fbpx
Wikipedia

BMW M3

January 01, 1970

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.

BMW M3
2021 BMW M3 (G80)
Overview
ManufacturerBMW M
Production
  • 1986–2018
  • 2020–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Layout
Related

The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate (Touring) for the first time, alongside the saloon variant.[1][2]

E30 generation (1986–1991) edit

BMW M3 (E30)
 
BMW M3 Evolution II
Overview
ProductionMarch 1986 – June 1991
DesignerClaus Luthe
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine2.3—2.5 L S14 I4
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,562 mm (100.9 in)
Length4,345 mm (171.1 in)
Width1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb weight1,165–1,360 kg (2,568–2,998 lb)[3]
 
E30 M3 interior

The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built.[4] It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991.[5][6][7] The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.[8]

The front splitter,[9] the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window (C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics.[10] For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow.[4] The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd=0.33 instead of Cd=0.38 as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, and sunroof.

The brake calipers, discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model.

The transmission was a Getrag 265 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear.[10] A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.

In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.[11]

  •  
    Coupé
  •  
    Convertible

Engine edit

 
The S14 DOHC inline-four engine

The E30 M3 used the BMW S14 four-cylinder engine, a high-revving DOHC design with a head closely based on that of the BMW S38 six-cylinder engine and the block from the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine with a 7,250 rpm redline.[10][12] In countries where the M3 was sold with a catalytic converter, the initial versions were rated at 143 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) and had a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).[13] In countries where a catalytic converter was not fitted, the engine was rated at 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp).

Suspension edit

Differences from the standard E30 models included:

  • 5-stud wheel hubs
  • 225/45R16 Pirelli P700-Z tyres
  • offset control arm bushings in the front suspension, for increased caster angle
  • aluminium control arms
  • revised front strut tubes with bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube, similar to the E28 5 Series
  • front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing from the E28 5 Series
  • 310mm slotted front & 295mm slotted rear discs
  • 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers
  • stainless steel braided brake hoses

Special Editions edit

Evolution 1 edit

 
M3 Sport Evolution

In 1987 an "Evolution" model (also called "EVO1") was released. Although not designated by BMW as an Evolution model, these had a revised cylinder head (designated by an "E" stamp) to improve performance. Power was unchanged from the standard M3. Visually, these were unchanged from the standard E30 M3. In total, 505 were built between March and May 1987. To celebrate the M3’s victory at the 1987 Tour de Corse (round five of that year’s World Rally Championship), BMW France commissioned a batch of 50 Evolution 1 special editions.

Evolution 2 edit

To keep the M3 competitive for the 1988 season, the Evolution 2 was released. 501 examples were built between March and May 1998, it featured a revised camshaft, pistons and an increased compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 11.0:1. There was also a more efficient air intake and a lightened flywheel. Visually the Evolution 2 featured a BMW Motorsport tricolour camshaft and intake plenum cover. Power increased to 160 kW (218 PS) at 6750 rpm and 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 4750 rpm. For the Evolution 2, BMW installed a slightly reduced final drive ratio to provide a higher top speed (3.15:1 instead of 3.25:1).

Visual changes included a deeper front spoiler with brake cooling ducts instead of fog lights, while the boot lid featured a rear spoiler complete with a new trailing flap. These assemblies were all made lighter than on previous iterations of the M3. More weight was saved thanks to the installation of thinner side and rear glass.

Sport Evolution edit

For 1990, a more powerful and lighter "Sport Evolution" model (sometimes referred to as "EVO3") with a limited production run of 600 units, was produced with an upgraded 2,467 cc (150.5 cu in) engine rated at 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 240 N⋅m (177 lbf⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm.[14][15] The top speed was increased to 250 km/h (154 mph).[13] Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter[16] and rear wing. Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights.

Ravaglia and Cecotto editions edit

In April 1989, the Ravaglia and Cecotto limited editions were released, both named after Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) racing drivers. Power was increased to 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) with a catalytic converter.[17] Cecotto Edition production consisted of 480 cars, plus 80 cars for the Swiss market de-tuned to 155 kW (211 PS; 208 hp) to meet Swiss emissions limits. The production run for the Ravaglia Edition consisted of 25 cars.[14]

M3 Pickup prototype edit

In 1986, BMW produced an "M3 Pickup" prototype pickup truck, based on the convertible model. The M3 Pickup used the narrower body of regular E30 models and was originally powered by the 2.0-litre version of the S14 engine from the Italian-specification M3. It was used by BMW M as a transporter for roughly 26 years before it was officially retired in 2012.[18][19]

Production volumes edit

Total production of the E30 M3 was 17,970 cars.[14][20]

Production breakdown[14]
Model Code Market Power Units
Coupé
M3 AK01 Euro spec 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp) 5,187 (incl. Evo I and Evo II)
M3 Cat. AK05 143 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) 4,591
M3 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) 1,506
M3 Sport Evolution AK07 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp) 600
M3 AK03 US spec 143 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) 5,300
Cabriolet
M3 BB01 Euro spec 147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp) 136
M3 Cat. BB05 143 kW (195 PS; 192 hp) 174
M3 158 kW (215 PS; 212 hp) 476

Motorsport edit

 
DTM racing car

The M3 E30 competed in many forms of motorsport and was highly successful in touring car racing. In full race trim, the 1988 M3's 2.3 L (140 cu in) naturally aspirated engine was rated at approximately 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp).[21] The E30 M3 won the 24 Hours Nürburgring five times (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994) and the Spa 24 Hours four times (1987, 1988, 1990 and 1992), often competing against cars with significantly larger or turbocharged engines.

To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced and sold in limited volumes. These include the Evo 1, Evo 2, and Sport Evolution, with upgrades including weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, taller front wheel arches (to allow 18-inch wheels to be used in DTM racing), bigger brake ducts and more power output from the engine. With the introduction of the 2.5 L evolution engine into racing in 1990, power increased to approximately 279 kW (379 PS; 374 hp).[22]

The M3 also competed as a rally car, with Prodrive-prepared examples contesting several national championships and selected rounds of the World Rally Championship between 1987 and 1989. By the latter year, the cars, based on the regular M3, were equipped with six-speed gearboxes and were rated at 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp). The M3 was not very competitive with the four-wheel drive cars on loose surfaces, but it was a very effective car on asphalt. Its most notable success was a victory on the Tour de Corse in 1987, driven by Bernard Béguin.

Championships edit

E36 generation (1992–1999) edit

BMW M3 (E36)
 
Overview
Production1992—1999
DesignerClaus Luthe
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.0 L S50 I6 (pre-facelift)
  • 3.0 L S50B30US I6 (pre-facelift US market)
  • 3.2 L S50 I6 (post-facelift)
  • 3.2 L S52 I6 (post-facelift US market)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,430 mm (174.4 in)
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb weight3,131 lb (1,420 kg)

The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupé only, with a convertible version added in 1994. A saloon version was also added in December 1994, to fill in the gap caused by the lack of the M5 saloon model between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998.[citation needed]

 
E36 M3 convertible interior

In September 1995, a facelift version of the coupé was introduced. Changes included the engine displacement increasing to 3.2 L (195 cu in), the manual transmission upgrading from a 5-speed to a 6-speed,[23] different wheels and clear indicator lenses. The facelift changes were applied to the saloon model in November 1995 and the convertible model in February 1996.[24] The kerb weight of the 1996 M3 coupe in European specification is 1,515 kg (3,340 lb).[25]

The facelift also saw the introduction of a 6-speed "SMG" automated manual transmission,[26] the first time an automated transmission was available on an M3 outside the United States. The SMG transmission was praised for its fast shift times and operation in performance situations, but criticized for behavior in everyday driving situations.[27]

In 1996, BMW M hand-built an E36 M3 Compact prototype as an M-car which would appeal to younger customers. It included various performance and styling features of the E36 M3, including the 3.2-litre S50 engine. The M3 Compact was reviewed in the German magazine "Auto Motor und Sport",[18][19][28] but never reached production.

  •  
    coupé
  •  
    convertible
  •  
    saloon
 
Dakar Yellow 1998 E36

Engine edit

 
BMW S50 inline-6 engine

The E36 M3 is powered by the BMW S50 straight-six engine. It was the first M3 to use a six-cylinder engine, which has since been used in the majority of M3 models (albeit in turbocharged form since 2014).

In most countries, the initial 2,990 cc (182 cu in) version generated 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) at 7,000 rpm[29] and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm. North American models (except for the limited edition Canadian "M3 Euro-Spec" model) used the less powerful BMW S50B30US engine instead.

The facelift models in late 1995 were upgraded to a 3,201 cc (195 cu in) version of the BMW S50 engine, generating 236 kW (316 hp) at 7,400 rpm[30] and 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm.[31] North American models used the less powerful BMW S52 engine instead.

Special editions edit

M3 GT (Europe) edit

 
1995 BMW M3 GT

In 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special for Europe,[32] in order to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international long-distance races.[33] A total of 356 cars were produced, all in left-hand drive for mainland Europe. The UK received a special GT trim limited to 50 cars with only the cosmetic upgrades of the homologation special.[13]

The engine was the European-specification S50B30, which was upgraded with larger camshafts and a higher compression ratio, resulting in peak power of 220 kW (295 hp) at 7,100 rpm.[34]

All M3 GTs only came in one single colour, "British Racing Green". Other changes include a deeper and adjustable front splitter,[16] higher rear double wing, aluminum doors, wheels measuring 17 x 7.5 inches at the front and 17 x 8.5 inches at the rear, stiffer front suspension, a cross-brace and a strut brace. The M3 GT is approximately 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the regular M3 and has a derestricted top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph).[33]

M3 Evolution Imola Individual edit

 
1998 BMW M3 Evolution Imola Individual

The M3 Evolution Imola Individual is a limited-edition variant of the M3 (50 for the United Kingdom). The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996 European M3, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was chosen by BMW UK: "Imola Red" (405) paint with Nappa leather seats in Imola Red and Amaretta suede bolsters in anthracite. It also included side airbags, the M3 GT Class II rear spoiler, front class II corner splitter extensions, electric seats, and double-spoke polished alloy wheels.

Prior to the release of the Imola Individual there was a pre-production model made which was used as the basis of the special edition. It featured the Class II front splitter[16] and rear spoiler, special order Imola Red paint, special order Nappa leather and Anthracite Amaretta suede interior, SMG gearbox, GSM phone kit, headlamp washers and double-spoke polished alloy wheels.[35][36]

M3 Lightweight (US Only) edit

 
 
M3 Lightweight

Following the introduction of the E36 M3, racing teams in the United States began pressuring BMW for a homologation version in order to compete in sports-car racing.[37][38] As a result, the 'M3 Lightweight' was introduced in 1995. The cars came without a radio (although the speakers were installed and the car pre-wired for the radio), air conditioning, leather seats, tool kit or a sunroof. The doors have aluminium skins. There is no under bonnet insulation blanket, and the boot only has carpet on the floor. The under body insulation is thinner and there is special carpeting to lower weight. Overall the changes resulted in a weight 91 kg (200 lb) less than a regular M3. The wheels are 17 inches in diameter, with a width of 7.5 inches at the front and 8.5 inches at the rear. The tyres fitted were 235/40ZR17.[39][40]

Powertrain changes included the removal of the top speed limiter and a shorter differential ratio (3.23 compared to 3.15). Suspension upgrades consisted of shorter springs from the European-specification M3. Before being sold, the M3 Lightweights were sent to Prototype Technology Group Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front and rear Motorsport flag decals, and "trunk kit".[41] In the boot there was a dual-pickup oil pump (from the European-specification M3), front strut bar, lower cross-brace, spacer blocks to raise the rear wing, and an adjustable front splitter.[16] Each owner was given a 1-page legal document to sign acknowledging that any installation of boot items voided the new car warranty.[citation needed]

All M3 Lightweight cars were produced in the "Alpine White" exterior colour, with the Motorsports flag decals on the left front and right rear corners of the car. There is a fixed wing on the bootlid, some carbon fibre interior trim, and the badges on the side moulding and dash read "BMW Motorsport International".

Although BMW promised to build approximately 100 cars, BMW never released the production numbers of M3 Lightweights built. However, it is estimated that approximately 125 were built.[42]

Canadian Edition edit

Prior to the release of the North American specification M3, BMW Canada sold 45 of the European specification M3s. At the time, BMW North America was opposed to importing the E36 M3 (due to its high price and the poor sales of the previous M3). The Canadian Edition M3 was imported using a loophole that allows low volumes of Norwegian-certified cars to be sold in Canada.[43] Despite a high price of nearly $60,000 CAD,[44] all 45 cars were sold in 3 days. 42 of the M3s arrived in Canada via boat in January 1994, with the final 3 cars shipping sometime in the following few months. As with other European specification M3s, these 45 cars had the 213 kW (286 hp) version of the S50 engine, oil temperature gauge and glass headlights, as well as Canadian-required equipment such as a third brake light and daytime running lights. Each of the Canadian Edition cars has an individually-numbered plaque on the inside of the glovebox which reads "S50 B30 Limited Production Canadian Edition" [45] as well as a special owners manual pouch with a similar plaque. The cars were numbered at random, with no correlation to VIN numbers, options or production date.

When the North American specification M3 was released in 1995, it was initially not available in Canada. Sales of the North American M3 in Canada began in 1997.

M3-R (Australia) edit

In order to race in the Australian Super Production series, fifteen M3-Rs were sold by BMW Australia in 1994. With a power output of 240 kW (322 hp), the M3-R is the most powerful production E36 M3. Four of the cars were used for the race series, while the remaining eleven were sold to the general public. Buyers were required to possess a CAMS motorsport licence in order to purchase an M3-R.

The cars were delivered to the workshop of the Frank Gardner racing team for final preparation. A bolt-in FIA-approved roll cage was a factory option. Suspension upgrades consisted of new springs, adjustable struts and rear perches. Engine upgrades consisted of AC Schnitzer camshafts, dual pickup sump, an oil restrictor in the head and a cold air snorkel into the air filter box replacing the left hand foglight.

Other changes included four piston front brake calipers, a shorter (3.25:1) differential ratio, the driveshaft from the M5, a twin-plate clutch, a non-functional rear seat, no air conditioning, a deeper front splitter[16] and a larger rear spoiler. The cars were individually numbered with a plaque fitted to the centre console near the handbrake.

M3 GTR (Germany) edit

The E36 M3 GTR is the road-going version of the competition machine built to compete in the 1993 ADAC German GT Cup Touring Car series.[46][47]

Production edit

Production of the E36 M3 began in September 1992[48][49] and was discontinued in August 1999.[50]

The majority of cars were produced at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany; however, a small number of low compression right-hand drive cars were assembled at BMW's plant in Rosslyn, South Africa.[51] In total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 convertibles and 12,603 saloon were produced.[52] The saloon ceased production in December 1997, the coupé in late 1998, and the convertible in December 1999.[13]

North American models edit

Despite being released in other countries in 1992, the E36 M3 was not sold in the United States until 1995. A key difference between the "European specification" M3 (sold in the rest of the world) and the US M3 is the less powerful S50B30US engine used in the US M3, which was rated at 179 kW (240 hp) and 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft). Other notable differences included an optional 5-speed ZF 5HP torque-converter automatic transmission,[53] suspension changes,[citation needed] and single piece brake discs (instead of floating discs). The changes were made in order to reduce the price of the M3, as the US dealers believed the European specification M3 would be too expensive to sell well.

In November 1996, the engine was upgraded to the 3.2 L (195 cu in) BMW S52,[54] with the same power outputs of 179 kW (240 hp), but with torque increased to 320 N⋅m (236 lbf⋅ft). The manual gearbox remained a 5-speed, despite the European versions being upgraded to a 6-speed version.

