The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine in the 2021 M3 sedan is similar to that in the new M4 coupe. The standard model delivers 406 pound-feet of torque and 473 horsepower to the rear wheels. There is only a six-speed manual transmission available. Even more potent, the M3 Competition’s engine produces 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but it can only be ordered with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Although rear-wheel drive is the default, all-wheel drive will eventually be an option for the Competition. Every M3 also has adjustable brake pedal feel and adaptive dampers. Also available for the sedan are even more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes with stylish gold-painted calipers. Both the regular M3 and the Competition model impressed us during our first drive thanks to their propensity for performing outrageous drifts, which the optional M Drift Analyzer encouraged (part of the M Drive professional package). We also developed a liking for the manual gearbox’s smooth changes, and we were as thrilled with the engine’s strong acceleration. The more subdued M3 ultimately falls short when compared to the boisterous Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
In This Article...
Overview
The M3 is BMW’s most recognizable sports sedan, and the current model demonstrates that the manufacturer is still cognizant of the qualities that made many earlier M cars instant classics. The current M3’s base model is a rear-drive sedan with 473 horsepower that can only be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission. If you choose the 503-hp M3 Competition, an eight-speed automatic will have to do. The M3 Comp’s track-tuned chassis is stiff-riding to the point where it feels almost like driving a race car. It is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The rear-drive Competition model’s 3.5-second time to 60 mph during our testing was 0.4 seconds faster than that of our long-term basic car. All M3s are rapid. The base model can change into a surprisingly comfy cruiser if you’re persistent enough to figure out its Rubik’s Cube of drive modes. Both variants will excite you on the road or on the track. Competitors like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing are even better at creating a connection between the car and the driver, but the M3 is still a joyfully visceral experience.
What kind of engine is in a BMW M3?
The S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six engine that powers the BMW M3 cranks out an astounding 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in standard configuration.
This recognizable, illustrious sport sedan exclusively drives its rear wheels and mates its engine with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Speed junkies may accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, and the vehicle has a top speed of 180 mph.
The M3 Competition trim level will increase your engine’s output to 504 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. Only an automatic transmission is available for the Competition, however BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system does become an option.
No matter whether transmission is used, the car achieves 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate, which isn’t too shabby considering its sporty performance.
BMW M3
The internal motorsport subsidiary of BMW, BMW M GmbH, created the BMW M3 as a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series. Since the 1986 debut of the E30 M3, M3 variants have been made for every iteration of the 3 Series.
A convertible body style was quickly added after the coupe body style was initially offered for the car. The E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) models both had M3 sedans. Due to the coupe and convertible variants’ rebranding as the 4 Series range and the high-performance model becoming the M4, the M3 has only been manufactured in the sedan body style since 2014.
Engines, handling, brakes, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and many interior improvements are all improved over the standard 3 Series versions. The M3’s limited-slip differential, which statistically maximizes torque and grip without sacrificing handling, is BMW’s most significant contribution to driver safety and the performance sector. The E36 M3’s installation of the SMG-I gearbox in 1992 marked the M3’s most important technological advancement. The SMG-II gearbox was installed in the E46 M3 to give it the distinction of being the world’s quickest shifting gearbox. For the E46 M3 CSL, a carbon fiber air box was designed. It functioned by generating an air vortex that could continuously maintain the maximum air induction pressure to maximize throttle response.
3.0-liter twin-turbo BMW M3, M4 with 316kW and “well beyond” 500Nm of torque
The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission for the upcoming BMW M3 sedan and BMW M4 coupe have now been officially confirmed.
According to BMW, the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engines powering the M3 and M4 vehicles will be “high-revving” (more than 7500rpm) and produce “about” 316kW and peak torque “far over” 500Nm. This is made possible by the employment of two mono-scroll turbochargers.
The M3 and M4 engines produce about 105kW per liter of capacity, and based on 500–550Nm, 166–183Nm/litre, respectively. These figures put it ahead of benchmark production six-cylinder engines like the 3.6-liter twin-turbo Cadillac CTS (87Nm/liter and 162Nm/liter) and the 3.8-liter twin-turbo Porsche 911 Turbo (101kW/liter and 174Nm/liter). It also produces less power per liter than the 3.8-liter twin-turbo Nissan GT-R (107kW/litre), but more torque per liter (165Nm/litre).
While the numbers are “well over 30%” better than the previous 309kW/400Nm normally aspirated 4.0-liter V8-powered M3, BMW claims that fuel consumption and emissions have also been cut by “approximately 25%”.
A six-speed manual transmission with an automated downshift rev-matching capability will be standard on both vehicles. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated launch control feature will be an option. The new Active M limited-slip differential, which, unlike the mechanical system employed by the preceding M3, employs an electric actuator to constantly alter the locking effect as necessary, will transmit power to the rear wheels regardless of the gearbox chosen.
The BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe, according to BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke, demonstrate a continuing dedication to the performance division’s guiding principle of fusing motor sport heritage and uncompromised everyday utility within an emotionally compelling overall design.
Every M model has an engine, and the ones installed in the two new vehicles combine the benefits of a high-revving naturally aspirated engine with the advantages of turbocharger technology, according to Nitschke.
The iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife, the most difficult racing track in the world, has prepared the new models for that transition, and the BMW M3 and BMW M4 bring motor sport technology to the road.
The M3 and M4 are expected to make their local debut at the Detroit car show in the middle of 2014.
Is there a turbo on the BMW M3 V8?
The only BMW M3 to ever use a V8 engine was the E92 model. Due to the absence of turbochargers, all-wheel drive, and electric power steering, this is the final “clean” M3. The V8 engine has a 4.0-liter engine with a maximum rev limit of 8,200 rpm.
What M3 is turbocharged?
A 2016 Competition model with a dual-clutch transmission was put through its paces by Generation Five (F80): 2014-2018 C/D, reaching 60 mph in an astounding 4.0 seconds. The “S55” variant of the twin-turbo inline-six engine from BMW provided the power. This is the first turbocharged M3 in production.
What kind of engine is in the BMW M3?
Much success to you. The Competition xDrive model features the magnificent 3.0 liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine at its best. With a staggering 503 horsepower output, you can reach 60 mph in as little as 3.4 seconds.
For BMW, what does M3 stand for?
One response: Chuang. BMW M GmbH, originally BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a division of BMW AG and a producer of supercars. The initial purpose of BMW M, which stands for “motorsport,” was to support BMW’s racing program, which was extremely successful in the 1960s and 1970s.
A BMW M3 can go how fast?
BMW automatically restricts the highest speed of its M3 car to 155 mph out of the box, or 180 mph if the M Driver’s Package is ordered. Of sure, it can move much quicker, but how much faster? Nobody was able to provide us with the solution—until today, that is.
We have no doubt that this car would be able to surpass the 200 mph mark with a little additional tuning to extract more power from that twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six under the hood. Our suspicion is that it won’t be long until that occurs.
Is the BMW M3 a sports car?
The M3/M4 is the same as a base 3 Series/4 Series with the largest/most powerful engine possible, but also with a lot more luxurious amenities standard. A BMW could hardly be regarded as the same kind of base model. A M3/M4 is a muscle car if we use this as our benchmark.
Why did BMW discontinue the M3?
Due to the F80 generation BMW M3’s inability to meet Europe’s stricter emissions regulations, BMW will cease production of the model in August.
The rehomologation procedure that would follow such a change would preclude the upgraded M3 from being on sale before to the October debut of the next-generation 3 Series. As a result, BMW decided against continuing to produce the vehicle longer than it did with its predecessors and to stop manufacturing of it concurrently with the rest of the 3 Series lineup.
Is the BMW M3 a trustworthy vehicle?
The BMW M3 is rated as having a 2.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it 29th out of 31 luxury midsize sedans. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,161 average yearly repair cost. You may anticipate more significant repairs for the M3 because repairs are more common and more likely to be severe than for the ordinary vehicle.
A sports car, is the M3?
Let’s discuss BMW. let’s chat about the BMW M3. Many people believe it to be the national sports car. Since 1986, Bimmer has been producing its racing vehicle. The M3 has experienced numerous alterations over those many years. Too many, in some people’s opinion. Evidently, Doug DeMuro shares this sentiment. He published a video ranking each and every one. However, I have some issues with it.
Which M3 has a V8 engine?
The E90 was the most expensive and heaviest M3 vehicle to date when it was introduced in 2008.
This generation offered a power-retractable hardtop convertibles, coupes, and sedans. Performance of this model was negatively impacted by the additional weight of the convertible’s roof system. When the top was down, the leather seats in the convertible featured an unique surface that kept them from heating up. It was the only mass-market M3 equipped with a new 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission.
BMW introduced a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters shortly after the vehicle’s debut. The car’s forward acceleration time was improved by two tenths of a second over one with a manual transmission because the paddle shifters decreased shifting pauses. The highest speed of this vehicle, which could reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, was 155 mph.
BMW updated the vehicle in 2011. LED taillights and other interior improvements were among the modifications.
What is the lifespan of a BMW M3?
With routine maintenance and servicing, a BMW M3 should last between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers.
Although appropriate lubrication is essential, many owners are able to get the entire 200k miles out of their engines.
This is ambitious, but owners frequently get another 50,000 miles out of their M3.
You might occasionally come across a 15-year-old M3, but these are likely to be well-maintained examples that have followed the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.