BMW M3

BMW M3 Model
2002 BMW M3 convertible
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1986–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact luxury car
Body style	2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan
Platform	FR E30, E36, E46, E92
Related	BMW 3-Series

The BMW M3 is a high performance version of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E92 3-series.

E30 M3

BMW E30 M3

Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the BMW M88 inline-6 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer Motorsport.

The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMW's Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible.

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panels the standard model and the M3 shared were the hood and roof. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series.

To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement; therefore, improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo 1, Evo 2 and Sport Evolution some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evolution; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power.

Production of the original E30 M3 ended in 1991.

Having won more road races than any other model in history, the E30 M3 is considered by many to be the world's most successful road race car. Its wins include the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off World Touring Car Championship title in 1987. The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Guia Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

Performance

• (2.3L-16v Ln4) - 143 kW/192 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.4 s. Top Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h)
• (2.5L-16v Ln4) - 175 kW/238 bhp 0-60 mph - 5.2 s. Top Speed: 154 mph (248 km/h)

Production Figures

Model	Power (kW)	Coupe and Sedan	Convertible
Euro model	143/147	8,661
US model		4,996
Evo 1	147	505
Europa late model	158	1,519
Evo 2	162	500
Convertible	143/158		786
Sport Evolution	175	600
Europameister (all signed by Roberto Ravaglia)	143	148
Cecotto 25 as special edition Ravaglia 50 as Cecotto Switzerland (throttled to 155 kW)	158	505
Total		~18,000

Significant Victories in Auto Racing

Championships

• 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)

Races

• Guia Race; 5 wins (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992 and 1993)
• 24 Hours Nürburgring; 4 wins (1989 – 1992)
• Spa 24 Hours; 4 wins (1987, 1988, 1990 and 1992)

Contemporary reviews

The E30 M3 was met with rave reviews during its introduction and production. Even today, it is well-regarded within the automotive press and fondly remembered as one of the most exciting BMWs ever produced.

These are fabulous driver's cars ... to appreciate its beautifully balanced chassis, razor sharp steering, and sweet singin' twin-cam four

— Classic & Sports Car 2/2002

The M3 leaps through the corners like a cat, its feisty engine spinning and spitting until you snatch another gear or the rev limiter grabs it by the tail.

— Car and Driver 11/1987

So what do you get? Apart from a steep drop in your bank account, no more, and no less than a sports car par excellence

— Autoweek 8/1986

A Wolf in Wolves clothing

— Tiff Needle, Top Gear, BBC

E36 M3

1996 BMW M3 coupe, North American version

The replacement for the original M3 first 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 (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option in 1997. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, 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 received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. An M3 that was sold in the United States in 1995 was one of 2953 '94 models shipped from Europe. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 240bhp at 6000rpm and 225lbs-foot of torque at 4250. BMW also produced somewhere between 120 and 125 M3 Lightweights (only 85 made it to the US), often called the CSL (for coupe sports lightweight). These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used on the street or on the track. It was about 200 to 300 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as air conditioning, leather seats, and the sunroof.

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 S52B32US engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.

Performance

Version		Power	0-60 mph	Top Speed
3.0l-24v I6
	Euro	210 kW/286 bhp	5.5 s.	155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited)
	U.S.	177 kW/240 bhp	6.1 s.	137 mph / 220 km/h (electronically limited)
3.2l-24v I6
	Euro	236 kW/321 bhp	5.2 s.	155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited)
	U.S.	177 kW/240 bhp	6.0 s.	145 mph / 225 km/h (electronically limited)

Special Models

There were five special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 CSL (M3 LTW), M3 GT, M3 GT-R, and the M3-R. There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for Australia. This was the final year of production for the mighty E36, with only 50 coupes and 70 convertibles being made. Furthermore, "BMW Individual" were able to custom design an M3 with specific coloured leather, woodgrain and other personalised options including polished magnesium alloy wheels from the Anniversary edition. Convertibles lacked the sports seats found in the coupe but retained every other feature.

M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)

In 1994 agreements existed between Canada and several countries in Europe which allowed any car authorized in one participating country to legally be sold in any of the others. Though BMW had unveiled the next generation E36 M3 in Europe in 1992, the company felt that the production version would need to be priced much higher for export to North America than the market would allow. While the engineers worked on a less expensive North American version of the E36 M3, BMW Canada seized the window of opportunity: 45 numbered European specification M3 coupes were specially produced and imported into Canada.

Even with a base price of $59,900 (a substantial sum for the day given that the standard equipment list did not include forged lightweight wheels, air conditioning, a sunroof or even metallic paint), all 45 cars were spoken for in just 3 days by wealthy, well connected buyers. Unlike the other special versions of the E36 M3, buyers were free to choose any colors and options they wanted on their cars, limited only by their wallets. The cars all came equipped with the 286 bhp 3.0 L inline 6 cylinder engine, vented brakes with floating rotors, glass headlights and other European standard equipment. They were initially delivered to Toronto, then shipped all across the country to the dealerships where they were ordered.