US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupés, 7,760 saloon and 6,211 convertibles.[55]

Motorsport edit

The introduction of the E36 M3 coincided with BMW's withdrawal from the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), resulting in BMW focussing instead on the 318i and 320i models in the Super Tourenwagen Cup. Nonetheless, the E36 M3 competed in many motorsport events. In 1993, the E36 M3 GTR won the German ADAC GT Cup, driven by Johnny Cecotto.[56] The M3 GT competed in the European FIA GT Championship.

In the United States, the Prototype Technology Group (PTG) Racing in Virginia ran the E36 M3 in the IMSA GT Championship. In the 1996 IMSA GT Championship, the M3 won 4 races in the GTS-2 class and BMW won the manufacturer's championship.[57] In the 1997 IMSA GT Championship, the M3 won 8 races in the GTS-3 class, with BMW winning the manufacturer's championship again and Bill Auberlen winning the driver's championship.[57] In the 1998 IMSA GT Championship, the M3 won 5 races and BMW won the manufacturer's championship in the GT3 class. The same year, the M3 won 4 races in the GT2 class.[57] The M3 also competed in the 2000 American Le Mans Series, taking one win in the GT class.[57]

In Australia, the M3-R competed in the Australian GT Production Car Championship.

E46 generation (2000–2006) edit

BMW M3 (E46)
 
Overview
ProductionSeptember 2000 – August 2006
DesignerUlf Weidhase[58]
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length4,490 mm (176.8 in)
Width1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height1,370 mm (53.9 in)

The M3 version of the E46 3 Series was produced in coupé and convertible body styles. The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine and has a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.2 seconds for the coupé, with either the manual or SMG-II transmission.[59][60] The skidpad cornering results are 0.89 g for the coupé and 0.81 g for the convertible.[61][62] The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).[60] The kerb weight is 1,570 kg (3,461 lb).[citation needed]

 
E46 M3 interior

The available transmissions were a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission or an SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission, which was based on the Getrag 420G.[63] The SMG-II used an electrohydraulically actuated clutch, and gear shifts could be selected via the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SMG-II was praised for its fast shift times and racetrack performance, but some people found its shifts to be delayed and lurching in stop-start traffic.[64]

Total production of the E46 M3 was 56,133 coupés and 29,633 convertibles.[65] The cars were assembled at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany, and production was from September 2000 until August 2006, for a total of 85,766 cars.[66]

An M3 Touring station wagon prototype was built to evaluate the feasibility of building an M3 model on the existing platform of the E46 station wagon (especially the integration of the M3's wider rear wheel arches onto the wagon body). The prototype did not reach production.[18][19]

  •  
    Coupé
  •  
    Convertible
  •  
    BMW S54 straight-six engine

Engine edit

Main article: BMW S54

The 3.2 L (200 cu in) S54 engine is the final evolution of the BMW S50 naturally aspirated straight-six engine. The S54 is rated at 252 kW (343 PS; 338 hp) at 7,900 rpm, 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm, and has a redline of 8,000 rpm.[59] As with most M engines, the S54 has individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, with electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) operation of the throttles being a new feature for the S54.

Development and launch edit

Concept design of the M3 began in 1997.[67] The head of exterior design was Ulf Weidhase and the head of interior design was Martina Bachmann.[67]

The M3 was previewed at the 1999 International Motor Show Germany[68] as a concept,[69] resembling the final production version very closely. The final production version was first introduced in March 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show,[70] with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned inline-6 engine.

Special editions edit

CSL edit

 
 
M3 CSL

The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau, meaning 'Coupé Sport Lightweight')[71] is a limited edition version of the M3 that was produced in 2004, with production totaling to 1,383 cars.[72] It was available in two colours: "Silver Grey Metallic" and "Black Sapphire Metallic".[73]

As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The CSL has a curb weight of 1,385 kg (3,053 lb), 110 kg (243 lb) lighter than the regular M3.[74][75][76] Structural weight reduction measures include the use of glass-reinforced plastics in various structural points in the car,[75] a roof constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (reducing kerb weight by 7 kg (15 lb) and, more importantly, lowering the centre of gravity),[73][74][77] body panels constructed from carbon fibre[74] and thinner glass for the rear window.[78]

The boot floor cover was made of lightweight fibre-board (not cardboard as infamously described on the Top Gear television show). The CSL discarded a large proportion of the M3's sound insulation, electric seats, navigation system, air conditioning, and stereo (the latter two were able to be re-added as no-cost options).[75][79] The interior includes fibreglass front racing bucket seats,[74] a fibreglass backing for the rear seats,[74] and carbon fibre for the centre console, door panels, door trim, and head-liner.[73][74] The steering wheel has just a single button which activates the M track mode, instead of the buttons for cruise control, stereo, and phone controls on the regular M3.[73] The CSL retained the 50:50 weight distribution of the regular M3.[74]

The wheels were increased in size to 19 inches. BMW took the unusual approach of supplying the CSL with semi-slick tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup).[73][80] These tyres provided high grip levels once warmed up on a racetrack, but poor performance on wet roads and when below their operating temperature.[81][82] A warning label was included in the CSL to inform drivers about driving in cold or wet conditions. The brakes were upgraded with larger floating discs at the front and larger pistons at the rear.

The suspension system was revised with stiffer springs, upgraded shock absorbers and a quicker ratio for the steering rack (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3).[74][83] The electronic stability control was retuned and an "M track mode" was added, allowing higher thresholds before the system intervened.

The engine used in the CSL had increased output over the regular S54 by 13 kW (17 hp) and 5 N⋅m (4 lbf⋅ft) over the European M3. This is due to the use of sharper profile camshafts, a bigger air intake with carbon fibre manifold, a refinement of the exhaust manifold, and slightly different exhaust valves.[73][83] The top speed was electronically limited as standard, but buyers with a current motorsport licence could order the CSL with the speed limiter removed.[83] The sole transmission available was the 6-speed SMG II automated transmission,[83] with revised software resulting in shift times of 80 milliseconds.[73]

The aerodynamics were also revised, including a carbon fibre front splitter[16] that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%,[74] and a carbon fibre rear diffuser. The front bumper had a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake.[74] The bootlid was redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the regular M3 where one is simply added onto a flat boot.[74]

Prototype CSL edit

In 2022, BMW M revealed a special V8 prototype engine (full model code S62B40) for the M3 CSL which was previously fitted to the E39 M5 and the E52 Z8. The S62 was BMW's first V8 engine to have double-VANOS (variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts). However, this prototype S62 engine produces 316 kW (430 PS; 424 hp) at 6600 rpm and 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) at 3800 rpm. The last difference results in a displacement of 3,999 cc (244.0 cu in), compared with the 4,941 cc (301.5 cu in) of the S62 engine found in the M5 and Z8 vehicles.

Competition Package / CS edit

In 2005, a special edition was introduced which used several parts from the CSL. This model was called the M3 Competition Package (ZCP) in the United States and mainland Europe, and the M3 CS in the United Kingdom.[70] Compared to the regular M3, the Competition Package includes:

  • 19-inch BBS alloy wheels: 19 in×8 in at the front and 19 in×9.5 in at the rear.
  • Stiffer springs (which were carried over to the regular M3 from 12/04).
  • Faster ratio steering rack of 14.5:1 (compared with the regular M3's ratio of 15.4:1) as with the CSL
  • Steering wheel from the CSL
  • M-track mode for the electronic stability control, as with the CSL.
  • The CSL's larger front brake discs (but with the regular M3 front calipers) and rear brake calipers with larger pistons.
  • Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake covers.

The engine, gearbox, and other drivetrain components are the same as the standard M3.

GTR Strassenversion (Road Car) edit

In order to homologate the M3 GTR for racing, a road version was developed during calendar year 2001 and shown for the first time at the season ending ALMS Petit Le Mans race. BMW produced 10 development units of which 3 were production ready display cars. For homologation purposes, the M3 GTR needed to be offered for sale to the general public and by Petit Le Mans 2001, the car was ready. The M3 GTR was to be priced at €250,000,[84] When ALMS changed the homologation rules at the end of the 2001 season, the road version project was stopped. All 7 development prototypes were recycled but the three production ready display cars exist to this day and all still owned by BMW AG. One of the Road M3 GTRs was displayed by BMW of North America LLC at Legends of the Autobahn in 2015 along with the newly restored ALMS race version of the car.[85] The road cars were built alongside bodies-in-white of the GTR race cars in the special vehicles department of BMW's Regensburg Plant.

As with the race car, the GTR road car was powered by the 4.0-litre P60 V8 engine. The engine retained the race cars' dry sump oil system and was slightly detuned from 331 to 285 kW (444 to 382 hp) at 7,000 rpm.[86] Top speed was 295 km/h (183 mph). The transmission was a six-speed manual and the differential was the same variable locking unit as used in the race car.

The dry weight was 1,350 kg (2,980 lb).[87] Weight reduction measures included a carbon fibre front bumper, rear bumper and rear wing.

The M3 GTR gained a cult following in the gaming community after it appeared in the 2005 video game Need for Speed: Most Wanted.[88][89][90] Road & Track, who collaborated on the first Need for Speed video game, described the game's custom M3 GTR as being "so iconic that fans still recreate the livery in real life." Once searched about the M3 GTR, nearly 85% of the results will relate the car to Need for Speed: Most Wanted.[91]

North American models edit

The North American models used the same S54 engine as in other countries (unlike the previous generation, which used lower performance engines in the United States). Due to minor differences in specification, the United States models were rated at 248 kW (333 hp) and 355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft), resulting in an official 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 4.8 seconds for the coupé version (with either the manual and SMG transmission). As in other countries, top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).[92][93]

The CSL model was not sold in the North American market.[79]

Motorsport edit

 
M3 GTR racing version
 
BMW P60B40 V8 engine used in the GTR

In the United States, the E46 M3 competed in the 2000 American Le Mans Series GT category and finished third in the championship. The straight-six engine was viewed as uncompetitive compared to the Porsche 996 GT3, therefore BMW began to develop a new M3 racing car based around a more powerful engine. The resulting E46 GTR racing car was introduced in February 2001 and was powered by a 330 kW (443 hp) version of the 3,997 cc (4.0 L) P60 V8 engine.[85][94] With a more powerful engine than the straight-six powered M3 versions (which were outpaced by the competition), the GTR won the 2001 American Le Mans Series GT category, driven by Jörg Müller.

The eligibility of the GTR was the subject of controversy, with some rival teams believing that the GTR was an in-house prototype vehicle rather than a production model available for purchase by the general public. The ALMS homologation rules for 2001 required the M3 GTR road car to be sold on at least two continents within twelve months of the rules being issued, which BMW claimed to fulfill by stating that 10 GTR road cars were available for sale. The ALMS rules were altered for 2002, now requiring that 100 cars and 1,000 engines must be built for a car to qualify without penalties. The GTR road car was never intended for production on this scale, so BMW withdrew the GTR from competition at this point.

In 2003, the M3 GTR returned to competition at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, with two cars run by Schnitzer Motorsport. The GTR won the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2004 and 2005,[95] and competed in the 24 Hours Spa.[96]

E90/E92/E93 generation (2007–2013) edit

E90/92/93 M3
 
Overview
ProductionSeptember 2007 – July 2013
DesignerStephan Baum (E90)[97]
Karl Elmitt, Hans-Bruno Starke (E92)
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length4,582–4,618 mm (180.4–181.8 in)
Width1,803–1,821 mm (71.0–71.7 in)
Height1,377–1,448 mm (54.2–57.0 in)
Curb weight1,580–1,810 kg (3,483–3,990 lb)

The M3 model of the E90/E92/E93 3 Series range was powered by the BMW S65 V8 engine and was produced in saloon, convertible and coupé body styles. The E9x is the first and only standard production M3 powered by a V8 engine as its successor would revert to using a straight 6 engine. In the standard M3, the S65 engine rated at 309 kW (420 PS; 414 hp) at 8,400 rpm[98] and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm.[98]

 
E92 M3 interior

Initially, the M3 was produced with a 6-speed manual transmission. In April 2008, the E90/E92/E93 M3 became the first BMW to be available with a dual-clutch transmission when the 7-speed Getrag "M-DCT" transmission was introduced as an option.[99]

The official 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration times for the coupé and saloon are 4.6 seconds with the DCT transmission (4.8 seconds with the manual transmission)[100] and 5.1 seconds for the convertible.[101]

The E90 and E92 versions received many positive reviews, including "the greatest all-around car in the world",[102] "the finest car on the market, period"[103] and "the best, most complete car in the world".[104]

Development and production edit

Total production of the E9x M3 was 40,092 coupés, 16,219 convertibles and 9,674 saloon.[105] Production of saloon models finished in 2011,[106] with coupés remaining in production until July 5, 2013.

Body styles edit

The first body style to be introduced was the coupé, which was previewed at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show[107] and introduced in production form at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September.[108] The coupé version uses a carbon fibre roof to reduce weight and lower the centre of gravity. In 2010, the coupé and convertible versions received a minor facelift, which included revised LED tail-lights and minor interior trim pieces but it did not get the updated headlights from the regular series.[109]

The E93 convertible version was introduced shortly after the coupé and uses a power retractable hardtop. The leather seats in the convertible version are treated with a coating to reflect sunlight, in order to reduce their tendency to become uncomfortably hot with the top down.[110]

A saloon version was introduced in 2008 and was the second (along with the E36) M3 by generation to be produced in a 4-door body style.[111] The saloon has the same drivetrain and similar external styling as the coupé, however the lack of a carbon fibre roof contributes to a weight increase of 10 kg (22 lb) compared to an identically equipped coupé.[citation needed]

The official kerb weights for the 2008 European-specification models (with manual transmission) are 1,580 kg (3,483 lb) for the coupé, 1,605 kg (3,538 lb) for the saloon and 1,810 kg (3,990 lb) for the convertible.[112][113][114][115]

  •  
    Saloon (E90)
  •  
    Coupé (E92)
  •  
    Convertible (E93)

M Performance Parts edit

M Performance Parts were made for the sixth generation M3. These include black kidney grilles, M rims, an M Performance exhaust that reduces the weight by 9 kg (20 lb), carbon fibre mirrors, spoilers and splitter, a handbrake, steel pedals, a sport steering wheel, black side trim and alcantara leather steering wheel button trim, M stripes decal.

Special editions edit

Competition Package (ZCP) edit

The "Competition Package" (sometimes known as ZCP) version was released in 2010. The changes related to the suspension and electronic stability control and consisted of:[116][117]

  • Ride height lowered by 10 mm (0.4 in)
  • Revised tuning of the adjustable dampers (Electronic Damping Control)[117]
  • An "M" mode for the electronic stability control[118]
  • 19-inch wheels

GTS edit

 
 
M3 GTS

BMW announced the M3 GTS in November 2009 and began production in 2010. The GTS was designed as a "road-legal clubsport-oriented model" and produced only in the coupé body style. Changes over the regular M3 include an upgraded engine, reduced curb weight, revised suspension, upgraded brakes and adjustable aerodynamics.

The GTS uses an engine enlarged to 4.4 L (269 cu in) which has a power output of 331 kW (444 hp). The sole transmission option was the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (M-DCT) and the official 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time for the GTS is 4.4 seconds.[119]

The car weighs 136 kg (300 lb) less than the regular M3, due to a lighter centre console and door panels, polycarbonate side and rear windows, a lack of rear seats and the removal of acoustic insulation.

