BMW’s latest M3 and M5 sedans have sparked curiosity among enthusiasts for their slightly peculiar rear doors. These doors don’t align perfectly with the flared wheel arches, creating a distinct visual element that sets them apart from their standard 3 Series and 5 Series counterparts. But why does BMW engineer it this way? The answer comes directly from Frank van Meel, head of BMW M. He told Auto Express that the unconventional design is deliberate, a calculated aesthetic choice rooted in performance heritage and customer preference.
To accommodate the extra power packed into these high-performance vehicles, BMW widens their axles compared to standard models. This necessitates flaring the wheel arches and widening the bodywork—a costly but necessary process to house the larger wheels and tires demanded by increased horsepower.
While Audi’s RS models often adopt wider bodies with new rear doors for a more seamless look, BMW M maintains its unique approach under van Meel’s leadership. He argues that sticking with unmodified rear doors is essential to preserving the aggressive, “race car” aesthetic that defines an M3.
“If you look at the M3, what’s part of the thing that makes it so cool is that you have to pull out the rear arch,” van Meel explained. “Our customers don’t [want new doors], and I don’t.” He emphasizes this visual disharmony as a key identifier of the M3’s performance pedigree, contrasting it with the smoother appearance of the M4 where widening is more subtly integrated.
Van Meel believes the prominent gap between the rear door and wheel arch is a potent symbol of raw power and untamed driving dynamics. This deliberate design choice, he insists, resonates deeply with BMW M3 enthusiasts who prize the car’s raw character over polished conformity.
The next time you see an M3 sedan alongside its sleek coupe sibling (the M4), consider that this seemingly odd quirk is a calculated stylistic decision by BMW M, designed to visually underscore its commitment to performance heritage and uncompromising driver experience
