The BMW M3 is arguably the most iconic model BMW has ever produced. From the first BMW M3 (E30 generation) to the last G80, this line of vehicles left car enthusiasts in awe. Although the most recent BMW M3 model received many controversial views due to a “very different” front grill, the performance of the S58 engine it came with blew people’s minds.
In 2015, BMW M3s were no longer produced as 2-door coupes; that’s when the BMW M4 emerged. While logically, it probably would have made the most sense to name the 4-door M out of the two as the M4, BMW is not here to play by anyone else’s rules.
E30 BMW M3 (1986 – 1991)
The BMW E30 M3, produced between 1986 and 1991, is a legendary model in the M3 lineup. It was originally developed as a homologation special to comply with DTM and Group A Touring car racing regulations. The S14 inline-four engine powered it. This high-revving unit initially produced 192 hp, with later versions like the Evolution II and Sport Evolution boosting power to 220 hp and 235 hp, respectively. The M3’s aerodynamic design, with its distinct body modifications, helped achieve a low drag coefficient, enhancing stability and performance.
The E30 M3 was primarily available as a 2-door coupe, and a limited number of convertibles were also produced. Its advanced suspension system, featuring components borrowed from the E28 5 Series, and unique braking setup distinguished it from the standard E30 models, making it a formidable competitor on the road and track. The M3’s racing pedigree is well-documented, with numerous victories in touring car championships worldwide, including the 1987 World Touring Car Championship and multiple European Touring Car titles.
Special editions like the Evolution I, Evolution II, and Sport Evolution were introduced to keep the M3 competitive in racing. Each featured various enhancements, such as weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, and increased engine power. The E30 M3’s motorsport success and exceptional driving dynamics have earned it among the most celebrated sports cars of the 1980s, often regarded as one of the greatest driver’s cars ever.
E36 BMW M3 (1992 – 1999)
The BMW E36 M3, produced from 1992 to 1999, marked a significant evolution in the M3 lineup, featuring the first use of a six-cylinder engine. Initially released as a coupe, with convertible and saloon variants added later, the S50 inline-six engine in Europe powered the E36 M3. At the same time, North American models used the slightly less powerful S50B30US and later the S52 engines. The E36 M3 was available with various transmissions, including 5-speed and 6-speed manuals, and the 6-speed SMG automated manual, introduced with the facelift models in 1995.
Several special editions of the E36 M3 were produced, including the M3 GT, a homologation special for European racing with increased power and weight-saving features, and the M3 Lightweight, a US-exclusive model designed for motorsport homologation, which featured reduced weight and enhanced suspension and powertrain components. The M3 GT was notable for its British Racing Green color, adjustable aerodynamics, and upgraded S50 engine. At the same time, the M3 Lightweight offered significant weight reduction and motorsport-oriented enhancements like the dual-pickup oil pump and adjustable front splitter.
The E36 M3 also saw considerable success in motorsport, with notable victories in the German ADAC GT Cup and the IMSA GT Championship in the United States. The Prototype Technology Group Racing team campaigned the E36 M3 with great success, securing multiple manufacturer’s and driver’s championships throughout the mid-1990s. Additionally, the M3-R, an Australian variant, became the most powerful E36 M3 production model, designed specifically for the Australian Super Production series, further emphasizing the E36 M3’s strong racing heritage.
E46 BMW M3 (2000 – 2006)
The BMW E46 M3, produced between 2000 and 2006, is a pivotal model in the M3 lineage, combining refined engineering with raw performance. Central to its acclaim is the S54 3.2L straight-six engine, a naturally aspirated powerhouse delivering 338 hp, allowing the M3 to sprint from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds. With its 8,000 rpm redline and advanced technology like individual throttle bodies and electronic throttle control, this engine represented the pinnacle of BMW’s inline-six development, making it one of the most celebrated engines in the brand’s history.
The E46 M3 was available in coupe and convertible body styles, with the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or the SMG-II automated manual. While praised for its quick shifts in performance settings, the SMG-II was a subject of debate among enthusiasts for its less smooth operation in daily driving conditions. However, for those who appreciated the balance between racetrack performance and road usability, the E46 M3 provided an ideal blend of precision and power, making it a beloved model among driving purists.
A significant highlight in the E46 M3 lineup was the introduction of the M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) in 2004, a limited-edition model focused on weight reduction and performance enhancement. The CSL was 243 lbs lighter than the standard M3, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, glass-reinforced plastics, and other lightweight materials. It also featured a more aggressive suspension setup, semi-slick tires, and a re-tuned version of the S54 engine that produced an additional 17 hp. The M3 CSL remains a benchmark for lightweight performance cars, revered for its track prowess and driving dynamics.
The E46 M3’s legacy in motorsport is further cemented by the M3 GTR, a V8-powered variant that dominated the American Le Mans Series 2001. The GTR’s success, however, was marred by controversy over its homologation status, leading to changes in racing regulations that eventually saw the car withdrawn from competition. Despite its short-lived career, the M3 GTR became an icon, particularly in popular culture, where it gained a cult following after its appearance in the “Need for Speed: Most Wanted” video game.
The E46 M3’s combination of engineering excellence, driving enjoyment, and motorsport pedigree has made it one of the most iconic and cherished models in BMW’s M3 history. Its impact on the automotive world continues to be felt, as it sets a standard for balance, precision, and performance that modern sports cars still strive to achieve.