Suspension changes include adjustable camber angle and ride height, a rigidly mounted rear axle and revised dampers. The front brakes were upgraded to 6-piston callipers with 18 mm (0.7 in) larger discs, and the rear brakes were upgraded to 4-piston callipers with 18 mm (0.7 in) larger discs. Aerodynamics are adjustable via the front apron and the angle of the rear wing.[120] Production was limited to 135 cars, which sold out quickly.[121][122]

CRT edit

 
M3 CRT

The M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) was a special edition of the M3 saloon that was produced in 2011.[123] The CRT was powered by the same 4.4 litre version of the S65 engine as the GTS, however it retained a higher level of luxury features compared to the track-focussed GTS. The CRT used a carbon fibre bonnet and front seats to reduce weight, resulting in a kerb weight approximately 150 lb (68 kg) lower than an equivalently specified version of the regular M3 saloon.

Production was limited to 67 cars, all numbered with a plaque on the dashboard. The official 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time was 4.4 seconds.[124]

DTM Champion Edition edit

BMW Motorsport returned to the DTM in 2012, and 54 "DTM Champion Edition" cars were built to commemorate the BMW M3 winning the championship.[125] The unique features of the DTM Champion Edition consisted of visual changes to associate the car with the DTM race car, such as the "Frozen Black" paint colour, stripes over the roof and bootlid, carbon flaps, a gurney flap and matte black wheels. Interior changes included carbon fibre for some interior trim items, an "M Power" logo embroidered on the handbrake grip and a numbered plaque with Spengler's signature and the text "DTM champion 2012" above the glove box. All cars were produced with the dual-clutch transmission.

Lime Rock Park Edition (US) edit

 
BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition

In the United States, the M3 Lime Rock Park Edition was produced for the 2013 model year. A total of 200 cars were sold, all coupés painted in the "Fire Orange" colour. Performance changes included a carbon fibre front splitter[16] and rear spoiler, a ride height lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm), higher thresholds for the electronic stability control and a lightweight exhaust system. BMW claims the same engine power output as the regular M3, however, when marketing the lightweight Inconel-titanium BMW Motorsports Exhaust to stock M3 vehicles, BMW claims that the system adds about 5 hp (4 kW).[citation needed]

The interior of the Lime Rock Park Edition includes a plaque reading "One of 200".[126]

Frozen Edition edit

Due to the GTS version not being available in South Africa, BMW developed the BMW M3 Frozen Edition in 2009. The engine was upgraded to generate 330 kW (443 hp), due to an AC Schnitzer intake manifold and changes to the engine management system.

Twenty-five Frozen Edition cars were produced, all with exterior colours of either "Frozen Black" or "Frozen Grey".[127]

Competition Edition Frozen Silver edit

In 2012, BMW announced this edition with 40 to be built for US and 100 for Europe.

Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of BMW's M Division, each model came with "Frozen Silver Metallic" exterior paint. According to BMW, the colour is a special matte paint that adds a metallic lustre to the vehicle. The interior has black leather and palladium silver accessories.[128]

M3 Pickup Prototype edit

The M3 Pickup is a one-off custom variant of the M3 which was based on the E93 M3 convertible and publicly announced on April Fool's Day in 2011. It was used as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH, replacing their E30 M3 pickup version after 26 years of use.[18][129] The vehicle was assembled by M GmbH's employees, as well as interns and engineering students.[130]

Motorsport edit

The E92 M3 saw BMW return to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) after a break of 20 years. In its debut season in 2012, the M3 won the drivers championship, the manufacturers championship and five out of ten races for the season.[131][132]

In endurance racing, the BMW Motorsport/Schnitzer Motorsport M3 GT2 won the 2010 24 Hours of Nürburgring, driven by Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus, Pedro Lamy, and Uwe Alzen. The M3 also qualified second at the 2010 24 Hours of Spa and led the race until being forced to retire in the final hour due to suspension failure. The M3 won the GT2 category in the ILMC 2010 1000 km of Zhuhai in China.

A GT4 version of the M3 was introduced in 2009 and competed in various races, including finishing third in the GT4 SP10 class at the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring,[133][134][135] and winning its class at the ADAC Westfalenfahrt race at the Nürburgring in April 2009. In July 2009, BMW Motorsport released an M3 GT4 model for sale to private teams and drivers.[136] The official kerb weight was 1,430 kg (3,153 lb) and changes to the 336 kW (451 bhp) were claimed to be minimal.[137] For the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring, the "Balance of Performance" required the M3 to not exceed a power output of 287 kW (385 bhp) and to have a minimum weight of 1,400 kg (3,086 lb).[138]

 
Schnitzer Motorsport M3 GT2

In the United States, Rahal Letterman Racing entered two factory-backed E92 M3s in the 2009 American Le Mans Series season, competing in the GT2 category. In 2011, the BMW achieved a 1–2 finish in the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the 2011 American Le Mans Series GT class, BMW Team RLL swept all categories, winning the GT manufacturer, team and driver championships. In 2012, the M3 won the GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The #79 M3 GT2 that competed at Le Mans became the 17th BMW Art Car after it was decorated by Jeff Koons.[139] The M3 GT2 was succeeded by the BMW Z4 GTE in 2013.

F80 generation (2014–2019) edit

F80 M3
 
Overview
Production2014 – October 2018
DesignerFlorian Nissl[140]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
RelatedBMW M4 (F82/F83)
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L S55B30T0 twin-turbo I6
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,812 mm (110.7 in)
Length4,671 mm (183.9 in)
Width1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height1,424 mm (56.1 in)

The M3 version of the F30 3 Series was designated the F80 and was produced from 2014 to 2018.[141] The F80 M3 was powered by the BMW S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, therefore being the first turbocharged M3 model. Despite the smaller displacement than the V8 engine used by the previous generation of M3, the switch from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharging resulted in peak power being increased from 309 to 317 kW (420 to 431 PS; 414 to 425 hp), and peak torque being increased from 400 to 550 N⋅m (295 to 406 lb⋅ft).

The official 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration times are 3.9 seconds with the M-DCT transmission and 4.1 seconds with the manual transmission.[142] Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) but an optional M Driver's package raises this to 280 km/h (174 mph). The kerb weight is 1,621 kg (3,574 lb).[citation needed]

The F80 M3 was unveiled, alongside the F82 M4 (its coupé counterpart), at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.[143] The two-door M3 had been renamed BMW M4 – in line with the new BMW 4 Series range.

2016, a Competition Package became available for the M3 and M4. Changes included an increase in power to 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp), revised tuning of the electronic differential and the electronic stability control ("DSC"), suspension upgrades and new front seats.[144][145] The official 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time was 4.0 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission.[145]

  •  
    F80 M3 - rear view
  •  
    BMW S55 straight-six engine
  •  
    Interior

Body styles edit

The F80 generation of M3 was produced only as a saloon, following the company's plans to split off the 4 Series coupé and convertible from the 3 Series.[146] To minimise weight, the roof is made of carbon fibre and the bonnet and front quarter panels are made from aluminium.[147]

Facelifts edit

The F80 M3's design was updated in (summer) 2015 for the 2016 model year and in (march) 2017 for the 2018 model year. In the former, the taillights were given LEDs, and in the latter, the headlights were restyled and also given newer and more angular LEDs.

M Performance Parts edit

M Performance Parts can be fitted to all M3 models. These include a carbon fibre diffuser, a carbon fibre spoiler, a carbon fibre bumper winglet, a splitter and side skirts.

Special editions edit

M3 Pure edit

The Australian-only M3 Pure model was sold as the base model, being cheaper than the regular M3.[148] The M3 Pure has the engine, exhaust and suspension from the Competition Package. Exterior trims include black badges, front grilles, side grilles and exhaust tips, while the interior trim uses a combination of leather and cloth.

M3 CS edit

 
 
M3 CS

An "M3 CS" special edition was produced in 2018 with an upgraded engine rated at 338 kW (453 hp) and 601 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft). The weight was reduced by 50 kg (110 lb)[citation needed] through use of a carbon fibre hood and front splitter,[16] Alcantara interior parts and thinner glass for the side windows.

Production of the CS totalled 1,200 units.[149]

M3 30-Jahre Edition edit

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the first M3, BMW produced a limited run of 30-Jahre edition cars. Only 500 were made and distributed worldwide, with 150 of these making their way to the US. The US cars were all equipped with Individual Macao Blue paint, Fjord Blue and Black interior, Competition package and numerous badges and trim denoting the cars as 30-Jahre Edition.[150]

M3 Velocity Edition edit

In 2018, BMW produced 20 M3 Velocity Edition models that were only available for purchase to military members stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.[151] The Velocity Edition is equipped with the Competition Package and is only available in the "Fashion Grey Metallic" colour. A laser engraved dash/engine strut denotes the number of 20 cars made.

Motorsport edit

With the M3 model now being solely as a saloon, the motor racing activities switched to the M4 (F82) coupé.

Discontinuation edit

Production ceased in October 2018, due to the extensive changes required to meet the WLTP emissions regulations.[152][153] However, the M4 model remained in production.

G80/G81 generation (2020–present) edit

G80 M3
 
Overview
Production2020–present[154]
DesignerAnne Forschner[155]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon (G80)
5-door estate (G81)
Layout
RelatedBMW M4 (G82/G83)
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L S58B30T0 twin-turbo I6
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,857 mm (112.5 in)
Length4,794 mm (188.7 in)
Width1,903 mm (74.9 in)
Height1,433 mm (56.4 in)
 
G80 Rear
 
G81 Front (Touring)

The full M version of the G20 3 Series, powered by the BMW S58 turbocharged straight-six engine that debuted in the G01 X3 M.[156][157] All-wheel drive (xDrive) has been announced as being optional on the new M3,[158] which would represent the first time that an M3 has used a drivetrain layout other than rear-wheel drive.[159] A manual gearbox will be available only with rear wheel drive, and is the only transmission available on the standard M3 model.[160] It will also be available as a Touring (estate) model, marking the first time BMW has offered an M3 Touring.[161] The BMW M3 G80 is on sale as a 2021 model, with the initial prototypes tested at the Nürburgring alongside the BMW M4 G82. It was officially unveiled on 23 September 2020 alongside the new M4.

M3 Competition edit

 
G80 Competition

At launch in 2020, the M3 Competition model was unveiled alongside the standard M3 model. Compared to the standard M3, the M3 Competition increases power output by 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp) to a total of 375 kW (510 PS; 503 hp) and torque is increased by 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) to 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft), and it is offered exclusively with an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. The M3 Competition also features a separate transmission oil cooler, black chrome exhaust tips, forged M light-alloy wheels, automatic brake hold function, and high-gloss black mirrors.[162]

M3 CS edit

 
G80 M3 CS

In 2023, at the 24 Hours of Daytona, BMW unveiled the limited-production M3 CS model. The model features a power increase to 404.5 kW (550 PS; 542 hp) and a weight-reduction of 15 kilograms (33.1 pounds) compared to the M3 Competition xDrive.[163] It is offered only as an all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic model.

Updates edit

In July 2022, for the 2023 model year, the M3 saloon received the new dual curved display featuring iDrive 8, matching the facelifted, standard 3 Series.[164] It replaces the previous separate digital cockpit and infotainment system with iDrive 7. The M3 Touring launched directly with the new display.

M Performance Parts edit

M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models. These include a wing, carbon fibre side skirts, an M Performance Exhaust system, canards, a carbon fibre splitter, a carbon fibre diffuser and rear ground effects.

G80 M3 specs
On sale Model Power Torque Curb Weight Transmission Top Speed Drivetrain
3/2021 M3 saloon (52AY) 353 kW (480 PS; 473 hp) 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) 1,705 kilograms (3,758.9 pounds) 6-speed manual 250 km/h (155 mph) 290 km/h (180 mph) with M driver's package RWD
3/2021 M3 Competition saloon (32AY) 375 kW (510 PS; 503 hp) 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) 1,730 kilograms (3,814 pounds) 8-speed M Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with Drivelogic
8/2021 M3 Competition xDrive saloon (42AY) 1,780 kilograms (3,924.2 pounds)[165] 4WD
2022 M3 Competition xDrive Touring 1,865 kilograms (4,111.6 pounds)[166]
2023 M3 CS 404.5 kW (550 PS; 542 hp) 1,765 kilograms (3,891.2 pounds) 302 km/h (188 mph)

Production volumes edit

Global production numbers for 1986–2018
Version E30[20][14]
1986–1991 		E36[52]
1992–1999 		E46[65]
2000–2006 		E9x[105]
2007–2013 		F80[167]
2014–2018
Saloon 12,603 9,674 34,677
Coupé 17,184 46,525 56,133 40,092
Convertible 786 12,114 29,633 16,219
Total 17,970 71,242 85,766 65,985 34,677