Canada would not see another E36 M3 for sale until two years later, when BMW finally made the American versions of the 1997 M3 available for sale. Forty five Euro-Spec Canadian Edition cars were built, each one having a numbered engraved plaque in both the glovebox and the custom leather case which holds the owners manuals. Only the Australian M3-R was built in lower numbers.

M3 CSL (E36)

Beginning with the first E36 M3's delivered, BMW racers began pressuring BMW for a race-ready version with which to compete against Porsche 911s in sports-car racing.

In 1995, BMW relented and began building batches of the M3 CSL at BMW Individual. Upon completion they were sent to Prototype Technology Group (PTG) Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front and rear Motorsport flag decals, and "trunk goodies."

There is a minor controversy in which some people believe the M3 CSL should not be called an M3 CSL (referring to the famous 3.0 CSL), but rather an M3 Lightweight, as that was the name that BMW advertised the car as.

While it is true that BMW's press referred to the car as the M3 Lightweight, each M3 CSL's build sheet (the instructions from BMW AG to BMW Individual) clearly labelled the car as an M3 CSL, so there can be no doubt that the factory itself thought of the car as a CSL. In addition, the additional manual that came with the car identified it as the CSL.

This controversy can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the English translation of CSL is Coupé Sports Lightweight.

Although BMW promised to build at least 85 examples, BMW never released the number of M3 CSL's built, and because of the peculiar assembly line, to this day may not be known. However, enthusiasts now believe the number of models extant are approximately 120.

The first two cars, which were used as press cars, are not technically M3 CSL's as they were regular production M3's that PTG made similar in appearance to the not-yet-built CSL. After press duties, those two cars were brought back into the PTG stable.

Racing History

In an ironic twist, the car that BMW built to race was hardly raced.

Outside of multiple cars raced in the BMW CCA Club Racing series (an amateur series specific only to BMW models) PTG had between two to four models that they raced in IMSA. It seems that one of those cars was sold to Jeff McMillian, in which he won the SCCA World Challenge series, without winning a single race. One was raced in the SCCA's Touring 1 class by John Browne, and one or two may have been raced in the extinct Motorola Cup.

M3 GT

1995 BMW M3 GT Individual

The M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe only edition of which 356 were made, 50 further M3 GT Individuals were made in right-hand drive for the UK market. All built in 1995.

Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior - a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colors were white with red numbers.

The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.

M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual

The M3 Evo Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe with part VIN WBACB5103-AN307--, 50 for the United Kingdom) car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996+ euro M3, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosen by BMW; imola red (405) paint with nappa leather & Amaretto seats in imola red and anthracite seats.

M3-R

Fifteen M3's were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Frank Gardner Racing for final preparation.

Accolades

The E36 M3 is considered one of the best-handling cars of all time, and was in fact named "Best-Handling Car Ever – at any Price" by Car and Driver in 1997.

E46 M3

2004 BMW M3 in Laguna Seca Blue, North American version

Pre-2004 BMW M3

The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N•m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were Laguna Seca Blue. The available SMG Drivelogic (also known as SMG II) transmission, a Formula 1-style electrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. The model also came with a new 6-speed transmission and red-line RPM of 8000, a first for any BMW. The engine also consisted of 6 independent throttle bodies and electronically driven throttles (without a cable).

The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre), a notable feat.

Performance

• (3.2l-24v I6) - 338 HP/343 PS (US model = 333 HP / 252 kW) 0-60 MPH - 4.8 seconds, 1/4 Mile - 13.1@105 MPH (U.S. model Car and Driver, March 2003) Top Speed: 155 MPH (249 km/h, electronically limited) 189 MPH(304 km/h, delimited)

Special Models

There were two special-edition models of the E46 M3 produced: the M3 CSL and the M3 GTR V8.

M3 GTR

An E46 GTR came to life on February 2001, powered by a 4000 cm³ V8 producing 444 bhp (race version—street version produced 350 bhp). Unlike the straight-six powered M3 versions, which were outpaced by the Porsche 996 GT3, the racing version of the E46 M3 GTR 16 was very successful in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), entered by Schnitzer Motorsport. Rivals such as Porsche pointed out that this car was more of a prototype as no V8 engine was available in the road-going BMW E46, which is in violation of the spirit of Gran Turismo. In 2001, ALMS regulations stated that cars must be for sale on two continents within twelve months of the rules being issued. To fulfill this rule, BMW put 10 road going GTRs on sale after the 2001 season, for 250,000 euros (then $218,000) each, allegedly only available for select customers.

Due to this, the ALMS rules were altered for 2002 to state that 100 cars and 1000 engines must be built for the car to qualify without penalties. Although BMW could have raced the V8 with the new weight and power penalties under these new regulations, they chose to pull out of the ALMS, effectively ending the shortlived M3 GTR's career.

