It's been a spectacular time for BMW M on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, with two records in the space of one month. First out of the gate was the new BMW M2 CS and next it was the BMW M3 CS Touring. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is known worldwide as one of the most challenging racetracks and was the perfect place for BMW M to show off its latest models. Take a read and discover the sensational driving that resulted in two history-making performances.
World class performance.
The new BMW M2 CS has set a new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring. Driven by BMW M Development Engineer, Jörg Weidinger, it completed the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds.
This record-setting BMW M2 CS not only raises the bar in the compact car class, but also further solidifies BMW M's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance vehicles that excel both on the road and on the racetrack.
"The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle," stated Franciscus van Meel, the Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. 'We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.'
Records keep breaking.
The success story of BMW at the Nürburgring doesn't end there. With a time of 7:29.490 minutes, the BMW M3 CS Touring is now the fastest Touring model of all time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, commented on this achievement: "From the very beginning, it was clear that the BMW M3 CS Touring would set new standards in dynamics. With a time under 7:30 minutes, this model impressively demonstrates that this vehicle concept perfectly combines racing DNA with everyday usability."
Taming ‘Green Hell’.
Often referred to as the 'Green Hell', the Nordschleife racetrack is considered one of the most demanding and challenging racetracks in the world. Measuring 12.9 miles in length with over 70 bends, it places the highest demands on drivers and vehicles alike. A fast lap on this track proves a vehicle's performance and handling capabilities. The Nordschleife lap times are the gold standard for measuring a vehicle's sporting performance and driving dynamics. Record runs are monitored by a neutral testing organisation, and the vehicles are checked to ensure they are in standard condition.
A rich track record.
The previous best time for a BMW M2 was set by Weidinger in April 2023, when he completed the course in 7:38.7 minutes. Two years later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time of 7:25.5 minutes, the new BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M.
Previous record runs on the Nordschleife by the BMW M4 CS, the BMW M4 CSL and the BMW M3 CS, all mid-range vehicles, achieved times under 7:30 minutes. The BMW M4 CSL also holds the best lap time ever recorded for a BMW Group production car at 7:18.137 minutes.
Home of BMW M.
BMW M and the Nürburgring have been in partnership for over a quarter of a century. From the BMW M Power Grandstand and BMW M Bridge to the BMW M Driving Experience and BMW M Test Centre, not to mention test drives on the Nordschleife for M vehicles en route to series production, the partnership between BMW M and the Nürburgring has been a resounding success since its inception.
The Nordschleife serves as a test bench for every M model. The BMW M Test Centre is equipped with cutting-edge workshop facilities that allow BMW M to put vehicles through rigorous testing on the Nordschleife track even before they reach production, as well as to develop new models.