References edit

  1. ^ . worldcarfans.com. 27 February 2008. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  2. ^ . clubsportiva.com. 27 February 2012. Archived from the original on 18 September 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  3. ^ Mandel, Dutch (20 July 1987). "M Times Three = Performance" (PDF). Autoweek: 29–31. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  4. ^ a b Chilton, Chris (6 July 2007). "BMW M3 – E30, E36 and E46 driven review". Car. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  5. ^ "FAQ E30 M3". www.bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  6. ^ "3'E30 model selection: convertible – M3 – EUR – 1991". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  7. ^ "The M Essence". BMW. 16 November 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  8. ^ Walton, Jeremy. BMW 3-Series Enthusiast's Companion. Bentley Publishers, 2001, pp. 121–123, ISBN 0-8376-0220-3
  9. ^ "Aerodynamic parts lesson including nomenclature". BimmerForums.
  10. ^ a b c George, Patrick (10 October 2013). "1988 BMW M3: The Jalopnik Classic Review". Jalopnik. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  11. ^ Smith, Sam; Dyer, Ezra; Kitman, Jamie (14 August 2007). "Driver's Cars – 25 Greatest Cars of All Time". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  12. ^ "BMW S14B23 automotive engine". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Faq E30 M3". BMW M registry. from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  15. ^ "European Supertest: German Thundercars". Road & Track. 26 April 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h "Aerodynamic parts lesson, including nomenclature". BimmerForums.
  17. ^ "E30 M3 FAQ". BMW M Registry. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  18. ^ a b c d "30 years of the BMW M3 – the story behind the legend". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  19. ^ a b c Patel, Joel. "BMW actually built two M3-based pickup trucks". Autoblog. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  20. ^ a b "Faq E30 M3 'Convertible'". BMW M registry. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  21. ^ "1988 Cars". Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  22. ^ "1991 Cars". Touring Car Racing. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  23. ^ "3' E36 M3 Manual gearbox S6S 420G". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  24. ^ "FAQ E36 M3 3.2". BMW M Registry. from the original on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 20 June 2010.
  25. ^ "The BMW 3 Series Coupés" (PDF). BMW. 1996. p. 28. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  26. ^ "3' E36 M3 Manual Transmission S6S 420G (SMG)". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  27. ^ "1992–2000 E36 BMW M3 Review". www.topspeed.com. 28 June 2006. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  28. ^ Auto Motor and Sport, 13/1996, pages 38–40
  29. ^ "BMW M3 Limousine, 286 PS (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  30. ^ "BMW M3 Coupé, 321 PS (E36)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  31. ^ "1997 BMW M3 Coupé specifications". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  32. ^ "Video: BMW E36 M3 GT Reviewed by Carfection". www.bmwblog.com. 22 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  33. ^ a b "The BMW M3 GT Is the Best E36 You Might Not Know About". Road & Track. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  34. ^ "Driving A Dream Car: The Limited Edition BMW E36 M3 GT". www.petrolicious.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  35. ^ "BMW M Registry – FAQ E36 M3 3.2". bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  36. ^ "BMW M3 Evo Individual". Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  37. ^ "The E36 M3 LTW CSL: A Rare M3, Just For The US". www.speedhunters.com. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  38. ^ "For Sale: 1995 BMW E36 M3 Lightweight". www.bmwblog.com. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  39. ^ . BMW North America. Archived from the original on 6 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  40. ^ "BMW M3 Style 24 wheels". Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  41. ^ "1995 BMW M3 Lightweight". www.sportscarmarket.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  42. ^ "100-Mile 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight". www.bringatrailer.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  43. ^ "The Canadian M3". www.hagerty.com. 17 October 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  44. ^ "How Canada Got the Euro-Spec E36 M3 America Didn't". Road & Track. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  45. ^ "1 of 45: 1994 BMW M3 Canadian Edition". www.germancarsforsaleblog.com. 18 August 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  46. ^ "1993 Warsteiner ADAC GT Cup series". www.touringcarworld.net. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  47. ^ "The Champion in Touring Car Racing". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
  48. ^ "Road Test – BMW 325i".
  49. ^ "BMW M Registry – FAQ E36 M3 3.0".
  50. ^ "BMW M Registry – FAQ E36 M3 3.2".
  51. ^ "FAQ E36 M3 3.2". BMW M Registry. from the original on 16 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  52. ^ a b "The History Of BMW M3". 16 October 2015. from the original on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  53. ^ "3' E36 M3 Automatic transmission A5S310Z". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  54. ^ "Model selection: 3'E36 – coupe – M3 – USA – 10/1995". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  55. ^ All figures: Covello, Mike (2002). Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946–2002. Iola: Krause Publications. pp. 160–163. ISBN 0-87341-605-8.
  56. ^ "DriverDatabase". www.driverdb.com.
  57. ^ a b c d James, James Taylor (31 July 2014). BMW M3: The Complete Story. Crowood. ISBN 9781847977731. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  58. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  59. ^ a b "BMW M3 Cabriolet (E46) 2001 – 2007". autoevolution. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  60. ^ a b Tomalin, Peter (25 January 2013). "BMW M3 E46 buying guide". Evo. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  61. ^ "2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i Comparison Test". Edmunds.com. 27 April 2008. from the original on 28 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  62. ^ Car & Driver Magazine, January 2002
  63. ^ "3' E46 M3 Manual Transmission S6S 420G (SMG)". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  64. ^ "BMW M3". Road & Track. 6 November 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  65. ^ a b "BMW M Registry – FAQ E46 M3". www.bmwmregistry.com. from the original on 7 July 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  66. ^ "BMW M Registry – FAQ E46 M3".
  67. ^ a b (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 June 2001. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  68. ^ Klauder, Kai. . auto motor und sport (in German). Archived from the original on 1 March 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  69. ^ "IAA 1999 – Focus on the BMW Booth". audiworld. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  70. ^ a b "FAQ E46 M3". BMW M Registry. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  71. ^ (in German). Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  72. ^ "BMW M3 CSL (E46)". bmw-grouparchiv.de. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  73. ^ a b c d e f g . US auto parts. Archived from the original on 23 September 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  74. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k . Cartorque. Archived from the original on 9 May 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  75. ^ a b c "BMW M3 CSL (E46)". diseno-art. from the original on 21 June 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  76. ^ . Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  77. ^ "BMW M3 CSL". Automobile Magazine. from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  78. ^ "Top Gear". BBC. Retrieved 3 January 2012./
  79. ^ a b "BMW M3 CSL Performance". Automobile Magazine. from the original on 4 June 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  80. ^ "BMW M3 CSL – Auto Shows". Car and Driver. March 2003. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  81. ^ "The BMW M3 CSL Is Still a Dream Machine". Road & Track. 29 April 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  82. ^ "BMW E46 M3 CSL Review". www.tradeuniquecars.com.au. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  83. ^ a b c d "The New M3 CSL", Car pages
  84. ^ "The BMW M3 GTR Bent the Rules to Beat Everyone". Road & Track. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  85. ^ a b "2001 BMW M3 GTR Race and Road Cars To Be Presented at Legends of the Autobahn Concours D'Elegance". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  86. ^ BMW M3 GTR. BMW AG. November 2001. p. 5. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  87. ^ "The BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion". BMW M. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  88. ^ Trevor Yale Ryan (1 November 2018). "Someone At SEMA Has A Need For Speed". SpeedHunters. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  89. ^ "This Video Shows What Need For Speed: Most Wanted Would Look Like in Real Life". www.thedrive.com. April 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  90. ^ "Need for Speed Most Wanted". www.covercentury.com. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  91. ^ Hogan, Mack (3 November 2020). "How 'Need For Speed' Became the World's Biggest Racing Game". Road & Track. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  92. ^ BMW M3 Owners Manual
  93. ^ "BMW M3: A Brief History of the Ultimate Driving Machine". motortrend.com. 20 July 2007. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  94. ^ "BMW M3 GTR". Car and Driver. March 2003. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  95. ^ BMW M3 E46 GTR/Rennsaison 2004 – 2005 (PDF). 2005. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  96. ^ "BMW M3 E46: Respecting the past – embracing the future". www.bmw-m.com. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  97. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  98. ^ a b "2011 Audi RS5 vs. 2010 BMW M3, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V – Comparison Tests" (PDF). Car and Driver. August 2010. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
  99. ^ "The new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic". www.press.bmwgroup.com.
  100. ^ . BMW. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  101. ^ . BMW. Archived from the original on 16 June 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  102. ^ "E90 M3 Long-Term Test". motortrend.com. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  103. ^ "BMW M3 Long-Term: The Perfect Sports Car?". Car and Driver. from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
  104. ^ "BMW M3: Best Car in the World". InsideLine.com. from the original on 10 November 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2009.
  105. ^ a b "BMW M Registry – FAQ E90 + E92 + E93 M3". www.bmwmregistry.com. from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  106. ^ "Model selection – 3'E90 LCI – saloon – M3 – EUR". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  107. ^ "BMW M3 Concept (2007): first official pictures". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  108. ^ "Die Highlights". Der Tagesspiegel Online (in German). 27 August 2007. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  109. ^ "Photo Comparison: E92 Coupe facelift vs. pre-facelift". www.bmwblog.com. 17 January 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  110. ^ "2010 BMW M3 Convertible Review". Automoblog.net.
  111. ^ "BMW M3 Sedan Quick Review". www.bmwblog.com. 18 October 2007. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  112. ^ "2008 BMW M3 E92 (Coupe) full range specs". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  113. ^ "2008 BMW M3 E90 Sedan full range specs". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  114. ^ "2008 BMW M3 E93 (Cabrio) full range specs". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  115. ^ "BMW AG PRESSE". BMW AG PRESSE M3 (ALL GENERATIONS) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION. BMW AG. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  116. ^ "First Drive: 2011 BMW M3 with Competition Package". motortrend.com. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  117. ^ a b "2011 BMW M3 Competition Package Review: Car Reviews". www.autoguide.com. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  118. ^ "BMW M3 Competition Package (2010) review". www.carmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  119. ^ "All clear given for market launch of the BMW M3 GTS". BMW PressClub. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  120. ^ . Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  121. ^ "Sold Out: 2011 BMW M3 GTS". Gtspirit.com. 2 January 2010. from the original on 6 June 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  122. ^ "Approaching the Checkered Flag: The 4th Generation BMW M3 Ends Its Production Run While Its Racing Career Continues" (Press release). BMW. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  123. ^ "2012 BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan – Official Photos and Info". Car and Driver. 23 June 2011.
  124. ^ "BMW M3 CRT saloon review and pictures". EVO. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  125. ^ "BMW M celebrates DTM triumph with BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition model". BMW Group, press release. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  126. ^ "2013 BMW M3 Coupe Lime Rock Park Edition". Automoblog.net. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  127. ^ "Scorching Frozen Edition M3 driven". Wheels. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  128. ^ "2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver Announced, Just 40 to be Built". Car and Driver. 7 November 2011.
  129. ^ Lavrinc, Damon. "Officially Official: 420-HP BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds". Autoblog. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  130. ^ . Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017.
  131. ^ "2012 season". www.dtm.com. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  132. ^ "BMW Wins DTM 2012 Championship". www.bmwblog.com. 21 October 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  133. ^ (PDF) (in German). 21–24 May 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  134. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  135. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  136. ^ "M3 GT4 Brochure and Specs". www.m3post.com. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  137. ^ . Archived from the original on 11 April 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  138. ^ . Adac.24h-rennen.de. Archived from the original on 14 May 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
  139. ^ "BMW returning to American Le Mans Series". Autoweek. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 6 February 2008.
  140. ^ Boeriu, Horatieu (16 January 2014). "Interview with Florian Nissl, BMW M3 and M4 Designer". bmwblog.com. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  141. ^ Tingwall, Eric (25 September 2013). . Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  142. ^ "First look: 2014 BMW M3 and M4". Autoweek. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  143. ^ "Geneva Motor Show 2013: BMW". Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  144. ^ "First drive: the BMW M3 'Competition Pack'". Top Gear. 28 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  145. ^ a b "New Competition Package Wrings More Out of BMW M3 And M4". Motor Authority. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  146. ^ "Confirmed: M Version of BMW 4-series Coupe to be Called M4 – News – Car and Driver – Car and Driver Blog". Car and Driver. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  147. ^ Kable, Greg (6 August 2012). "Revolutionizing the M3". Autoweek. 62 (16): 8–9. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  148. ^ Maclean, Andrew (25 February 2018). "2018 BMW M3 Pure quick spin review – Quick Spin: BMW's bargain muscle car". Drive. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  149. ^ Horatiu Boareu (7 November 2017). "First video of the BMW M3 CS". Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  150. ^ "2017 BMW "30 Jahre M3" Limited Edition" (Press release). BMW Group. 2 August 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  151. ^ "BMW M3 Sedan. Edition Velocity" (PDF). Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  152. ^ "BMW M3 by Björn Schmidt". bmw-m.com. M GmbH. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2019. production of the current generation BMW M3 (F80) will be coming to an end. Someone else who finds it just as difficult to say goodbye is self-confessed BMW M enthusiast Björn Schmidt. But he's found a way to deal with it: as a birthday treat, the businessman has secured himself the last model in Europe.
  153. ^ "Production Data Shows Only 15% of BMW F80 M3 Models Were Manual". BMW BLOG. 14 January 2019. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
  154. ^ "Production start for iconic sports car at BMW Group's Munich plant". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  155. ^ "Jury - Move Award". moveaward.com. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  156. ^ "2021 BMW M3 and M4: Everything We Know". Road & Track. 28 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  157. ^ "New BMW M3 not until 2021". www.carsales.com.au. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  158. ^ "Upcoming BMW G80 M3 will come with an imposing kidney grille". www.bmwblog.com. 7 August 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  159. ^ "New 2020 BMW M3: choice of 480 or 510bhp, 2wd or 4wd confirmed". www.carmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  160. ^ Perkins, Chris (22 November 2019). "BMW M Boss Confirms Rear-Drive Manual Version of Next M3 and M4". Road & Track. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  161. ^ Hoffman, Connor (25 August 2020). "Here's the 2021 BMW M3 Touring, and We Really Want It in the U.S." Car and Driver. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  162. ^ Motavalli, Jim. "BMW Debuts the Sixth-Generation M3—With a Competition Version". www.barrons.com. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  163. ^ Fitzgerald, Jack (24 January 2023). "2024 BMW M3 CS Sheds the Pounds and Ups the Power". Car and Driver.
  164. ^ "BMW model update measures as of summer 2022". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  165. ^ "2021 BMW M3 (G80) Competition 3.0 (510 Hp) M xDrive M Steptronic". AutoData. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  166. ^ "The BMW M3 Touring Is Only 30 KG Lighter Than An M5". BMW BLOG. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  167. ^ "BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum – View Single Post – F80 M3 Complete Model Life Production Data".
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW M3.