Two Schnitzer Motorsport GTR cars saw a comeback in 2003 at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning 1-2 in 2004 and 2005, as well as entries in the 24 Hours Spa. Onboard coverage recorded in 2004 Hans-Joachim Stuck, Pedro Lamy, Jörg Müller & Dirk Müller on the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps.

Private teams (Scheid, Getrag, etc.) also have fit 4000cc BMW V8 engines into the E46 body to race on the Nürburgring, winning some VLN races in the last years.

M3 CSL (E46)

BMW made a limited run (less than 1,400 units) of the M3 CSL (E46) machines between June and December of 2003. The CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) received an aggressive weight reduction campaign, more power (up to 360 hp), and sharper handling characteristics than the standard M3, courtesy of semi-slick racing tires. From the exterior, the CSL is distinguished from its standard sibling with a different wheel design, larger integrated rear spoiler and a large air intake hole on the left side of the front bumper. Weight loss was achieved through use of a carbon-fiber roof, carbon-fiber trunk lid, lighter exhaust manifold, thinner rear glass, carbon fiber interior door panels and console, lightweight racing seats, and the removal of side air bags. Several other features available in a regular M3 as standard such as air conditioning and radio were also deleted, although these options could be added at the request of the owner. SMG II sequential manual gearbox was made standard. Owing to the small production run and the complications of clearing DOT and [United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] standards for the North American market, BMW never exported the CSL to the United States, although some parts from it were later made available on the regular M3 as part of an optional Competition Package.

While the CSL was comparable in performance to the Ferrari's 360 at half the price, this version of the M3 is often criticized as being too racing-oriented and significantly pricier than the standard model. Focusing on weight loss, the CSL became less of the "everyday car" that the M3 is known for. Another criticism was the unavailability of a manual gearbox.

M3 Competition Package (USA), M3 Club Sport (UK)

2004 BMW M3 with CSL wheels

Although the M3 CSL was never exported to the United States, in 2005 BMW introduced an M3 Competition Package (a.k.a. Club Sport in the UK): a $4,000 option which offered a number of upgrades taken from M3 CSL. The package includes:

• 19-inch BBS spin-cast alloy wheels
• Specially tuned spring rates for the Competition Package; this was carried over to all M3 production from 12/05 on.
• CSL steering rack: More direct steering ratio of 14.5:1 (vs. standard M3's 15.4:1)
• CSL's M-Track Mode DSC with a button mounted on the steering wheel (deletion of cruise control and steering wheel mounted radio controls)
• Compound cross-drilled rotors from the M3 CSL model; larger front rotor of 13.6 inches (from 12.8 inches)
• Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake
• Interlagos Blue exterior paint available as an exclusive color option.
• Unique cube aluminum interior trim

E90/92/93 M3

BMW M3 E92 coupé during press tests in Marbella

BMW launched the E92 M3 on September 8th 2007 in the UK. Looking similar to the 335i E92 but with a new front air dam, quad exhaust pipes, an aggressive hood bulge, an M6 style carbon fibre-reinforced roof and vents on the front quarter panels reminiscent of the E46 M3. The E92 M3 is powered by the S65, a 4.0 L V8 engine, instead of the S54 inline-6 engine as used in the last generation E46 M3. While the E92 M3 resembles the regular E92 3 series, almost all the body panels are unique to the M3. The engine produces 414 SAE hp (420 PS, 309 kW) at 8,300 rpm, and peak torque is 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) at 3,900 rpm, which represents a power increase of 22% over the E46 M3. The new V8 weighs 33 lbs (15 kg) less than the outgoing six cylinder for a total weight of 445 lbs (202 kg). The styling follows the trend of slightly more aggressive M cars as started by the E60 M5. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, which is a reworked version of the outgoing model's six-speed gearbox fitted with a lower 3.86:1 final drive. While an SMG transmission was initially expected to be available as an option later, BMW is said to be planning the introduction of an all-new double-clutch gearbox, titled DCT, a year after the release of the E92 M3. It is predicted to be sold in the United States starting in the middle of 2008.

In October, 2007, BMW introduced the E90 M3 Sedan, which essentially is unchanged from the E92 coupe, with few differences in styling. An E93 M3 Cabriolet is also planned.

Reviews

Concerns were made regarding poor petrol consumption, with cars achieving 11mpg while being tested. However, for the tests showing poor petrol consumption, the cars were being driven beyond typical consumer usage on the track.

our car averaged a fraction over 11mpg during our (admittedly hard) test drive it’s hardly a paragon of planet-saving greenness…

[1]

Apart from a worrying thirst – test cars were returning around 11mpg according to their trip computers, although they were driven hard

[2]

However, it has been cited by other reviews and the BMW specification sheet as being able to produce 20+ mpg fuel consumption.

[3] [4] [5]

External links

• The New BMW M3 V8 Engine Specifications
• BMW M3 Coupé BMW M3 Coupé international website
• The New M3 at BMW USA
• The New M3 at BMW UK
• 1986-2008 BMW M3 Historical Photo Gallery