My love affair with BMW M.

Singapore. When an exclusive and limited-run special-edition model makes an appearance, nothing compares to first-hand insights from the individual behind the wheel. BMW Asia recently spoke with Mr. Benjamin Goh, a long-time BMW M aficionado and owner of the new BMW M2 CS, on his exciting passion and fascination with special edition models.

How did your love affair begin with BMW M?

I fell in love with BMW M when I had the opportunity to test drive my friend’s E36 M3 some time back. That drive left a lasting impression on me and it didn’t take long before I purchased my first-ever M3 (E46). I have owned every version of the BMW M3 family ever since. 

What is your favourite driving route anywhere in the world?

Pre-COVID, I would spend a significant amount of time every year on the road in Italy, “The Green Hell” (Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit), and the German Autobahn – another favourite of mine. Closer to home, I would make regular trips up north into Malaysia. My dream is to drive on the Stelvio Pass in Italy in the future!

Why do you love special edition BMWs?

I always tell my friends that each special edition car is unique as there are so many things that the BMW M engineers have tweaked and enhanced behind the scenes. The engine, chassis and the kinematics are all different from normal production BMWs. My fascination with special edition BMW M models started with my BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but two cars will always hold a special place in my heart. The first one is an E92 M3 GTS with the serial number, “66” that I used to own, and second, an F82 M4 CS that I still drive today.

What is the one thing you’d like to see in future BMW M cars?

While I am aware that electric cars are the future, I just love my BMW M cars the way they are at the moment. I will definitely miss their high-revving turbocharged engines and raspy exhaust notes when the day comes for me to bid them goodbye!

What is your dream BMW?

I speak with the BMW M engineers regularly to understand more about the cars and to give them my point of view on what I’d like to see more of in future models. My dream is for them to build a BMW M super car with one of BMW’s V12 engines under the hood combined with a carbon core chassis to keep the car’s weight under 1,300 kg. That, in my opinion, would be BMW M’s Ultimate Driving Machine.

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