January 01, 1970
high, performance, version, series, developed, house, motorsport, division, gmbh, models, have, been, produced, every, generation, series, since, introduced, 1986, 2021, overviewmanufacturerbmw, mproduction1986, 20182020, presentbody, chassisclasscompact, exec. The BMW M3 is a high performance version of the BMW 3 Series developed by BMW s in house motorsport division BMW M GmbH M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986 BMW M32021 BMW M3 G80 OverviewManufacturerBMW MProduction1986 20182020 presentBody and chassisClassCompact executive car D LayoutFront engine rear wheel driveFront engine all wheel drive 2021 present RelatedBMW 3 SeriesBMW M4 The initial model was available in a coupe body style with a convertible body style made available soon after M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 1994 1999 and E90 2008 2012 generations Since 2014 the coupe and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range making the high performance variant the M4 Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon until 2020 when the M3 was produced as an estate Touring for the first time alongside the saloon variant 1 2 Contents 1 E30 generation 1986 1991 1 1 Engine 1 2 Suspension 1 3 Special Editions 1 3 1 Evolution 1 1 3 2 Evolution 2 1 3 3 Sport Evolution 1 3 4 Ravaglia and Cecotto editions 1 4 M3 Pickup prototype 1 5 Production volumes 1 6 Motorsport 1 6 1 Championships 2 E36 generation 1992 1999 2 1 Engine 2 2 Special editions 2 2 1 M3 GT Europe 2 2 2 M3 Evolution Imola Individual 2 2 3 M3 Lightweight US Only 2 2 4 Canadian Edition 2 2 5 M3 R Australia 2 2 6 M3 GTR Germany 2 3 Production 2 4 North American models 2 5 Motorsport 3 E46 generation 2000 2006 3 1 Engine 3 2 Development and launch 3 3 Special editions 3 3 1 CSL 3 3 2 Prototype CSL 3 3 3 Competition Package CS 3 3 4 GTR Strassenversion Road Car 3 4 North American models 3 5 Motorsport 4 E90 E92 E93 generation 2007 2013 4 1 Development and production 4 2 Body styles 4 3 M Performance Parts 4 4 Special editions 4 4 1 Competition Package ZCP 4 4 2 GTS 4 4 3 CRT 4 4 4 DTM Champion Edition 4 4 5 Lime Rock Park Edition US 4 4 6 Frozen Edition 4 4 7 Competition Edition Frozen Silver 4 5 M3 Pickup Prototype 4 6 Motorsport 5 F80 generation 2014 2019 5 1 Body styles 5 2 Facelifts 5 3 M Performance Parts 5 4 Special editions 5 4 1 M3 Pure 5 4 2 M3 CS 5 4 3 M3 30 Jahre Edition 5 4 4 M3 Velocity Edition 5 5 Motorsport 5 6 Discontinuation 6 G80 G81 generation 2020 present 6 1 M3 Competition 6 2 M3 CS 6 3 Updates 6 4 M Performance Parts 7 Production volumes 8 ReferencesE30 generation 1986 1991 editBMW M3 E30 nbsp BMW M3 Evolution IIOverviewProductionMarch 1986 June 1991DesignerClaus LutheBody and chassisBody style2 door 2 2 coupe2 door convertibleLayoutFront engine rear wheel drivePowertrainEngine2 3 2 5 L S14 I4Transmission5 speed manualDimensionsWheelbase2 562 mm 100 9 in Length4 345 mm 171 1 in Width1 680 mm 66 1 in Height1 370 mm 53 9 in Curb weight1 165 1 360 kg 2 568 2 998 lb 3 nbsp E30 M3 interior The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules which required a total of 5 000 cars to be built 4 It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show and began production from March 1986 to June 1991 5 6 7 The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupe body style but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced 8 The front splitter 9 the rear apron sill panels as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window C pillar and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics 10 For aerodynamic reasons the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light glass reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow 4 The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight line stability In addition the windscreen was glued in not as with the other E30 models framed with a window rubber and piping As a result the M3 achieved a relatively low drag coefficient of Cd 0 33 instead of Cd 0 38 as in the standard 3 Series The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet roof panel and sunroof The brake calipers discs and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model The transmission was a Getrag 265 5 speed manual European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1 1 ratio for fifth gear North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear 10 A clutch type limited slip differential was standard equipment In 2004 Sports Car International named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s In 2007 Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their 5 greatest drivers cars of all time under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time 11 nbsp Coupe nbsp Convertible Engine edit nbsp The S14 DOHC inline four engine The E30 M3 used the BMW S14 four cylinder engine a high revving DOHC design with a head closely based on that of the BMW S38 six cylinder engine and the block from the BMW M10 four cylinder engine with a 7 250 rpm redline 10 12 In countries where the M3 was sold with a catalytic converter the initial versions were rated at 143 kW 195 PS 192 hp and had a top speed of 235 km h 146 mph 13 In countries where a catalytic converter was not fitted the engine was rated at 147 kW 200 PS 197 hp Suspension edit Differences from the standard E30 models included 5 stud wheel hubs 225 45R16 Pirelli P700 Z tyres offset control arm bushings in the front suspension for increased caster angle aluminium control arms revised front strut tubes with bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube similar to the E28 5 Series front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing from the E28 5 Series 310mm slotted front amp 295mm slotted rear discs 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers stainless steel braided brake hoses Special Editions edit Evolution 1 edit nbsp M3 Sport Evolution In 1987 an Evolution model also called EVO1 was released Although not designated by BMW as an Evolution model these had a revised cylinder head designated by an E stamp to improve performance Power was unchanged from the standard M3 Visually these were unchanged from the standard E30 M3 In total 505 were built between March and May 1987 To celebrate the M3 s victory at the 1987 Tour de Corse round five of that year s World Rally Championship BMW France commissioned a batch of 50 Evolution 1 special editions Evolution 2 edit To keep the M3 competitive for the 1988 season the Evolution 2 was released 501 examples were built between March and May 1998 it featured a revised camshaft pistons and an increased compression ratio from 10 5 1 to 11 0 1 There was also a more efficient air intake and a lightened flywheel Visually the Evolution 2 featured a BMW Motorsport tricolour camshaft and intake plenum cover Power increased to 160 kW 218 PS at 6750 rpm and 245 N m 181 lb ft at 4750 rpm For the Evolution 2 BMW installed a slightly reduced final drive ratio to provide a higher top speed 3 15 1 instead of 3 25 1 Visual changes included a deeper front spoiler with brake cooling ducts instead of fog lights while the boot lid featured a rear spoiler complete with a new trailing flap These assemblies were all made lighter than on previous iterations of the M3 More weight was saved thanks to the installation of thinner side and rear glass Sport Evolution edit For 1990 a more powerful and lighter Sport Evolution model sometimes referred to as EVO3 with a limited production run of 600 units was produced with an upgraded 2 467 cc 150 5 cu in engine rated at 175 kW 238 PS 235 hp at 7 000 rpm and 240 N m 177 lbf ft at 4 750 rpm 14 15 The top speed was increased to 250 km h 154 mph 13 Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi position front splitter 16 and rear wing Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights Ravaglia and Cecotto editions edit In April 1989 the Ravaglia and Cecotto limited editions were released both named after Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft DTM racing drivers Power was increased to 158 kW 215 PS 212 hp with a catalytic converter 17 Cecotto Edition production consisted of 480 cars plus 80 cars for the Swiss market de tuned to 155 kW 211 PS 208 hp to meet Swiss emissions limits The production run for the Ravaglia Edition consisted of 25 cars 14 M3 Pickup prototype edit In 1986 BMW produced an M3 Pickup prototype pickup truck based on the convertible model The M3 Pickup used the narrower body of regular E30 models and was originally powered by the 2 0 litre version of the S14 engine from the Italian specification M3 It was used by BMW M as a transporter for roughly 26 years before it was officially retired in 2012 18 19 Production volumes edit Total production of the E30 M3 was 17 970 cars 14 20 Production breakdown 14 Model Code Market Power Units Coupe M3 AK01 Euro spec 147 kW 200 PS 197 hp 5 187 incl Evo I and Evo II M3 Cat AK05 143 kW 195 PS 192 hp 4 591 M3 158 kW 215 PS 212 hp 1 506 M3 Sport Evolution AK07 175 kW 238 PS 235 hp 600 M3 AK03 US spec 143 kW 195 PS 192 hp 5 300 Cabriolet M3 BB01 Euro spec 147 kW 200 PS 197 hp 136 M3 Cat BB05 143 kW 195 PS 192 hp 174 M3 158 kW 215 PS 212 hp 476 Motorsport edit nbsp DTM racing car The M3 E30 competed in many forms of motorsport and was highly successful in touring car racing In full race trim the 1988 M3 s 2 3 L 140 cu in naturally aspirated engine was rated at approximately 221 kW 300 PS 296 hp 21 The E30 M3 won the 24 Hours Nurburgring five times 1989 1990 1991 1992 and 1994 and the Spa 24 Hours four times 1987 1988 1990 and 1992 often competing against cars with significantly larger or turbocharged engines To keep the car competitive in racing following year to year homologation rules changes homologation specials were produced and sold in limited volumes These include the Evo 1 Evo 2 and Sport Evolution with upgrades including weight reduction improved aerodynamics taller front wheel arches to allow 18 inch wheels to be used in DTM racing bigger brake ducts and more power output from the engine With the introduction of the 2 5 L evolution engine into racing in 1990 power increased to approximately 279 kW 379 PS 374 hp 22 The M3 also competed as a rally car with Prodrive prepared examples contesting several national championships and selected rounds of the World Rally Championship between 1987 and 1989 By the latter year the cars based on the regular M3 were equipped with six speed gearboxes and were rated at 221 kW 300 PS 296 hp The M3 was not very competitive with the four wheel drive cars on loose surfaces but it was a very effective car on asphalt Its most notable success was a victory on the Tour de Corse in 1987 driven by Bernard Beguin Championships edit World Touring Car Championship 1 title 1987 European Touring Car Championship 2 titles 1987 and 1988 British Touring Car Championship 2 titles 1988 and 1991 Italia Superturismo Championship 4 titles 1987 1989 1990 and 1991 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft 2 titles 1987 and 1989 Australian Touring Car Championship 1 title 1987 Australian 2 0 Litre Touring Car Championship 1 title 1993 Australian Manufacturers Championship 2 titles 1987 and 1988 both shared AMSCAR Series 2 titles 1987 1991 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship 1 title 1990 Japanese Touring Car Championship 7 titles in JTC 2 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 E36 generation 1992 1999 editBMW M3 E36 nbsp OverviewProduction1992 1999DesignerClaus LutheBody and chassisBody style2 door 2 2 coupe2 door convertible4 door saloonLayoutFront engine rear wheel drivePowertrainEngine3 0 L S50 I6 pre facelift 3 0 L S50B30US I6 pre facelift US market 3 2 L S50 I6 post facelift 3 2 L S52 I6 post facelift US market Transmission5 speed manual5 speed automatic6 speed manual6 speed SMGDimensionsWheelbase2 700 mm 106 3 in Length4 430 mm 174 4 in Width1 710 mm 67 3 in Height1 370 mm 53 9 in Curb weight3 131 lb 1 420 kg The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupe only with a convertible version added in 1994 A saloon version was also added in December 1994 to fill in the gap caused by the lack of the M5 saloon model between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998 citation needed nbsp E36 M3 convertible interior In September 1995 a facelift version of the coupe was introduced Changes included the engine displacement increasing to 3 2 L 195 cu in the manual transmission upgrading from a 5 speed to a 6 speed 23 different wheels and clear indicator lenses The facelift changes were applied to the saloon model in November 1995 and the convertible model in February 1996 24 The kerb weight of the 1996 M3 coupe in European specification is 1 515 kg 3 340 lb 25 The facelift also saw the introduction of a 6 speed SMG automated manual transmission 26 the first time an automated transmission was available on an M3 outside the United States The SMG transmission was praised for its fast shift times and operation in performance situations but criticized for behavior in everyday driving situations 27 In 1996 BMW M hand built an E36 M3 Compact prototype as an M car which would appeal to younger customers It included various performance and styling features of the E36 M3 including the 3 2 litre S50 engine The M3 Compact was reviewed in the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport 18 19 28 but never reached production nbsp coupe nbsp convertible nbsp saloon nbsp Dakar Yellow 1998 E36 Engine edit nbsp BMW S50 inline 6 engine The E36 M3 is powered by the BMW S50 straight six engine It was the first M3 to use a six cylinder engine which has since been used in the majority of M3 models albeit in turbocharged form since 2014 In most countries the initial 2 990 cc 182 cu in version generated 210 kW 286 PS 282 hp at 7 000 rpm 29 and 320 N m 236 lb ft at 3 600 rpm North American models except for the limited edition Canadian M3 Euro Spec model used the less powerful BMW S50B30US engine instead The facelift models in late 1995 were upgraded to a 3 201 cc 195 cu in version of the BMW S50 engine generating 236 kW 316 hp at 7 400 rpm 30 and 350 N m 258 lbf ft at 3 250 rpm 31 North American models used the less powerful BMW S52 engine instead Special editions edit M3 GT Europe edit nbsp 1995 BMW M3 GT In 1994 BMW produced the limited edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special for Europe 32 in order to compete in the FIA GT class II IMSA GT and international long distance races 33 A total of 356 cars were produced all in left hand drive for mainland Europe The UK received a special GT trim limited to 50 cars with only the cosmetic upgrades of the homologation special 13 The engine was the European specification S50B30 which was upgraded with larger camshafts and a higher compression ratio resulting in peak power of 220 kW 295 hp at 7 100 rpm 34 All M3 GTs only came in one single colour British Racing Green Other changes include a deeper and adjustable front splitter 16 higher rear double wing aluminum doors wheels measuring 17 x 7 5 inches at the front and 17 x 8 5 inches at the rear stiffer front suspension a cross brace and a strut brace The M3 GT is approximately 30 kg 66 lb lighter than the regular M3 and has a derestricted top speed of 275 km h 171 mph 33 M3 Evolution Imola Individual edit nbsp 1998 BMW M3 Evolution Imola Individual The M3 Evolution Imola Individual is a limited edition variant of the M3 50 for the United Kingdom The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996 European M3 and a special exterior and interior colour combination was chosen by BMW UK Imola Red 405 paint with Nappa leather seats in Imola Red and Amaretta suede bolsters in anthracite It also included side airbags the M3 GT Class II rear spoiler front class II corner splitter extensions electric seats and double spoke polished alloy wheels Prior to the release of the Imola Individual there was a pre production model made which was used as the basis of the special edition It featured the Class II front splitter 16 and rear spoiler special order Imola Red paint special order Nappa leather and Anthracite Amaretta suede interior SMG gearbox GSM phone kit headlamp washers and double spoke polished alloy wheels 35 36 M3 Lightweight US Only edit nbsp nbsp M3 Lightweight Following the introduction of the E36 M3 racing teams in the United States began pressuring BMW for a homologation version in order to compete in sports car racing 37 38 As a result the M3 Lightweight was introduced in 1995 The cars came without a radio although the speakers were installed and the car pre wired for the radio air conditioning leather seats tool kit or a sunroof The doors have aluminium skins There is no under bonnet insulation blanket and the boot only has carpet on the floor The under body insulation is thinner and there is special carpeting to lower weight Overall the changes resulted in a weight 91 kg 200 lb less than a regular M3 The wheels are 17 inches in diameter with a width of 7 5 inches at the front and 8 5 inches at the rear The tyres fitted were 235 40ZR17 39 40 Powertrain changes included the removal of the top speed limiter and a shorter differential ratio 3 23 compared to 3 15 Suspension upgrades consisted of shorter springs from the European specification M3 Before being sold the M3 Lightweights were sent to Prototype Technology Group Racing in Virginia for final preparation which included the front and rear Motorsport