Jump to content

BMW M3

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 165.222.186.230 (talk) at 09:37, 31 March 2008 (→‎M3 CSL (E46)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

BMW M3
E92 BMW M3 coupé
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1986–present
AssemblyRegensburg, Germany
Body and chassis
ClassCompact sport luxury car
LayoutFR layout

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 E90/2/3 3-series. Common upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include larger and more powerful engines, improved handling/suspension, more aggressive bumpers/body, and an interior accented with "M" nomenclature.

E30 M3

E30
BMW E30 M3
Overview
Production1986-1992
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
PlatformBMW E30
RelatedBMW 3-Series
Powertrain
Engine2.3L 192 hp (143 kW) I4
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in


Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L I4 S14-b23 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. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzer competing in many forms of racing including Rally, DTM, Australian touring car and other series. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. One of the reasons often sighted is that it was to compete with the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E which was introduced in 1983, and although this was only speculative, M3s entered by BMW and privateer racing outfits did dominate the competition for many years. When the E30 M3 was in its final years of top level competition, the 2.5 litter S14 engine in full race trim was capable of 340 hp (250 kW) plus, naturally aspirated.

The first road going version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised exhaust cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp (160 kW). Later the Sport Evolution model(sometimes referred as Evolution III) 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 (160 kW) 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 3-series 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. It also had a Getrag 264 5 speed gearbox, and rear differential with different final drive ratio and 35% lockup.

To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules changes year to year, 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 (460 mm) wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Other limited production modes (based on evolution models but featuring special paintwork and/or unique interior schemes commemorating championship wins) include the Europa, Ravaglia, Cecotto, and Europameister .

Production of the original E30 M3 ended in early 1992.

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.


Notable publication accolades

In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

In 2006 "Evo" Magazine rated the E30 M3 top of all the M series BMWs at time of print

In 2007 "Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in there "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under the 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.

Performance[1]

Production Figures

Model Power (kW) Coupe and Sedan Convertible
Euro model 143/147 8,661
US model 192 BHP(US) 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
Races

Production 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 Needell, Fifth Gear, Channel 5

E36 M3

E36
1996 BMW M3 coupe, North American version
Overview
Production1992-1999
71,242 built [2]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
PlatformBMW E36
RelatedBMW 3-Series
Powertrain
Engine3.0L 286 hp (213 kW) I6
3.2L 321 hp (239 kW) I6 (1996)
Transmission5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
LengthTemplate:Auto in
Lightweight: Template:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
HeightTemplate:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
Curb weightTemplate:Auto kg
Convertible: Template:Auto kg

The E36 M3 débuted in February, 1992 and hit the dealers`showrooms in November that year; it was the first M3 propelled by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc and developing Template:Auto PS. Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon/sedan versions in 1994.

Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs wore a livery in British Racing Green and featured an upgraded Template:Auto PS 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built [3].

In summer, 1995 M3 coupé and saloon were upgraded to a Template:Auto PS 3.2 liter inline-6; at the same time, the cars received clear blinker glasses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The Cabriolet did not receive these changes until spring 1996.

All E36 M3s were built in BMW`s Regensburg factory; in total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 Cabriolets and 12,603 saloons were produced. Saloon production ended in December, 1997, the coupé ceased production in late 1998 and the Cabriolet in December, 1999[4].

North American models

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),a different suspension and a 0-60 time in about 5 seconds. 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 240 bhp (180 kW) at 6000 rpm and 225lbs-foot of torque at 4250. BMW also produced somewhere between 200 and 320 M3 Lightweights also known as the M3 Momentum (only 180 made it to the US). These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used on the street or on the track. It was about 100 to 200 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as sound deadening, radio, air conditioning, leather seats, and the sunroof. Other extras that came with the LTW version included an extendable front splitter, strut tower brace, x-brace, aluminum Doors and hood. It could also be fitted with a dual pickup oil pan however, BMW AG stipulated that fitting the dual pickup GT oil pan to the car would void the warranty.

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.

US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupes (including 180 Lightweight versions), 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles[5].

Performance

Version Power 0-60 mph[6] Top Speed
3.0l-24v I6
Euro 210 kW/286 bhp
6.0 s
 155 mph / 250 km/h
U.S. 177 kW/240 bhp
6.1 s.
 137 mph / 220 km/h[7] (electronically limited)
3.2l-24v I6
Euro 236 kW/321 bhp
5.5 s
155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically limited)
U.S. 177 kW/240 bhp
6.1 s.
139 mph / 225 km/h (electronically limited)

The E36 M3 was also available as a saloon in the UK for a limited period during 1995-6, during which around 400 rhd models were sold in the UK. This variation had slightly softer suspension but could be purchased with the firmer coupe set-up if the customer wished. Performance figures did not change with the standard 286bhp ( more than the US model by some margin ) The 3.2 Evo, with 321 bhp (239 kW), reliability is widely believed to became more of an issue, as this model came with the expensive and at times problematic, double VANOS variable valve timing in the cylinder head, which controlled the valve timing on the inlet and exhaust side by electronic solenoids, these tend to rattle in their housings at low engine speeds when not under load and caused some owners to return their cars to the dealers for replacement. A few cars have been known to have the VANOS unit seize but the only effect is that the performance will suffer. The M3 EVO seems forever to be stuck with the stigma of un-reliability by over exaggeration of VANOS problems from some quarters, when in truth the simplicity of the VANOS and related components have no more problems than any other engine components.

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.[citation needed] 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." In the boot there was a different oil pan with dual pick up oil pump, longer dipstick tube, front strut bar, lower x brace that owners could install at the risk of voiding the standard BMW warranty. The car also came with the normal M3 low wing mounted but most dealers installed the special high wing when prepping the car for sale. Each new owner was given a 1 page legal document to sign stating that any installation of trunk items voided the new car warranty. The ECU had the top speed limiter removed which resulted in a drag induced top speed. A 3.23 rear differential was installed vs the normal 3.15 installed in M3's.

