In the autumn of 2007, BMW M launched the fourth generation BMW M3 E92 sports coupé. Two further launches followed in 2008, as the high-performance vehicle was made available in three body styles: the E92 Coupé, the E93 Convertible and, for the first time since the E36, as the E90 Sedan. Just like their predecessors, the models set new standards in terms of technology and driving dynamics. But one new feature in particular was to make the headlines: never before had the BMW M3 been powered by an eight-cylinder engine.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- Fourth generation of the BMW M3
- Production period: 2007 to 2013
- V8 engine with high speed concept
- Max. output: 309 kW (420 hp)
- Introduction of the M Drive System
UNIQUE M.
By 2007, over 20 years had passed since the first BMW M3 took to the road. While the outstanding characteristics of this M powerhouse are ever-present, with the BMW M3 E92 it became a fully-fledged sports car, seeing its length and width increased over those of its predecessors. What remained were the distinctly flared wings and unique design; based on the dimensions and basic shape of the BMW 3 Series coupé, the M engineers completely redesigned and redeveloped numerous elements of its body. Apart from the chassis, only the doors, boot lid, windows and front and rear lights were taken from the BMW 3 Series Coupé. All other components were designed specifically for the BMW M3. In order to further optimise the vehicle’s centre of gravity, the M3 E92 was equipped with a carbon fibre roof as standard for the first time – a high-strength and particularly lightweight component that was previously reserved for the special BMW M3 CSL (E46) model.
With its high-reving capability, the V8 engine of the BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93 provides a motorsport feeling and outstanding performance. At this rev speed, each of the eight pistons covers a distance of 20 metres per second.
V8 ENGINE FROM MOTOR RACING.
Another visual highlight of the fourth-generation BMW M3 is the particularly pronounced power dome on its bonnet. As well as giving the sports car a muscular appearance, its striking shape has a tangible purpose: to accommodate the eight-cylinder engine powering the BMW M3. This engine is the S65B40, which brought with it more cylinders, more displacement, more power, and more revs.
Although it replaced the epochal in-line 6-cylinder engine that had been so popular with fans for the previous 15 years, the V-shaped eight-cylinder was a winner right from the start. With a displacement of four litres, an output of 309 kW (420 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, its phenomenal stats stood out, even on paper. Particularly impressive is its top rev speed of 8,300 rpm, which creates an incredible racing sound before each gear change. High revs were not a must, however: with the S65B40, a torque of 340 Nm was available at just 2,000 rpm.
INSPIRATION FROM FORMULA 1.
As is typical for BMW M, the V8 engine features numerous technologies such as double VANOS, individual throttle valves and powerful engine electronics. At the same time, the number of cylinders, the M high-rev concept and the low weight of only 202 kilograms indicate that the M engineers were inspired by the BMW Sauber Formula 1 team’s eight-cylinder engine.
And that's not all: the engine block was even produced in the Landshut light metal foundry, where the BMW Sauber Formula 1 engines were also manufactured. Altogether, this delivered tangible results: the M3 Coupé with M DKG transmission accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the engine electronics take it all the way to 250 km/h. With the optional M Drivers Package, speeds of up to 280 km/h are possible.
SOFTWARE MEETS M POWER.
The fact that the digital age dawned at the same time as the BMW M3 is reflected in its numerous software innovations. For example, as well as featuring intelligent energy management with brake energy regeneration for the first time, the M Drive System in the fourth generation M3 also allows numerous driving dynamics parameters to be configured according to personal preference and called up instantly with the M Drive button. This was based around the M3’s adaptive chassis with three different characteristics, implemented via the electronic damper control – yet another adjustment available at the touch of a button.
SHIFT FASTER.
The M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic launched in 2008 illustrates the interaction of modern software and precise mechanics particularly well: the newly developed M DKG transmission featured seven gears and eleven electronically controlled drive programs. Six of these were intended for manual mode via the shift paddles. Launch control for maximum acceleration from a standing start is also available. The drive programs can be configured by the driver, saved and then recalled by pressing the M Drive button. The transmission’s complex cooling system also ensures stability suitable for the racetrack. All in all, the M DKG played a major role in the overall performance of the model; up until this point, no BMW M3 has been able to transfer drive power from the engine to the wheels faster. For advocates of pure driving, the manual six-speed transmission was of course still available.