flag decals and trunk kit 41 In the boot there was a dual pickup oil pump from the European specification M3 front strut bar lower cross brace spacer blocks to raise the rear wing and an adjustable front splitter 16 Each owner was given a 1 page legal document to sign acknowledging that any installation of boot items voided the new car warranty citation needed All M3 Lightweight cars were produced in the Alpine White exterior colour with the Motorsports flag decals on the left front and right rear corners of the car There is a fixed wing on the bootlid some carbon fibre interior trim and the badges on the side moulding and dash read BMW Motorsport International Although BMW promised to build approximately 100 cars BMW never released the production numbers of M3 Lightweights built However it is estimated that approximately 125 were built 42 Canadian Edition edit Prior to the release of the North American specification M3 BMW Canada sold 45 of the European specification M3s At the time BMW North America was opposed to importing the E36 M3 due to its high price and the poor sales of the previous M3 The Canadian Edition M3 was imported using a loophole that allows low volumes of Norwegian certified cars to be sold in Canada 43 Despite a high price of nearly 60 000 CAD 44 all 45 cars were sold in 3 days 42 of the M3s arrived in Canada via boat in January 1994 with the final 3 cars shipping sometime in the following few months As with other European specification M3s these 45 cars had the 213 kW 286 hp version of the S50 engine oil temperature gauge and glass headlights as well as Canadian required equipment such as a third brake light and daytime running lights Each of the Canadian Edition cars has an individually numbered plaque on the inside of the glovebox which reads S50 B30 Limited Production Canadian Edition 45 as well as a special owners manual pouch with a similar plaque The cars were numbered at random with no correlation to VIN numbers options or production date When the North American specification M3 was released in 1995 it was initially not available in Canada Sales of the North American M3 in Canada began in 1997 M3 R Australia edit In order to race in the Australian Super Production series fifteen M3 Rs were sold by BMW Australia in 1994 With a power output of 240 kW 322 hp the M3 R is the most powerful production E36 M3 Four of the cars were used for the race series while the remaining eleven were sold to the general public Buyers were required to possess a CAMS motorsport licence in order to purchase an M3 R The cars were delivered to the workshop of the Frank Gardner racing team for final preparation A bolt in FIA approved roll cage was a factory option Suspension upgrades consisted of new springs adjustable struts and rear perches Engine upgrades consisted of AC Schnitzer camshafts dual pickup sump an oil restrictor in the head and a cold air snorkel into the air filter box replacing the left hand foglight Other changes included four piston front brake calipers a shorter 3 25 1 differential ratio the driveshaft from the M5 a twin plate clutch a non functional rear seat no air conditioning a deeper front splitter 16 and a larger rear spoiler The cars were individually numbered with a plaque fitted to the centre console near the handbrake M3 GTR Germany edit The E36 M3 GTR is the road going version of the competition machine built to compete in the 1993 ADAC German GT Cup Touring Car series 46 47 Production edit Production of the E36 M3 began in September 1992 48 49 and was discontinued in August 1999 50 The majority of cars were produced at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany however a small number of low compression right hand drive cars were assembled at BMW s plant in Rosslyn South Africa 51 In total 46 525 coupes 12 114 convertibles and 12 603 saloon were produced 52 The saloon ceased production in December 1997 the coupe in late 1998 and the convertible in December 1999 13 North American models edit Despite being released in other countries in 1992 the E36 M3 was not sold in the United States until 1995 A key difference between the European specification M3 sold in the rest of the world and the US M3 is the less powerful S50B30US engine used in the US M3 which was rated at 179 kW 240 hp and 305 N m 225 lb ft Other notable differences included an optional 5 speed ZF 5HP torque converter automatic transmission 53 suspension changes citation needed and single piece brake discs instead of floating discs The changes were made in order to reduce the price of the M3 as the US dealers believed the European specification M3 would be too expensive to sell well In November 1996 the engine was upgraded to the 3 2 L 195 cu in BMW S52 54 with the same power outputs of 179 kW 240 hp but with torque increased to 320 N m 236 lbf ft The manual gearbox remained a 5 speed despite the European versions being upgraded to a 6 speed version US sales figures include a total of 18 961 coupes 7 760 saloon and 6 211 convertibles 55 Motorsport edit The introduction of the E36 M3 coincided with BMW s withdrawal from the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft DTM resulting in BMW focussing instead on the 318i and 320i models in the Super Tourenwagen Cup Nonetheless the E36 M3 competed in many motorsport events In 1993 the E36 M3 GTR won the German ADAC GT Cup driven by Johnny Cecotto 56 The M3 GT competed in the European FIA GT Championship In the United States the Prototype Technology Group PTG Racing in Virginia ran the E36 M3 in the IMSA GT Championship In the 1996 IMSA GT Championship the M3 won 4 races in the GTS 2 class and BMW won the manufacturer s championship 57 In the 1997 IMSA GT Championship the M3 won 8 races in the GTS 3 class with BMW winning the manufacturer s championship again and Bill Auberlen winning the driver s championship 57 In the 1998 IMSA GT Championship the M3 won 5 races and BMW won the manufacturer s championship in the GT3 class The same year the M3 won 4 races in the GT2 class 57 The M3 also competed in the 2000 American Le Mans Series taking one win in the GT class 57 In Australia the M3 R competed in the Australian GT Production Car Championship E46 generation 2000 2006 editBMW M3 E46 nbsp OverviewProductionSeptember 2000 August 2006DesignerUlf Weidhase 58 Body and chassisBody style2 door 2 2 coupe2 door convertibleLayoutFront engine rear wheel drivePowertrainEngine3 2 L S54B32 I64 0 L P60B40 V8 M3 GTR Transmission6 speed manual6 speed SMG IIDimensionsWheelbase2 720 mm 107 1 in Length4 490 mm 176 8 in Width1 780 mm 70 1 in Height1 370 mm 53 9 in The M3 version of the E46 3 Series was produced in coupe and convertible body styles The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight six engine and has a 0 100 km h 62 mph acceleration time of 5 2 seconds for the coupe with either the manual or SMG II transmission 59 60 The skidpad cornering results are 0 89 g for the coupe and 0 81 g for the convertible 61 62 The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km h 155 mph 60 The kerb weight is 1 570 kg 3 461 lb citation needed nbsp E46 M3 interior The available transmissions were a Getrag 420G 6 speed manual transmission or an SMG II 6 speed automated manual transmission which was based on the Getrag 420G 63 The SMG II used an electrohydraulically actuated clutch and gear shifts could be selected via the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel The SMG II was praised for its fast shift times and racetrack performance but some people found its shifts to be delayed and lurching in stop start traffic 64 Total production of the E46 M3 was 56 133 coupes and 29 633 convertibles 65 The cars were assembled at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany and production was from September 2000 until August 2006 for a total of 85 766 cars 66 An M3 Touring station wagon prototype was built to evaluate the feasibility of building an M3 model on the existing platform of the E46 station wagon especially the integration of the M3 s wider rear wheel arches onto the wagon body The prototype did not reach production 18 19 nbsp Coupe nbsp Convertible nbsp BMW S54 straight six engine Engine edit Main article BMW S54 The 3 2 L 200 cu in S54 engine is the final evolution of the BMW S50 naturally aspirated straight six engine The S54 is rated at 252 kW 343 PS 338 hp at 7 900 rpm 365 N m 269 lb ft at 4 900 rpm and has a redline of 8 000 rpm 59 As with most M engines the S54 has individual throttle bodies for each cylinder with electronic throttle control drive by wire operation of the throttles being a new feature for the S54 Development and launch edit Concept design of the M3 began in 1997 67 The head of exterior design was Ulf Weidhase and the head of interior design was Martina Bachmann 67 The M3 was previewed at the 1999 International Motor Show Germany 68 as a concept 69 resembling the final production version very closely The final production version was first introduced in March 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show 70 with the new 3 2 L S54 M tuned inline 6 engine Special editions edit CSL edit nbsp nbsp M3 CSL The BMW M3 CSL Coupe Sport Leichtbau meaning Coupe Sport Lightweight 71 is a limited edition version of the M3 that was produced in 2004 with production totaling to 1 383 cars 72 It was available in two colours Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic 73 As its name suggests an emphasis was put on reducing weight The CSL has a curb weight of 1 385 kg 3 053 lb 110 kg 243 lb lighter than the regular M3 74 75 76 Structural weight reduction measures include the use of glass reinforced plastics in various structural points in the car 75 a roof constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic reducing kerb weight by 7 kg 15 lb and more importantly lowering the centre of gravity 73 74 77 body panels constructed from carbon fibre 74 and thinner glass for the rear window 78 The boot floor cover was made of lightweight fibre board not cardboard as infamously described on the Top Gear television show The CSL discarded a large proportion of the M3 s sound insulation electric seats navigation system air conditioning and stereo the latter two were able to be re added as no cost options 75 79 The interior includes fibreglass front racing bucket seats 74 a fibreglass backing for the rear seats 74 and carbon fibre for the centre console door panels door trim and head liner 73 74 The steering wheel has just a single button which activates the M track mode instead of the buttons for cruise control stereo and phone controls on the regular M3 73 The CSL retained the 50 50 weight distribution of the regular M3 74 The wheels were increased in size to 19 inches BMW took the unusual approach of supplying the CSL with semi slick tyres Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 73 80 These tyres provided high grip levels once warmed up on a racetrack but poor performance on wet roads and when below their operating temperature 81 82 A warning label was included in the CSL to inform drivers about driving in cold or wet conditions The brakes were upgraded with larger floating discs at the front and larger pistons at the rear The suspension system was revised with stiffer springs upgraded shock absorbers and a quicker ratio for the steering rack 14 5 1 vs 15 4 1 on the regular M3 74 83 The electronic stability control was retuned and an M track mode was added allowing higher thresholds before the system intervened The engine used in the CSL had increased output over the regular S54 by 13 kW 17 hp and 5 N m 4 lbf ft over the European M3 This is due to the use of sharper profile camshafts a bigger air intake with carbon fibre manifold a refinement of the exhaust manifold and slightly different exhaust valves 73 83 The top speed was electronically limited as standard but buyers with a current motorsport licence could order the CSL with the speed limiter removed 83 The sole transmission available was the 6 speed SMG II automated transmission 83 with revised software resulting in shift times of 80 milliseconds 73 The aerodynamics were also revised including a carbon fibre front splitter 16 that improved downforce at high speeds by 50 74 and a carbon fibre rear diffuser The front bumper had a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake 74 The bootlid was redesigned to incorporate a raised lip unlike the regular M3 where one is simply added onto a flat boot 74 Prototype CSL edit In 2022 BMW M revealed a special V8 prototype engine full model code S62B40 for the M3 CSL which was previously fitted to the E39 M5 and the E52 Z8 The S62 was BMW s first V8 engine to have double VANOS variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts However this prototype S62 engine produces 316 kW 430 PS 424 hp at 6600 rpm and 500 N m 369 lb ft at 3800 rpm The last difference results in a displacement of 3 999 cc 244 0 cu in compared with the 4 941 cc 301 5 cu in of the S62 engine found in the M5 and Z8 vehicles Competition Package CS edit In 2005 a special edition was introduced which used several parts from the CSL This model was called the M3 Competition Package ZCP in the United States and mainland Europe and the M3 CS in the United Kingdom 70 Compared to the regular M3 the Competition Package includes 19 inch BBS alloy wheels 19 in 8 in at the front and 19 in 9 5 in at the rear Stiffer springs which were carried over to the regular M3 from 12 04 Faster ratio steering rack of 14 5 1 compared with the regular M3 s ratio of 15 4 1 as with the CSL Steering wheel from the CSL M track mode for the electronic stability control as with the CSL The CSL s larger front brake discs but with the regular M3 front calipers and rear brake calipers with larger pistons Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake covers The engine gearbox and other drivetrain components are the same as the standard M3 GTR Strassenversion Road Car edit In order to homologate the M3 GTR for racing a road version was developed during calendar year 2001 and shown for the first time at the season ending ALMS Petit Le Mans race BMW produced 10 development units of which 3 were production ready display cars For homologation purposes the M3 GTR needed to be offered for sale to the general public and by Petit Le Mans 2001 the car was ready The M3 GTR was to be priced at 250 000 84 When ALMS changed the homologation rules at the end of the 2001 season the road version project was stopped All 7 development prototypes were recycled but the three production ready display cars exist to this day and all still owned by BMW AG One of the Road M3 GTRs was displayed by BMW of North America LLC at Legends of the Autobahn in 2015 along with the newly restored ALMS race version of the car 85 The road cars were built alongside bodies in white of the GTR race cars in the special vehicles department of BMW s Regensburg Plant As with the race car the GTR road car was powered by the 4 0 litre P60 V8 engine The engine retained the race cars dry sump oil system and was slightly detuned from 331 to 285 kW 444 to 382 hp at 7 000 rpm 86 Top speed was 295 km h 183 mph The transmission was a six speed manual and the differential was the same variable locking unit as used in the race car The dry weight was 1 350 kg 2 980 lb 87 Weight reduction measures included a carbon fibre front bumper rear bumper and rear wing The M3 GTR gained a cult following in the gaming community after it appeared in the 2005 video game Need for Speed Most Wanted 88 89 90 Road amp Track who collaborated on the first Need for Speed video game described the game s custom M3 GTR as being so iconic that fans still recreate the livery in real life Once searched about the M3 GTR nearly 85 of the results will relate the car to Need for Speed Most Wanted 91 North American models edit The North American models used the same S54 engine as in other countries unlike the previous generation which used lower performance engines in the United States Due to minor differences in specification the United States models were rated at 248 kW 333 hp and 355 N m 262 lb ft resulting in an official 0 60 mph 97 km h acceleration time of 4 8 seconds for the coupe version with either the manual and SMG transmission As in other countries top speed was electronically limited to 250 km h 155 mph 92 93 The CSL model was not sold in the North American market 79 Motorsport edit nbsp M3 GTR racing version nbsp BMW P60B40 V8 engine used in the GTR In the United States the E46 M3 competed in the 2000 American Le Mans Series GT category and finished third in the championship The straight six engine was viewed as uncompetitive compared to the Porsche 996 GT3 therefore BMW began to develop a new M3 racing car based around a more powerful engine The resulting E46 GTR racing car was introduced in February 2001 and was powered by a 330 kW 443 hp version of the 3 997 cc 4 0 L P60 V8 engine 85 94 With a more powerful engine than the straight six powered M3 versions which were outpaced by the competition the GTR won the 2001 American Le Mans Series GT category driven by Jorg Muller The eligibility of the GTR was the subject of controversy with some rival teams believing that the GTR was an in house prototype vehicle rather than a production model available for purchase by the general public The ALMS homologation rules for 2001 required the M3 GTR road car to be sold on at least two continents within twelve months of the rules being issued