The BMW M3 generations at a glance

BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive [1] :

Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km 10.2

CO2 emissions combined in g/km 230

CO2 class G

M3 GENERATIONS:

#1. 1986 BMW M3 E30

#2. 1992 BMW M3 E36

#3. 2000 BMW M3 E46

#4. 2007 BMW M3 E90

#5. 2014 BMW M3 F80

#6. 2020 BMW M3 G80

#1 BMW M3 E30

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 143–175 kW (195–238 hp)
Max. torque 230–240 Nm
From 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3–6.5 seconds
A legend in motorsport
Very rarely found as a convertible

ONLY DOORS AND ROOF

from the series model were retained by BMW Motorsport, everything else was newly developed or adapted.

THE BMW M3 E30 from 1986.

The BMW M3 E30 served as the homologation model for the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). But demand for the street version was much higher than the 5,000 units stipulated by the rules. Customers were fascinated by the M10 four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, whose cylinder head was derived from the legendary BMW M1 engine. In the end, 16,949 of the first M3 were produced. Along with the BMW M3 Sport Evolution, the BMW M3 E30 Convertible is very rare, with less than 800 manufactured.

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 210–236 kW (286–321 hp)
Max. torque 320–350 Nm
From 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0–5.5 seconds
The first straight 6-cylinder engine in the BMW M3
First time available as a sedan

Boasting 70,2 kW

per litre after the facelift, the BMW S50 engine with 236 kW (321 hp) was one with the highest litre performance series engines worldwide.

The BMW M3 E36 from 1992.

In contrast to its predecessor, the second-generation BMW M3 wasn’t primarily developed as homologation vehicle for motor racing. Besides its improved suitability for everyday use, the BMW M3 E36 is known in particular for the powerful sound of its straight six-cylinder engine with high-rev concept. To this end, the M engineers adapted the BMW 3 above all under the bonnet to match the strongly increased performance of the M3. This resulted in fantastic driving performance in an understated chassis – which was enthusiastically received. Even today, the M3 E36 mirrors the Zeitgeist of the 1990s, while its reserved design is timeless.

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 252–265 kW (343–360 hp)
High-rev concept up to 8,000 rpm
Max. torque 365–370 Nm
Von 0 auf 100 km/h in 5,5–4,9 Sekunden
Legendary special edition BMW M3 CSL

85.139 units

of the BMW M3 E46 were produced in total – which makes it the biggest-selling M model to date.

The BMW M3 E46 of 2000.

Strong, fast and beautiful: when the new BMW M3 was launched in 2000, it immediately conquered the hearts of hp enthusiasts. The concept of the high-rev six-cylinder engine was retained. The sound was a winner, but in everyday use the car could also be as quiet as a lamb. Those wanting to enjoy the real power could stay on the gas until 8,000 revs, but didn’t have to. Already at 2,000 the four-valve engine delivered 80% of the maximum torque. The S54 engine also convinced the trade from the start: From 2001 to 2006 it won Engine of the Year. The special edition M3 CSL is today one of the most sought-after M models among collectors.

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 309–331 kW (420–450 hp)
High-rev concept up to 8,300 rpm
Max. torque 400–440 Nm
From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3–4.4 seconds
The only M3 with a V8 engine

Extremely rare

is the 450 hp-strong special edition BMW M3 CRT from 2011. Only 67 were produced, which makes it one of the rarest M3 series models ever.

DER BMW M3 E90 VON 2007.

The series six-cylinder engine of the predecessor models had reached the end of its development potential for the time being. So, for the first and only time in its history the BMW M3 E90 was granted eight cylinders – and once again the engineers delivered a masterpiece. The S65 engine, based in outline on the V10 from the BMW M5 E60 from 2005, offers the driver a top performance of 309 kW (420 hp) and loves the revs: right up to 8,300 rpm.

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 317–338 kW (431–460 hp)
Max. torque 550–600 Nm
From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3–3.9 seconds
Six-cylinder engine for the first time with exhaust turbo charger
Nomenclature split into M3 and M4

M carbon roof

available as standard for the first time in the M3 Sedan. It is made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, which contributes to an even better weight distribution.

The BMW M3 F80 from 2014.

From the fifth generation on, the BMW M3 was only manufactured as a four-door sedan. The technically more or less identical coupés and convertibles were now called M4. The basic model delivered a generous 317 kW (431 hp), while the top performance with the optional Competition package rose to 331 kW (450 hp) and the limited CS model was even more powerful. Lightweight construction again played an important part with the BMW M3 F80. The bonnet for instance was made of aluminium, the roof and the prop shaft of carbon and the strut brace – also of carbon fibre reinforced plastic – weighed just 1.5 kg.

5 POWERFUL FACTS:

Output: 353–405 kW (480–550 hp)
Max. torque 550–650 Nm
From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2–3.4 seconds
The first available with M xDrive all-wheel drive
The first available as Touring model

THE 4.0 SECONDS MARK

is cracked: The M3 Competition with M xDrive accelerates in 3.5 seconds to 100 km/h. The only faster way is with the limited, 550 hp-strong BMW M3 CS: in 3.4 seconds.

The BMW M3 G80 from 2020.

How much motorsport can one sedan handle? The BMW M3 G80, which has been produced since 2020, is testing these limits anew. The model is available with three performance levels, for the first time with M xDrive all-wheel drive, for the first time in a touring version. With the optional M Drivers Package, the top speed rises from 250 to 290 km/h. The BMW M3 G80 is thus once again a sports car suitable for everyday use, whose extremely high driving potential can really only be experienced on the racetrack.

THE M3

Discover more

BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive [1] :

Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km 10.2

CO2 emissions combined in g/km 230

CO2 class G

^[1]Performance data of petrol engines apply to vehicles using RON 98 fuel. Fuel consumption data apply to vehicles using reference fuels in accordance with EU Regulation 715/2007. Unleaded RON 91 and higher with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) may also be used. BMW recommends RON 95 fuel. For high-performance automobiles, BMW recommends RON 98 fuel.

Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.

For plug-in hybrid: Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For plug-in hybrid: At temperatures below freezing, the fully electric drive system is only available after a few kilometres of driving, once the battery has heated to operational temperature.

For plug-in hybrid: Composed of combustion engine drive and electric drive. Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For models with Boost function: Temporary uprating <10 seconds in excess of specified nominal value.

The models illustrated include optional equipment. Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car.

All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.

Official data for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and electric range was determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring procedure and corresponds to European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the applicable version. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case). For vehicles that have been newly type approved since 1 January 2021, only the official data according to WLTP exists. For more information about NEDC and WLTP measuring procedures visit www.bmw.com/wltp

The power of 3.