formidable figures.

Not only celebrated for bringing the M1 for life, the M88 engine also played an important role in establishing the M Division of BMW. By blending racing tech with street car reliability, the M88 cemented BMW's reputation as a leader in manufacturing some of the sportiest luxury vehicles available on the market.

Design and Development

  • Overview: The M88 is a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH in the late 1970s.
  • Origins: It is based on the BMW M49 engine, which was derived from the M30 engine family. The M88 incorporated motorsport technology for higher performance applications.
  • Purpose: Designed for use in high-performance road cars and homologated race cars, the M88 showcases BMW's commitment to blending motorsport engineering with production vehicles.

Technical Specifications

  1. Configuration:

    • Architecture: Inline-6
    • Displacement: 3,453 cc (3.5L)
    • Bore x Stroke: 93.4 mm × 84.0 mm
    • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 (varied slightly in different versions)

  2. Cylinder Head and Valvetrain:

    • Material: Aluminum alloy head and block
    • Valvetrain: DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
    • Fuel Delivery: Bosch mechanical fuel injection (in M88/1), later updated to electronic injection in the M88/3

  3. Performance:

    • Power Output:
      • M88/1 (BMW M1): ~277 hp (210 kW) at 6,500 rpm
      • M88/3 (E28 M5, E24 M635CSi): ~286 hp (213 kW) at 6,500 rpm
    • Torque: ~340 Nm (251 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm
    • Redline: ~7,000 rpm

  4. Other Features:

    • Induction: Naturally aspirated with individual throttle bodies for precise airflow control.
    • Lubrication: Dry sump (in racing variants) or wet sump in production versions.

Applications

  1. BMW M1 (1978-1981):

    • The M88/1 was the heart of the BMW M1 supercar, the first car developed by BMW Motorsport.
    • The M1 was designed as a homologation special for Group 4 racing.

  2. BMW E28 M5 (1984-1988):

    • The M88/3 powered the original M5, which is widely regarded as the first super sedan.
    • This engine helped establish the M5 as a benchmark for performance sedans.

  3. BMW E24 M635CSi (1983-1989):

    • The M88/3 also powered this high-performance version of the 6 Series, emphasizing its dual capability for luxury and speed.

Significance in the BMW Lineup

  1. Motorsport Legacy:

    • The M88 was foundational in bridging BMW's racing success with their road cars. Its design drew heavily from the M49 racing engine, emphasizing its motorsport lineage.

  2. Birth of BMW M Division Road Cars:

    • The M88 was instrumental in establishing BMW's Motorsport (M) division as a producer of high-performance street cars, starting with the M1 and continuing with the M5 and M635CSi.

  3. Technological Milestone:

    • The M88's advanced engineering, including individual throttle bodies and high-revving capability, set a precedent for future BMW engines.

  4. Cultural Impact:

    • The M88-powered vehicles, particularly the M1 and E28 M5, became icons of their era and helped solidify BMW's reputation as a leader in performance luxury.

Legacy

The BMW M88 engine remains one of BMW's most beloved engines by motorsport historians, racing enthusiasts, and collectors alike. Its role in cementing the legacy of BMW's M Division as well as powering BMW's first supercar, the M1, has planted the M88 as a cornerstone of BMW's engineering heritage. 

Back to blog