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 that there exist approximately 120 models.[8]

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

E46 M3
Imola Red E46 BMW M3 Coupe
Overview
Production2000-2006
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
PlatformBMW E46
RelatedBMW X3
BMW 3-Series
Powertrain
Engine3.2L 343 PS (252 kW) I6
Transmission6 Speed Manual
6 Speed SMG Drivelogic/SMG II
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
Length2000-02: Template:Auto in
2003-05: Template:Auto in
WidthTemplate:Auto in
HeightCoupe: Template:Auto in
2001-02 Convertible: Template:Auto in
2003-05 Coupe: Template:Auto in

The E46 M3, first introduced in October, 2000, 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 (338 hp) and 370 N·m (273 ft·lbf).

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 (75 kW) per litre (340 hp/3.2 litre), a notable feat. 

@ 105 mph (169 km/h)[9]
Top Speed: 155 mph (249.4 km/h) (electronically limited)
Top Speed: 185 mph (298 km/h) (delimited)[10]

Cabriolet / Convertible model 1/4 Mile +/- ~.5 sec

Special Models

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

M3 GTR

File:M3 GTR.jpg
M3 GTR (Non Street Version)

An E46 GTR came to life on February 2001, powered by a 4000 cm³ V8 producing 444 bhp (race version—street version produced 380 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 4000 cc BMW V8 engines into the E46 body to race on the Nürburgring, winning some VLN races in the last years.

M3 CSL (E46)

File:M3 csl front.jpg
E46 BMW M3 CSL

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),

File:M3 csl rear.jpg
E46 BMW M3 CSL

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, carbon-fiber front and rear bumpers, lighter exhaust manifold, thinner rear glass, carbon fiber interior door panels and console, lightweight racing seats, removed sound insulation, magnesium wheels and the removal of side air bags. The M3 CSL's engine has increased compression ratio, camshafts, carbon-fiber intake manifold and alpha-N management, which are completely different from the standard M3. 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 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) 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
  • Cruise Control Delete

E90/92/93 M3

E90/92/93
BMW M3 coupe (US)
Overview
Production2008-present
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
PlatformBMW E90 (Sedan)
BMW E92 (Coupe)
BMW E93 (Convertible)
RelatedBMW 3-Series
BMW X3
Powertrain
Engine4.0L V8
Transmission6-speed manual
7-speed M-DCT
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthConvertible: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
WidthConvertible: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
HeightConvertible: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in

BMW launched the E92 M3 on September 8, 2007 in the United Kingdom. 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.[11] The E92 M3 is powered by the S65B40, a 4.0 L V8 engine, instead of the S54B32 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 ft·lbf (400 Nm) at 3,900 rpm, which represents a power increase of 22% over the E46 M3.[12] 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 dual-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.[13]

E90 BMW M3 sedan (US)
2009 BMW M3 convertible (US)

In October, 2007, BMW introduced the E90 M3 Saloon, which essentially is unchanged from the E92 coupe, with few differences in styling - The front of the car has the same design as the M3 coupe, unlike the smooth front in the normal 3-Series saloon. Other changes include redesigned wing mirrors. The M3 Saloon was designed to meet the needs of a family in terms of practicality, for example, the much larger luggage compartment and rear cabin. An E93 M3 Cabriolet is also planned.[14]It should be noted that the sedan version of the BMW M3 does not come with the carbon-fibre roof found on the coupe.

BMW Motorsport announced in February 2008 that Rahal Letterman Racing will campaign two factory-backed E92 M3s in the American Le Mans Series in 2009, following a two-year absence by the brand.[15]

Performance[16]

0-60 mph: 4.1 for coupe/ 4.2 for sedan

1/4 mile: 12.5@114.8

Top Speed: 161 mph indicated/155mph actual (electronically limited)

Skid Pad: 0.98g

Slalom: 71.4 mph (114.9 km/h)

BMW M3 Challenge

File:BMW M3 Challenge.jpg
BMW M3 Challenge PC Game

The "BMW M3 challenge" is a freeware racing game developed by BMW for simulation and entertainment purposes. The PC game includes single and multi-player modes.[17]

Developed by Blimey! Games and 10tacle Studios in cooperation with BMW engineers, it is a car simulation that reproduces real life car physics such as body roll and skidding.

It allows the player to perform advanced driving maneuvers such as feathering the brakes, moderating the clutch engagement level, or using lower gears to slow down the engine, thereby decreasing speed.

BMW M3 Challenge features a drivable representation of the famous Nürburgring German race track.

References

  1. ^ Works figures according to Kittler, loc. cit.
  2. ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
  3. ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
  4. ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
  5. ^ All figures: Covello, Mike (2002). Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Iola: Krause Publications. pp. 160–163. ISBN 0-87341-605-8.
  6. ^ Euro versions: 0-100 km/h
  7. ^ Road & Track Sports & GT Cars 1996, p. 18.
  8. ^ BMW World - E36 M3 CSL Lightweight
  9. ^ Motor Trend, March 2003
  10. ^ E46 BMW M3 Owners Manual
  11. ^ "Officially Official: Introducing the 2008 BMW M3 Coupé". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  12. ^ New BMW M3 has 420 Horsepower - RSportsCars.com
  13. ^ "2009 Production BMW M3 Details Revealed". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  14. ^ "2008 BMW M3 - 2007 Geneva Auto Show". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  15. ^ "BMW returning to American Le Mans Series". AutoWeek. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  16. ^ "Road Test: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe (2/2008)" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  17. ^ "BMW M3 Challenge the game". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW M3.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BMW_M3&oldid=202259896"