which BMW claimed to fulfill by stating that 10 GTR road cars were available for sale The ALMS rules were altered for 2002 now requiring that 100 cars and 1 000 engines must be built for a car to qualify without penalties The GTR road car was never intended for production on this scale so BMW withdrew the GTR from competition at this point In 2003 the M3 GTR returned to competition at the 24 Hours Nurburgring with two cars run by Schnitzer Motorsport The GTR won the 24 Hours Nurburgring in 2004 and 2005 95 and competed in the 24 Hours Spa 96 E90 E92 E93 generation 2007 2013 editE90 92 93 M3 nbsp OverviewProductionSeptember 2007 July 2013DesignerStephan Baum E90 97 Karl Elmitt Hans Bruno Starke E92 Body and chassisBody style4 door saloon E90 2 door coupe E92 2 door convertible E93 LayoutFront engine rear wheel drivePowertrainEngine4 0 L S65 V84 4 L S65 V8Transmission6 speed manual7 speed dual clutchDimensionsWheelbase2 761 mm 108 7 in Length4 582 4 618 mm 180 4 181 8 in Width1 803 1 821 mm 71 0 71 7 in Height1 377 1 448 mm 54 2 57 0 in Curb weight1 580 1 810 kg 3 483 3 990 lb The M3 model of the E90 E92 E93 3 Series range was powered by the BMW S65 V8 engine and was produced in saloon convertible and coupe body styles The E9x is the first and only standard production M3 powered by a V8 engine as its successor would revert to using a straight 6 engine In the standard M3 the S65 engine rated at 309 kW 420 PS 414 hp at 8 400 rpm 98 and 400 N m 295 lb ft at 3 900 rpm 98 nbsp E92 M3 interior Initially the M3 was produced with a 6 speed manual transmission In April 2008 the E90 E92 E93 M3 became the first BMW to be available with a dual clutch transmission when the 7 speed Getrag M DCT transmission was introduced as an option 99 The official 0 100 km h 62 mph acceleration times for the coupe and saloon are 4 6 seconds with the DCT transmission 4 8 seconds with the manual transmission 100 and 5 1 seconds for the convertible 101 The E90 and E92 versions received many positive reviews including the greatest all around car in the world 102 the finest car on the market period 103 and the best most complete car in the world 104 Development and production edit Total production of the E9x M3 was 40 092 coupes 16 219 convertibles and 9 674 saloon 105 Production of saloon models finished in 2011 106 with coupes remaining in production until July 5 2013 Body styles edit The first body style to be introduced was the coupe which was previewed at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show 107 and introduced in production form at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September 108 The coupe version uses a carbon fibre roof to reduce weight and lower the centre of gravity In 2010 the coupe and convertible versions received a minor facelift which included revised LED tail lights and minor interior trim pieces but it did not get the updated headlights from the regular series 109 The E93 convertible version was introduced shortly after the coupe and uses a power retractable hardtop The leather seats in the convertible version are treated with a coating to reflect sunlight in order to reduce their tendency to become uncomfortably hot with the top down 110 A saloon version was introduced in 2008 and was the second along with the E36 M3 by generation to be produced in a 4 door body style 111 The saloon has the same drivetrain and similar external styling as the coupe however the lack of a carbon fibre roof contributes to a weight increase of 10 kg 22 lb compared to an identically equipped coupe citation needed The official kerb weights for the 2008 European specification models with manual transmission are 1 580 kg 3 483 lb for the coupe 1 605 kg 3 538 lb for the saloon and 1 810 kg 3 990 lb for the convertible 112 113 114 115 nbsp Saloon E90 nbsp Coupe E92 nbsp Convertible E93 M Performance Parts edit M Performance Parts were made for the sixth generation M3 These include black kidney grilles M rims an M Performance exhaust that reduces the weight by 9 kg 20 lb carbon fibre mirrors spoilers and splitter a handbrake steel pedals a sport steering wheel black side trim and alcantara leather steering wheel button trim M stripes decal Special editions edit Competition Package ZCP edit The Competition Package sometimes known as ZCP version was released in 2010 The changes related to the suspension and electronic stability control and consisted of 116 117 Ride height lowered by 10 mm 0 4 in Revised tuning of the adjustable dampers Electronic Damping Control 117 An M mode for the electronic stability control 118 19 inch wheels GTS edit nbsp nbsp M3 GTS BMW announced the M3 GTS in November 2009 and began production in 2010 The GTS was designed as a road legal clubsport oriented model and produced only in the coupe body style Changes over the regular M3 include an upgraded engine reduced curb weight revised suspension upgraded brakes and adjustable aerodynamics The GTS uses an engine enlarged to 4 4 L 269 cu in which has a power output of 331 kW 444 hp The sole transmission option was the 7 speed dual clutch transmission M DCT and the official 0 100 km h 0 62 mph acceleration time for the GTS is 4 4 seconds 119 The car weighs 136 kg 300 lb less than the regular M3 due to a lighter centre console and door panels polycarbonate side and rear windows a lack of rear seats and the removal of acoustic insulation Suspension changes include adjustable camber angle and ride height a rigidly mounted rear axle and revised dampers The front brakes were upgraded to 6 piston callipers with 18 mm 0 7 in larger discs and the rear brakes were upgraded to 4 piston callipers with 18 mm 0 7 in larger discs Aerodynamics are adjustable via the front apron and the angle of the rear wing 120 Production was limited to 135 cars which sold out quickly 121 122 CRT edit nbsp M3 CRT The M3 CRT Carbon Racing Technology was a special edition of the M3 saloon that was produced in 2011 123 The CRT was powered by the same 4 4 litre version of the S65 engine as the GTS however it retained a higher level of luxury features compared to the track focussed GTS The CRT used a carbon fibre bonnet and front seats to reduce weight resulting in a kerb weight approximately 150 lb 68 kg lower than an equivalently specified version of the regular M3 saloon Production was limited to 67 cars all numbered with a plaque on the dashboard The official 0 100 km h 0 62 mph acceleration time was 4 4 seconds 124 DTM Champion Edition edit BMW Motorsport returned to the DTM in 2012 and 54 DTM Champion Edition cars were built to commemorate the BMW M3 winning the championship 125 The unique features of the DTM Champion Edition consisted of visual changes to associate the car with the DTM race car such as the Frozen Black paint colour stripes over the roof and bootlid carbon flaps a gurney flap and matte black wheels Interior changes included carbon fibre for some interior trim items an M Power logo embroidered on the handbrake grip and a numbered plaque with Spengler s signature and the text DTM champion 2012 above the glove box All cars were produced with the dual clutch transmission Lime Rock Park Edition US edit nbsp BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition In the United States the M3 Lime Rock Park Edition was produced for the 2013 model year A total of 200 cars were sold all coupes painted in the Fire Orange colour Performance changes included a carbon fibre front splitter 16 and rear spoiler a ride height lowered by 0 4 in 10 mm higher thresholds for the electronic stability control and a lightweight exhaust system BMW claims the same engine power output as the regular M3 however when marketing the lightweight Inconel titanium BMW Motorsports Exhaust to stock M3 vehicles BMW claims that the system adds about 5 hp 4 kW citation needed The interior of the Lime Rock Park Edition includes a plaque reading One of 200 126 Frozen Edition edit Due to the GTS version not being available in South Africa BMW developed the BMW M3 Frozen Edition in 2009 The engine was upgraded to generate 330 kW 443 hp due to an AC Schnitzer intake manifold and changes to the engine management system Twenty five Frozen Edition cars were produced all with exterior colours of either Frozen Black or Frozen Grey 127 Competition Edition Frozen Silver edit In 2012 BMW announced this edition with 40 to be built for US and 100 for Europe Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of BMW s M Division each model came with Frozen Silver Metallic exterior paint According to BMW the colour is a special matte paint that adds a metallic lustre to the vehicle The interior has black leather and palladium silver accessories 128 M3 Pickup Prototype edit The M3 Pickup is a one off custom variant of the M3 which was based on the E93 M3 convertible and publicly announced on April Fool s Day in 2011 It was used as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH replacing their E30 M3 pickup version after 26 years of use 18 129 The vehicle was assembled by M GmbH s employees as well as interns and engineering students 130 Motorsport edit The E92 M3 saw BMW return to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters DTM after a break of 20 years In its debut season in 2012 the M3 won the drivers championship the manufacturers championship and five out of ten races for the season 131 132 In endurance racing the BMW Motorsport Schnitzer Motorsport M3 GT2 won the 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring driven by Jorg Muller Augusto Farfus Pedro Lamy and Uwe Alzen The M3 also qualified second at the 2010 24 Hours of Spa and led the race until being forced to retire in the final hour due to suspension failure The M3 won the GT2 category in the ILMC 2010 1000 km of Zhuhai in China A GT4 version of the M3 was introduced in 2009 and competed in various races including finishing third in the GT4 SP10 class at the 2009 24 Hours Nurburgring 133 134 135 and winning its class at the ADAC Westfalenfahrt race at the Nurburgring in April 2009 In July 2009 BMW Motorsport released an M3 GT4 model for sale to private teams and drivers 136 The official kerb weight was 1 430 kg 3 153 lb and changes to the 336 kW 451 bhp were claimed to be minimal 137 For the 2010 24 Hours Nurburgring the Balance of Performance required the M3 to not exceed a power output of 287 kW 385 bhp and to have a minimum weight of 1 400 kg 3 086 lb 138 nbsp Schnitzer Motorsport M3 GT2 In the United States Rahal Letterman Racing entered two factory backed E92 M3s in the 2009 American Le Mans Series season competing in the GT2 category In 2011 the BMW achieved a 1 2 finish in the 12 Hours of Sebring In the 2011 American Le Mans Series GT class BMW Team RLL swept all categories winning the GT manufacturer team and driver championships In 2012 the M3 won the GT class at the 12 Hours of Sebring The 79 M3 GT2 that competed at Le Mans became the 17th BMW Art Car after it was decorated by Jeff Koons 139 The M3 GT2 was succeeded by the BMW Z4 GTE in 2013 F80 generation 2014 2019 editF80 M3 nbsp OverviewProduction2014 October 2018DesignerFlorian Nissl 140 Body and chassisBody style4 door saloonLayoutFront engine rear wheel driveRelatedBMW M4 F82 F83 PowertrainEngine3 0 L S55B30T0 twin turbo I6Transmission6 speed manual7 speed dual clutchDimensionsWheelbase2 812 mm 110 7 in Length4 671 mm 183 9 in Width1 877 mm 73 9 in Height1 424 mm 56 1 in The M3 version of the F30 3 Series was designated the F80 and was produced from 2014 to 2018 141 The F80 M3 was powered by the BMW S55 twin turbocharged straight six engine therefore being the first turbocharged M3 model Despite the smaller displacement than the V8 engine used by the previous generation of M3 the switch from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharging resulted in peak power being increased from 309 to 317 kW 420 to 431 PS 414 to 425 hp and peak torque being increased from 400 to 550 N m 295 to 406 lb ft The official 0 97 km h 0 60 mph acceleration times are 3 9 seconds with the M DCT transmission and 4 1 seconds with the manual transmission 142 Top speed is limited to 250 km h 155 mph but an optional M Driver s package raises this to 280 km h 174 mph The kerb weight is 1 621 kg 3 574 lb citation needed The F80 M3 was unveiled alongside the F82 M4 its coupe counterpart at the 2014 North American International Auto Show 143 The two door M3 had been renamed BMW M4 in line with the new BMW 4 Series range 2016 a Competition Package became available for the M3 and M4 Changes included an increase in power to 331 kW 450 PS 444 hp revised tuning of the electronic differential and the electronic stability control DSC suspension upgrades and new front seats 144 145 The official 0 100 km h 62 mph time was 4 0 seconds with the dual clutch transmission 145 nbsp F80 M3 rear view nbsp BMW S55 straight six engine nbsp Interior Body styles edit The F80 generation of M3 was produced only as a saloon following the company s plans to split off the 4 Series coupe and convertible from the 3 Series 146 To minimise weight the roof is made of carbon fibre and the bonnet and front quarter panels are made from aluminium 147 Facelifts edit The F80 M3 s design was updated in summer 2015 for the 2016 model year and in march 2017 for the 2018 model year In the former the taillights were given LEDs and in the latter the headlights were restyled and also given newer and more angular LEDs M Performance Parts editM Performance Parts can be fitted to all M3 models These include a carbon fibre diffuser a carbon fibre spoiler a carbon fibre bumper winglet a splitter and side skirts Special editions edit M3 Pure edit The Australian only M3 Pure model was sold as the base model being cheaper than the regular M3 148 The M3 Pure has the engine exhaust and suspension from the Competition Package Exterior trims include black badges front grilles side grilles and exhaust tips while the interior trim uses a combination of leather and cloth M3 CS edit nbsp nbsp M3 CS An M3 CS special edition was produced in 2018 with an upgraded engine rated at 338 kW 453 hp and 601 N m 443 lb ft The weight was reduced by 50 kg 110 lb citation needed through use of a carbon fibre hood and front splitter 16 Alcantara interior parts and thinner glass for the side windows Production of the CS totalled 1 200 units 149 M3 30 Jahre Edition edit To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the first M3 BMW produced a limited run of 30 Jahre edition cars Only 500 were made and distributed worldwide with 150 of these making their way to the US The US cars were all equipped with Individual Macao Blue paint Fjord Blue and Black interior Competition package and numerous badges and trim denoting the cars as 30 Jahre Edition 150 M3 Velocity Edition edit In 2018 BMW produced 20 M3 Velocity Edition models that were only available for purchase to military members stationed in Stuttgart Germany 151 The Velocity Edition is equipped with the Competition Package and is only available in the Fashion Grey Metallic colour A laser engraved dash engine strut denotes the number of 20 cars made Motorsport edit With the M3 model now being solely as a saloon the motor racing activities switched to the M4 F82 coupe Discontinuation edit Production ceased in October 2018 due to the extensive changes required to meet the WLTP emissions regulations 152 153 However the M4 model remained in production G80 G81 generation 2020 present editG80 M3 nbsp OverviewProduction2020 present 154 DesignerAnne Forschner 155 Body and chassisBody style4 door saloon G80 5 door estate G81 LayoutFront engine rear wheel driveFront engine all wheel driveRelatedBMW M4 G82 G83 PowertrainEngine3 0 L S58B30T0 twin turbo I6Transmission6 speed ZF GS6 53BZ manual RWD 8 speed ZF 8HP automatic RWD AWD DimensionsWheelbase2 857 mm 112 5 in Length4 794 mm 188 7 in Width1 903 mm 74 9 in Height1 433 mm 56 4 in nbsp G80 Rear nbsp G81 Front Touring The full M version of the G20 3 Series powered by the BMW S58 turbocharged straight six engine that debuted in the G01 X3 M 156 157 All wheel drive xDrive has been announced as being optional on the new M3 158 which would represent the first time that an M3 has used a drivetrain layout other than rear wheel drive 159 A manual gearbox will be available only with rear wheel drive and is the only transmission available on the standard M3 model 160 It will also be available as a Touring estate model marking the first time BMW has offered an M3 Touring 161 The BMW M3 G80 is on sale as a 2021 model with the initial prototypes tested at the Nurburgring alongside the BMW M4 G82 It was officially unveiled on 23 September 2020 alongside the new M4 M3 Competition edit nbsp G80 Competition At launch in 2020 the M3 Competition model was unveiled alongside the standard M3 model Compared to the standard M3 the M3 Competition increases power output by 22 kW 30 PS 30 hp to a total of 375 kW 510 PS 503 hp and torque is increased by 100 N m 74 lb ft to 650 N m 479 lb ft and it is offered exclusively with an 8 speed M Steptronic Sport automatic transmission The M3 Competition also features a separate transmission oil cooler black chrome exhaust tips forged M light alloy wheels automatic brake hold function and high gloss black mirrors 162 M3 CS edit nbsp G80 M3 CS In 2023 at the 24 Hours of Daytona BMW unveiled the limited production M3 CS model The model features a power increase to 404 5 kW 550 PS 542 hp and a weight reduction of 15 kilograms 33 1 pounds compared