E92 BMW M3 (2007 – 2013)
The E90/E92/E93 generation of the BMW M3, produced from 2007 to 2013, represents a significant chapter in the M3 lineage as the only model to feature a V8 engine. The S65 4.0L V8 engine, producing 414 hp, is a naturally aspirated powerhouse that allowed the M3 to deliver exhilarating performance, with a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds in the coupe and sedan. This generation offered three distinct body styles: a 4-door sedan (E90), a 2-door coupe (E92), and a 2-door convertible (E93), all designed to cater to a diverse range of driving preferences.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (M-DCT) introduced a technological leap, offering lightning-fast gear shifts and a more refined driving experience than the traditional 6-speed manual. The E92 coupe, particularly noted for its carbon fiber roof that lowered the center of gravity, became a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Special editions like the M3 GTS and the M3 CRT pushed the boundaries of performance, with the GTS featuring a larger 4.4L V8 and extensive weight reduction measures, making it a track-focused beast.
This generation also saw BMW’s return to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2012, where the E92 M3 clinched both the drivers and manufacturers championships in its debut season, solidifying its motorsport legacy. The M3 also made its mark in endurance racing, with notable victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The E90/E92/E93 M3 remains a highly revered model, celebrated for its V8 engine, a blend of luxury and performance, and success on the racetrack.
F80 BMW M3 (2014 – 2019
The F80 generation of the BMW M3, produced from 2014 to 2018, marked a significant shift in the M3 lineage with the introduction of the S55 engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six. This engine replaced the naturally aspirated V8 of the previous generation, making the F80 M3 the first turbocharged model in M3 history. Despite the smaller displacement, the S55 engine delivered more power, producing up to 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a notable increase in torque, making it more responsive and powerful across a wider range of RPMs.
The F80 M3 was exclusively offered as a four-door sedan, reflecting BMW’s decision to split the coupe and convertible variants into the M4 range. The F80’s performance was enhanced by advanced technology, including an optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (M-DCT), which enabled the M3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The car’s handling was also optimized using lightweight materials like carbon fiber for the roof and aluminum for the hood and front panels, contributing to its agility and dynamic performance.
BMW introduced several special editions of the F80 M3, such as the Competition Package, which increased power to 444 hp and featured suspension and stability control upgrades. The M3 CS, a more hardcore variant, further boosted power to 453 hp and reduced weight with extensive use of carbon fiber. The M3 30-Jahre Edition celebrated the 30th anniversary of the M3, offering unique color schemes and limited production numbers. These special editions and the base model reinforced the F80 M3’s reputation as a versatile and high-performance sedan, maintaining the M3’s legacy while embracing modern technology and design innovations.
Production of the F80 M3 ended in 2018 due to changes in emissions regulations, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in BMW’s M3 history. The F80 generation remains highly regarded for its power, precision, and everyday usability, making it a standout model in the M3’s storied lineage.
G80 BMW M3 (2020 – Present)
The G80 generation of the BMW M3, launched in 2020, represents a significant evolution in the M3 lineage, particularly with introducing the S58 engine. This 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine delivers remarkable performance, with the standard M3 producing 473 hp and the M3 Competition version boosting that to 503 hp. The S58 engine, derived from BMW’s motorsport experience, emphasizes power and efficiency, offering a thrilling driving experience with a broader torque curve and improved responsiveness compared to previous models.
The G80 M3 is the first M3 to offer an all-wheel-drive (xDrive) option in addition to the traditional rear-wheel-drive setup. The manual transmission is available exclusively with the rear-wheel-drive model, preserving the purist driving experience. The introduction of the xDrive system allows for enhanced traction and performance, especially in adverse conditions, while still maintaining the dynamic feel BMW M cars are known for. The G80 also sees the debut of the M3 Touring (G81), a five-door estate model, offering the practicality of a wagon with the performance of an M3—a first in the history of the M3.
The M3 Competition model, with its increased power output and torque, is available only with the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. It also includes additional performance features like a separate transmission oil cooler, forged alloy wheels, and enhanced aerodynamics. The limited-edition M3 CS, unveiled in 2023, takes this even further, with a power increase to 542 hp and a slight weight reduction, making it the most extreme version of the G80 M3.
The G80 M3 is not just about performance; it also embraces modern technology with updates like the dual curved display featuring BMW’s latest iDrive eight system. Including M Performance Parts, such as carbon fiber components and a sport exhaust system, allows owners to personalize their vehicles further. The G80 M3 continues the M3 tradition of blending everyday usability with track-ready performance while pushing the boundaries with new technology and engineering advancements.
BMW M3: Bottom Line
The BMW M3 is a legendary vehicle that has continually evolved to set new standards for performance in sedans and coupes. From its origins as a homologation special in the mid-1980s with the E30 model to the current G80 generation with its advanced S58 twin-turbo inline-six engine, the M3 has consistently delivered a perfect blend of power, precision, and driving pleasure. Each generation has introduced innovative technology and engineering, making the M3 not just a car but a symbol of BMW’s commitment to driving excellence. Whether on the road or the racetrack, the M3 remains a benchmark for high-performance vehicles, cherished by enthusiasts and admired worldwide.
