The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular compact 3-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. The first M3 was based on the 1986's E30 range, and there has been an M version of every 3-Series since.
Contents
- 1 E30 M3
- 2 E36 M3
- 3 E46 M3
- 4 E90 M3
- 5 External links
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E30 M3
Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series body, the first M3 was first introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 straight-4. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. This version produced 195 hp (143 kW), and later versions upped displacement to 2.5 L and 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced.
The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 lineup in many ways. The M3 was equipped with larger, flared fenders to accommodate a wider track and wider tires. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 had larger brakes and shared wheel bearings with the E28 5 Series.
Special editions and later homologation specials included the Evo I and Evo II (less weight, improved aerodynamics)
Production of the original M3 ended in 1991.
Performance
- (2.3l-16v I4) - 143kW/195bhp 0-60 mph - 6.9 s. Top Speed: 140 mph
- (2.5l-16v I4) - 175kW/238bhp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s. Top Speed: 150 mph
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
E36 M3
1996 BMW M3 coupe, North American version
The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S52B30),a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in the US which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo".
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which got a tamer 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasons for the tamer car were largely due to excessive costs for the US market with the original engine and possible difficulty in getting the Euro engine to pass emissions. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. Starting in model year 1997, it was also available as a sedan with a convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
Performance
- (3.0l-24v I6) - 236 kW/286 bhp 0-60 mph - 6.0 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- (3.2l-24v I6) - 240 kW/321 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.5 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
The E36 M3 was named Best-Handling Car by Car and Driver in 1997.
E46 M3
The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 333 SAE net hp (252 kW) and 365 N·m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. The available SMG gearbox was also a highlight.
Performance
- (3.2l-24v I6) - 252 kW/343 bhp 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) - 5.2 s. Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
E90 M3
BMW was expected to announce an all-new M3 based on the E90 platform at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show (to be released in 2007), but this did not happen.
It is rumored that the next-generation M3 will have a 425 hp (315 kW) 4.0 L V8, and there is much speculation as to whether or not it will be marketed in coupe or convertible form as the M4. BMW's current branding strategy would indicate that odd numbered series (such as the 1/3/5/7/X3/X5) have four doors, while even-numbered vehicles (such as the Z4 and 6-series) have two doors. However, such rumors have yet to be substantiated, and won't be definitively settled until BMW officially releases the new "3" coupe.
External links
- M3 SIG Started in 1997 to support enthusiasts of the winningest race car in Touring Car history, the E30 M3 SIG is now home to 1,000 members worldwide.
- United Bimmer Is a growing BMW community offering tech support forums, a DIY (Do It Yourself) knowledge base, a wallpaper gallery, a Rate-My-Car system, and other resources for BMW enthusiasts.
- BMW Do It Yourself provides BMW DIY articles for the home mechanic.
- The BMW M Registry has extensive FAQs concerning all BMW M models.
- Used BMW M3 information
- Community forum for the E30 M3. Named after the engine.
- Gustave's BMW E30 M3 Performance Site A personal website with entensive information on modifying the E30 M3.de:BMW M3
Search Term: "BMW_M3"
Categories: BMW vehicles | Sports cars | Luxury vehicles