to the M3 Competition xDrive 163 It is offered only as an all wheel drive and 8 speed automatic model Updates edit In July 2022 for the 2023 model year the M3 saloon received the new dual curved display featuring iDrive 8 matching the facelifted standard 3 Series 164 It replaces the previous separate digital cockpit and infotainment system with iDrive 7 The M3 Touring launched directly with the new display M Performance Parts edit M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models These include a wing carbon fibre side skirts an M Performance Exhaust system canards a carbon fibre splitter a carbon fibre diffuser and rear ground effects G80 M3 specs On sale Model Power Torque Curb Weight Transmission Top Speed Drivetrain 3 2021 M3 saloon 52AY 353 kW 480 PS 473 hp 550 N m 406 lb ft 1 705 kilograms 3 758 9 pounds 6 speed manual 250 km h 155 mph 290 km h 180 mph with M driver s package RWD 3 2021 M3 Competition saloon 32AY 375 kW 510 PS 503 hp 650 N m 479 lb ft 1 730 kilograms 3 814 pounds 8 speed M Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with Drivelogic 8 2021 M3 Competition xDrive saloon 42AY 1 780 kilograms 3 924 2 pounds 165 4WD 2022 M3 Competition xDrive Touring 1 865 kilograms 4 111 6 pounds 166 2023 M3 CS 404 5 kW 550 PS 542 hp 1 765 kilograms 3 891 2 pounds 302 km h 188 mph Production volumes editGlobal production numbers for 1986 2018 Version E30 20 14 1986 1991 E36 52 1992 1999 E46 65 2000 2006 E9x 105 2007 2013 F80 167 2014 2018 Saloon 12 603 9 674 34 677 Coupe 17 184 46 525 56 133 40 092 Convertible 786 12 114 29 633 16 219 Total 17 970 71 242 85 766 65 985 34 677References edit BMW M3 Celebrating 20 Years of a Sporting Legend worldcarfans com 27 February 2008 Archived from the original on 29 March 2012 Retrieved 27 February 2012 BMW M3 The Evolution of the Benchmark clubsportiva com 27 February 2012 Archived from the original on 18 September 2011 Retrieved 8 April 2011 Mandel Dutch 20 July 1987 M Times Three Performance PDF Autoweek 29 31 Retrieved 11 February 2020 a b Chilton Chris 6 July 2007 BMW M3 E30 E36 and E46 driven review Car Retrieved 5 June 2020 FAQ E30 M3 www bmwmregistry com Retrieved 8 April 2019 3 E30 model selection convertible M3 EUR 1991 www realoem com Retrieved 1 June 2019 The M Essence BMW 16 November 2018 Retrieved 5 June 2020 Walton Jeremy BMW 3 Series Enthusiast s Companion Bentley Publishers 2001 pp 121 123 ISBN 0 8376 0220 3 Aerodynamic parts lesson including nomenclature BimmerForums a b c George Patrick 10 October 2013 1988 BMW M3 The Jalopnik Classic Review Jalopnik Retrieved 5 June 2020 Smith Sam Dyer Ezra Kitman Jamie 14 August 2007 Driver s Cars 25 Greatest Cars of All Time Automobile Magazine Retrieved 15 May 2020 BMW S14B23 automotive engine bmw grouparchiv de Retrieved 17 June 2019 a b c d Kittler Eberhard 2001 Deutsche Autos seit 1990 vol 5 Stuttgart Motorbuch p 130 ISBN 3 613 02128 5 a b c d e Faq E30 M3 BMW M registry Archived from the original on 19 June 2017 Retrieved 4 August 2017 European Supertest German Thundercars Road amp Track 26 April 2016 Retrieved 4 October 2016 a b c d e f g h Aerodynamic parts lesson including nomenclature BimmerForums E30 M3 FAQ BMW M Registry Retrieved 4 October 2016 a b c d 30 years of the BMW M3 the story behind the legend www press bmwgroup com Retrieved 25 June 2017 a b c Patel Joel BMW actually built two M3 based pickup trucks Autoblog Retrieved 25 June 2017 a b Faq E30 M3 Convertible BMW M registry Retrieved 4 August 2017 1988 Cars Retrieved 15 August 2016 1991 Cars Touring Car Racing Retrieved 15 August 2016 3 E36 M3 Manual gearbox S6S 420G www realoem com Retrieved 19 April 2019 FAQ E36 M3 3 2 BMW M Registry Archived from the original on 19 June 2010 Retrieved 20 June 2010 The BMW 3 Series Coupes PDF BMW 1996 p 28 Retrieved 19 February 2019 3 E36 M3 Manual Transmission S6S 420G SMG www realoem com Retrieved 4 May 2019 1992 2000 E36 BMW M3 Review www topspeed com 28 June 2006 Retrieved 4 May 2019 Auto Motor and Sport 13 1996 pages 38 40 BMW M3 Limousine 286 PS E36 bmw grouparchiv de Retrieved 4 January 2021 BMW M3 Coupe 321 PS E36 bmw grouparchiv de Retrieved 4 January 2021 1997 BMW M3 Coupe specifications www automobile catalog com Retrieved 18 June 2018 Video BMW E36 M3 GT Reviewed by Carfection www bmwblog com 22 April 2019 Retrieved 26 April 2019 a b The BMW M3 GT Is the Best E36 You Might Not Know About Road amp Track 24 April 2019 Retrieved 26 April 2019 Driving A Dream Car The Limited Edition BMW E36 M3 GT www petrolicious com 30 June 2017 Retrieved 26 April 2019 BMW M Registry FAQ E36 M3 3 2 bmwmregistry com Retrieved 10 July 2020 BMW M3 Evo Individual Retrieved 2 December 2019 The E36 M3 LTW CSL A Rare M3 Just For The US www speedhunters com 13 March 2019 Retrieved 26 April 2019 For Sale 1995 BMW E36 M3 Lightweight www bmwblog com 8 August 2016 Retrieved 26 April 2019 1995 M3 Lightweight Service Bulletin BMW North America Archived from the original on 6 June 2009 Retrieved 12 June 2009 BMW M3 Style 24 wheels Retrieved 25 June 2019 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight www sportscarmarket com Retrieved 26 April 2019 100 Mile 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight www bringatrailer com Retrieved 26 April 2019 The Canadian M3 www hagerty com 17 October 2017 Retrieved 26 April 2019 How Canada Got the Euro Spec E36 M3 America Didn t Road amp Track 19 October 2017 Retrieved 26 April 2019 1 of 45 1994 BMW M3 Canadian Edition www germancarsforsaleblog com 18 August 2016 Retrieved 26 April 2019 1993 Warsteiner ADAC GT Cup series www touringcarworld net Retrieved 28 April 2014 The Champion in Touring Car Racing www press bmwgroup com Retrieved 27 April 2012 Road Test BMW 325i BMW M Registry FAQ E36 M3 3 0 BMW M Registry FAQ E36 M3 3 2 FAQ E36 M3 3 2 BMW M Registry Archived from the original on 16 June 2009 Retrieved 12 June 2009 a b The History Of BMW M3 16 October 2015 Archived from the original on 27 December 2016 Retrieved 4 August 2017 3 E36 M3 Automatic transmission A5S310Z www realoem com Retrieved 4 May 2019 Model selection 3 E36 coupe M3 USA 10 1995 www realoem com Retrieved 19 April 2019 All figures Covello Mike 2002 Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946 2002 Iola Krause Publications pp 160 163 ISBN 0 87341 605 8 DriverDatabase www driverdb com a b c d James James Taylor 31 July 2014 BMW M3 The Complete Story Crowood ISBN 9781847977731 Retrieved 5 June 2017 Patent Images United States Patent and Trademark Office Retrieved 2 September 2022 a b BMW M3 Cabriolet E46 2001 2007 autoevolution Retrieved 12 January 2015 a b Tomalin Peter 25 January 2013 BMW M3 E46 buying guide Evo Retrieved 12 January 2015 2002 BMW M3 vs 2008 BMW 135i vs 2008 BMW 335i Comparison Test Edmunds com 27 April 2008 Archived from the original on 28 June 2009 Retrieved 12 June 2009 Car amp Driver Magazine January 2002 3 E46 M3 Manual Transmission S6S 420G SMG www realoem com Retrieved 4 May 2019 BMW M3 Road amp Track 6 November 2012 Retrieved 4 May 2019 a b BMW M Registry FAQ E46 M3 www bmwmregistry com Archived from the original on 7 July 2017 Retrieved 4 August 2017 BMW M Registry FAQ E46 M3 a b Pushing the boundaries The design of the new BMW M3 PDF Archived from the original PDF on 28 June 2001 Retrieved 16 December 2016 Klauder Kai IAA 1999 Neue Partnerschaften und ein SLR als Wow Auto auto motor und sport in German Archived from the original on 1 March 2018 Retrieved 28 February 2018 IAA 1999 Focus on the BMW Booth audiworld Retrieved 28 February 2018 a b FAQ E46 M3 BMW M Registry Retrieved 7 April 2012 Tut uns Light in German Archived from the original on 13 March 2012 Retrieved 16 December 2016 BMW M3 CSL E46 bmw grouparchiv de Retrieved 15 June 2018 a b c d e f g BMW M3 Parts CSL US auto parts Archived from the original on 23 September 2009 Retrieved 10 July 2009 a b c d e f g h i j k BMW M3 CSL Cartorque Archived from the original on 9 May 2009 Retrieved 10 July 2009 a b c BMW M3 CSL E46 diseno art Archived from the original on 21 June 2009 Retrieved 10 July 2009 Car reviews BMW M3 CSL Archived from the original on 27 September 2011 Retrieved 16 December 2016 BMW M3 CSL Automobile Magazine Archived from the original on 5 June 2009 Retrieved 10 July 2009 Top Gear BBC Retrieved 3 January 2012 a b BMW M3 CSL Performance Automobile Magazine Archived from the original on 4 June 2009 Retrieved 10 July 2009 BMW M3 CSL Auto Shows Car and Driver March 2003 Retrieved 10 July 2009 The BMW M3 CSL Is Still a Dream Machine Road amp Track 29 April 2019 Retrieved 5 May 2019 BMW E46 M3 CSL Review www tradeuniquecars com au Retrieved 5 May 2019 a b c d The New M3 CSL Car pages The BMW M3 GTR Bent the Rules to Beat Everyone Road amp Track 16 October 2018 Retrieved 7 May 2019 a b 2001 BMW M3 GTR Race and Road Cars To Be Presented at Legends of the Autobahn Concours D Elegance press bmwgroup com Retrieved 25 August 2017 BMW M3 GTR BMW AG November 2001 p 5 Retrieved 25 August 2017 The BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion BMW M 31 August 2021 Retrieved 28 August 2022 Trevor Yale Ryan 1 November 2018 Someone At SEMA Has A Need For Speed SpeedHunters Retrieved 6 June 2020 This Video Shows What Need For Speed Most Wanted Would Look Like in Real Life www thedrive com April 2020 Retrieved 11 July 2020 Need for Speed Most Wanted www covercentury com Retrieved 11 July 2020 Hogan Mack 3 November 2020 How Need For Speed Became the World s Biggest Racing Game Road amp Track Retrieved 5 December 2020 BMW M3 Owners Manual BMW M3 A Brief History of the Ultimate Driving Machine motortrend com 20 July 2007 Retrieved 4 May 2019 BMW M3 GTR Car and Driver March 2003 Retrieved 25 August 2017 BMW M3 E46 GTR Rennsaison 2004 2005 PDF 2005 Retrieved 25 August 2017 BMW M3 E46 Respecting the past embracing the future www bmw m com Retrieved 8 May 2019 Patent Images United States Patent and Trademark Office Retrieved 2 September 2022 a b 2011 Audi RS5 vs 2010 BMW M3 2011 Cadillac CTS V Comparison Tests PDF Car and Driver August 2010 Retrieved 7 September 2010 The new M double clutch transmission with Drivelogic www press bmwgroup com BMW Technical Data BMW Archived from the original on 13 November 2013 Retrieved 11 November 2013 BMW M3 Convertible Technical Data BMW Archived from the original on 16 June 2009 Retrieved 22 November 2017 E90 M3 Long Term Test motortrend com Retrieved 8 August 2009 BMW M3 Long Term The Perfect Sports Car Car and Driver Archived from the original on 14 January 2010 Retrieved 1 December 2009 BMW M3 Best Car in the World InsideLine com Archived from the original on 10 November 2009 Retrieved 7 November 2009 a b BMW M Registry FAQ E90 E92 E93 M3 www bmwmregistry com Archived from the original on 22 October 2016 Retrieved 4 August 2017 Model selection 3 E90 LCI saloon M3 EUR www realoem com Retrieved 18 September 2019 BMW M3 Concept 2007 first official pictures CAR Magazine Retrieved 13 August 2018 Die Highlights Der Tagesspiegel Online in German 27 August 2007 Retrieved 13 August 2018 Photo Comparison E92 Coupe facelift vs pre facelift www bmwblog com 17 January 2010 Retrieved 9 June 2019 2010 BMW M3 Convertible Review Automoblog net BMW M3 Sedan Quick Review www bmwblog com 18 October 2007 Retrieved 9 June 2019 2008 BMW M3 E92 Coupe full range specs www automobile catalog com Retrieved 28 May 2019 2008 BMW M3 E90 Sedan full range specs www automobile catalog com Retrieved 28 May 2019 2008 BMW M3 E93 Cabrio full range specs www automobile catalog com Retrieved 28 May 2019 BMW AG PRESSE BMW AG PRESSE M3 ALL GENERATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION BMW AG Retrieved 25 June 2013 First Drive 2011 BMW M3 with Competition Package motortrend com 28 May 2010 Retrieved 9 June 2019 a b 2011 BMW M3 Competition Package Review Car Reviews www autoguide com Retrieved 9 June 2019 BMW M3 Competition Package 2010 review www carmagazine co uk Retrieved 12 November 2019 All clear given for market launch of the BMW M3 GTS BMW PressClub Retrieved 19 November 2016 BMW M3 GTS is the most extreme M3 ever Archived from the original on 19 July 2011 Retrieved 6 November 2009 Sold Out 2011 BMW M3 GTS Gtspirit com 2 January 2010 Archived from the original on 6 June 2010 Retrieved 5 June 2010 Approaching the Checkered Flag The 4th Generation BMW M3 Ends Its Production Run While Its Racing Career Continues Press release BMW 5 July 2013 Retrieved 14 November 2014 2012 BMW M3 CRT Lightweight Sedan Official Photos and Info Car and Driver 23 June 2011 BMW M3 CRT saloon review and pictures EVO Retrieved 19 November 2016 BMW M celebrates DTM triumph with BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition model BMW Group press release 5 December 2012 Retrieved 21 May 2013 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Lime Rock Park Edition Automoblog net 31 July 2012 Retrieved 9 July 2012 Scorching Frozen Edition M3 driven Wheels Retrieved 5 May 2018 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver Announced Just 40 to be Built Car and Driver 7 November 2011 Lavrinc Damon Officially Official 420 HP BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass nearly 1 000 pounds Autoblog Retrieved 25 June 2017 The Full Scoop on BMW s April Fools M3 Pickup Car and Driver Archived from the original on 3 August 2017 2012 season www dtm com 26 April 2015 Retrieved 12 June 2019 BMW Wins DTM 2012 Championship www bmwblog com 21 October 2012 Retrieved 12 June 2019 37 ADAC Zurich 24h Rennen PDF in German 21 24 May 2009 Archived from the original PDF on 26 July 2011 Retrieved 13 January 2011 24h Klassen 123 PDF Archived from the original PDF on 14 April 2010 Retrieved 5 June 2010 24h Gesamt 123 PDF Archived from the original PDF on 2 June 2010 Retrieved 5 June 2010 M3 GT4 Brochure and Specs www m3post com Retrieved 22 November 2017 BMW M3 GT4 Archived from the original on 11 April 2012 Retrieved 15 August 2016 Balance of Performance 38 ADAC Zurich 24h Rennen Adac 24h rennen de Archived from the original on 14 May 2010 Retrieved 5 June 2010 BMW returning to American Le Mans Series Autoweek 6 February 2008 Retrieved 6 February 2008 Boeriu Horatieu 16 January 2014 Interview with Florian Nissl BMW M3 and M4 Designer bmwblog com Retrieved 1 September 2022 Tingwall Eric 25 September 2013 10 Things You Need to Know About the 2015 BMW M3 M4 Car and Driver Archived from the original on 25 September 2013 Retrieved 29 April 2014 First look 2014 BMW M3 and M4 Autoweek 10 December 2013 Retrieved 18 June 2019 Geneva Motor Show 2013 BMW Retrieved 30 September 2014 First drive the BMW M3 Competition Pack Top Gear 28 February 2016 Retrieved 5 February 2018 a b New Competition Package Wrings More Out of BMW M3 And M4 Motor Authority Retrieved 14 March 2016 Confirmed M Version of BMW 4 series Coupe to be Called M4 News Car and Driver Car and Driver Blog Car and Driver Retrieved 30 September 2014 Kable Greg 6 August 2012 Revolutionizing the M3 Autoweek 62 16 8 9 Retrieved 8 August 2012 Maclean Andrew 25 February 2018 2018 BMW M3 Pure quick spin review Quick Spin BMW s bargain muscle car Drive Retrieved 24 July 2019 Horatiu Boareu 7 November 2017 First video of the BMW M3 CS Retrieved 28 March 2018 2017 BMW 30 Jahre M3 Limited Edition Press release BMW Group 2 August 2016 Retrieved 19 July 2022 BMW M3 Sedan Edition Velocity PDF Retrieved 9 June 2020 BMW M3 by Bjorn Schmidt bmw m com M GmbH 30 October 2018 Retrieved 10 August 2019 production of the current generation BMW M3 F80 will be coming to an end Someone else who finds it just as difficult to say goodbye is self confessed BMW M enthusiast Bjorn Schmidt But he s found a way to deal with it as a birthday treat the businessman has secured himself the last model in Europe Production Data Shows Only 15 of BMW F80 M3 Models Were Manual BMW BLOG 14 January 2019 Retrieved 29 April 2019 Production start for iconic sports car at BMW Group s Munich plant www press bmwgroup com Retrieved 9 March 2021 Jury Move Award moveaward com Retrieved 1 September 2022 2021 BMW M3 and M4 Everything We Know Road amp Track 28 October 2019 Retrieved 31 October 2019 New BMW M3 not until 2021 www carsales com au Retrieved 31 October 2019 Upcoming BMW G80 M3 will come with an imposing kidney grille www bmwblog com 7 August 2019 Retrieved 23 September 2019 New 2020 BMW M3 choice of 480 or 510bhp 2wd or 4wd confirmed www carmagazine co uk Retrieved 18 September 2019 Perkins Chris 22 November 2019 BMW M Boss Confirms Rear Drive Manual Version of Next M3 and M4 Road amp Track Retrieved 3 January 2020 Hoffman Connor 25 August 2020 Here s the 2021 BMW M3 Touring and We Really Want It in the U S Car and Driver Retrieved 26 August 2020 Motavalli Jim BMW Debuts the Sixth Generation M3 With a Competition Version www barrons com Retrieved 15 December 2023 Fitzgerald Jack 24 January 2023 2024 BMW M3 CS Sheds the Pounds and Ups the Power Car and Driver BMW model update measures as of summer 2022 www press bmwgroup com Retrieved 11 February 2023 2021 BMW M3 G80 Competition 3 0 510 Hp M xDrive M Steptronic AutoData Retrieved 27 September 2021 The BMW M3 Touring Is Only 30 KG Lighter Than An M5 BMW BLOG 22 June 2022 Retrieved 25 September 2022 BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum View Single Post F80 M3 Complete Model Life Production Data nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW M3 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title BMW M3 amp oldid 1221514666 E36 generation 1992 1999, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.