FULL DRIVER ORIENTATION.
Irrespective of the choice of gearbox, the interior of the BMW M3 E92 radiates an M-typical sports car atmosphere: fine leather seats with strong lateral support, the sports steering wheel with contrasting stitching and the M Drive button, as well as the M specific driving dynamics buttons right next to the gear selector lever. In short: full driver orientation for maximum control in every situation.
BMW M3 CRT.
The BMW M3 CRT, a similarly powerful special model, followed in 2011, but with four doors. Just like the GTS, the M3 CRT’s 4.4-litre engine generates 450 hp, allowing it to sprint to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Produced only 67 times and painted exclusively in Silver Frost, this special model’s abbreviated letters refer to the unique material it incorporates in abundance: Carbon Racing Technology. With a CFRP engine bonnet and numerous other components made of this lightweight material, around 70 kilograms were saved compared to the production vehicle. A flap-controlled titanium exhaust system also contributed to the M3 CRT’s reduced weight – whilst simultaneously delivering an impressive sound.
BMW M3 DTM CHAMPION EDITION.
Even rarer than the M3 CRT is the BMW M3 E92 DTM Champion Edition, which was launched in 2012 to celebrate the numerous DTM victories and driver’s title won by Bruno Spengler. By the end of 2012, BMW Motorsport had achieved a total of 54 DTM race wins, and that is exactly the number of limited-edition models that were produced. In addition to the Frozen Black matt paint finish and carbon fibre flaps and gurney, various features in Dark Chrome and matt black wheels create a close relationship to the successful BMW M3 DTM.
BMW M3 GT2.
Its many technical innovations and sophisticated vehicle concept made the BMW M3 the perfect platform for motorsport. The car made its racing debut in the US in 2009 as the BMW M3 GT2, also known as the BMW M3 ALMS (American Le Mans Series). The newly developed V8 engine came at just the right time: with 357 kW (485 hp), the engine in the racing car delivered slightly more power than in the production version, but only differed from it in a few details. A kerb weight of 1,150 kilograms and a body optimised according to all rules of aerodynamics contributed to the car’s global success. From 2010, it was also used by Schnitzer Motorsport for the VLN Series at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and the LMS Series at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The results spoke for themselves: it achieved its nineteenth overall victory at the Nürburgring, while it was the winner in its class at Spa.
BMW M3 GT4.
In spring 2009, BMW M presented the BMW M3 GT4 together with BMW Motorsport. As part of BMW's customer sports programme, the car was also to impress with its performance away from ALMS and endurance championships on countless racetracks around the world. The M3, which was built in accordance with GT4 regulations, was also equipped as standard with the V8 engine, which had an unlimited output of 450 hp.
BMW M3 DTM.
The BMW M3 DTM was not only the fastest racing car to have emerged to date in this series. With it, BMW also celebrated its re-entry into the DTM in 2012 – before then, the last time a BMW drove to victory in the German Touring Car Championship was in 1992. Even 20 years later, BMW M still had the right basic engine at the ready: the BMW M3 DTM was powered by a four-valve, naturally aspirated V8 engine with a displacement of 4.0 litres and 485 hp. It accelerated to 100 km/h in around three seconds and was only slowed down at around 300 km/h by the high downforce on its body. The construction of the DTM prototype consisted of a CFRP monocoque chassis with integrated 120-litre fuel tank. On his debut in 2012, Bruno Spengler won the driver’s title with this fast and superbly developed race car. The manufacturer’s and team championships were also claimed by BMW.
THE BMW M3 ART CAR BY JEFF KOONS.
Unleashed energy as a racing car design: in 2010, US artist Jeff Koons designed the seventeenth BMW Art Car. For its unique look, the artist collected images of race cars, related graphics, vibrant colours, speed and explosions. After its world premiere on June 2, 2010 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris the BMW Art Car competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12, 2010. The car designed by Jeff Koons and driven by Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE), turned out to be a true fan favourite. It started with the number 79 – a tribute to Andy Warhol’s BMW Art Car from 1979.
These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy. You can participate with it, add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car – it’s really to connect with that power.
