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.
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BMW’s M3 and M4 have sold well through five generations and 35 years.
The BMW M3 and, since the preceding generation, the M4, have long been among the most coveted and well-liked sports cars in the world, and the firm just released a number of intriguing photographs that give us an idea of how many have been sold over the years. Additionally, BMW has published sales projections for the upcoming 2021 M3 and M4.
In 1986, the first M3 from the E30 generation went into production. During its production, which lasted until 1991, 18,000 units were sold. The German automaker, which produced 71,000 cars over a seven-year span, found the second-generation M3 to be an even greater success.
These slides, made available by BimmerToday and Bimmerpost, show that 86,000 instances of the E46 M3, which was produced between 2000 and 2006, were sold. The fourth-generation (E92) model sold 66,000 units throughout its six-year manufacturing run, which is an interesting sales decline for BMW. The M3 sedan gave birth to the new M4 Coupe, which enabled the fifth-generation, which was also built for six years, sell a total of 111,000 cars.
The new M3 and M4 will initially be available in three variations. Initially focusing on the M3, BMW anticipates that the flagship M3 Competition model with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system will account for 60% of sales. The entry-level M3 Sedan, which is also the only one available with a six-speed manual transmission, should account for 12% of sales while the “regular” M3 Competition is predicted to account for 28% of sales. With a 41% share, the U.S. is predicted to be the largest market.
With regard to the new M4, the top-of-the-line M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive all-wheel drive will probably account for roughly 63% of sales, well outpacing the M4 Competition Coupe with rear-wheel drive, which will likely sell only 29% of units. Only 8% of overall sales are expected to come from the demand for the entry-level M4 Coupe with a stick shift.
BMW Reports Record-Breaking M Model Sales Figures
In terms of sales, last year was a record-breaker for BMW. It’s safe to conclude that the BMW management did everything it could to meet demand, despite strong headwinds that limited the company’s ability to produce and sell even more automobiles. People were particularly interested in the M model category because they were worried that the new M3 and M4 would fail because of their unusual designs.
It turns out that BMW M sales last year shattered all previous records and reached historic highs. Last year, a total of 163,542 BMW M vehicles were delivered to consumers, which is a 13 percent rise over the figures seen in 2020. According to Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, “This success is the perfect start to our anniversary year.” As it approaches its 50th birthday, “M is in a stronger position than ever.”
Despite the fact that we haven’t yet been provided precise data, BMW claims that the M3 and M4 were the major growth-drivers in 2017. Timo Resch, Vice President of Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH, states that “the reception to the new generation of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 has been simply overwhelming.” Therefore, in 2022, we may anticipate that demand for these storied sports cars will increase.
The BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition were two more popular vehicles. Both vehicles outperformed their prior performances, contributing to a fantastic 2021. M Performance vehicles also played a significant role, with the new BMW 4 Series Coupe variations, the BMW M440i Coupe, BMW M440i xDrive Coupe, and the BMW M440d xDrive Coupe, being particularly well-liked. The BMW X3 M40i and BMW X7 M50i are immediately behind those.
Watch this video to see how the Munich-based 2021 BMW G80 M3 is manufactured.
The new BMW M3/M4 began production this week at the Munich facility, an event commemorated by a few images and a stern statement from BMW. Along with those two, we also received a brief film demonstrating the manufacturing process at the factory where the first-ever BMW M3 came off the assembly line 35 years ago.
According to Factory Director Robert Engelhorn, the process of adapting and preparing the plant for the new M3 and M4 models occurred without a hitch “The M3’s integration went incredibly smoothly. We profited from the extensive knowledge gathered with earlier BMW M car generations. The future production of the new BMW M3 at our parent factory makes us very happy. Our personnel at the plant, including myself, are huge fans of this legendary vehicle.”
There are a few variations between the production of a BMW M3 or M4 model and that of the standard 3 Series or 4 Series models that bear highlighting. For instance, the plant’s internal seat production division produces the recently created M carbon bucket seats locally. This results in the introduction of a new set of manual workflows. In addition, the M3’s hood and side panels are made by hand and put together by hand.
The BMW M4 was formerly produced in Munich as well, with operations beginning in March. However, manufacturing of the Coupe M model was transferred to Dingolfing, and as a result, only the M3 is currently built in Munich, using all of the available capabilities.
What has changed for 2023?
A limited-edition M3 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M will be made for 2023 to commemorate 50 successful years of BMW motorsports. Only 500 units will be sold in North America, and they will be available in five iconic BMW paint colors—one from each of the last five M3 generations—reinterpreted in contemporary fashion. The carbon fiber top, quad tailpipes with carbon fiber tips, front splitter made of carbon fiber, and matte grey alloys are additional features of this special edition M3. Additionally, Black Extended Merino leather with tri-color M stripes and custom stitching is available for the upholstery. A curved gauge cluster running the most recent operating system from BMW is now standard on all M3 models. The optional Driver Recorder is no longer a part of the Parking Assistance package; instead, it is available as a standalone option. The Executive package no longer includes Gesture Control.
How many BMW M3 cars were made?
The E36 M3 was first put into production in September 1992, and it was eventually stopped in August 1999.
Most vehicles were built in the BMW Regensburg plant in Germany, although a small number of low compression right-hand drive vehicles were put together at the BMW Rosslyn plant in South Africa. In total, 12,114 convertibles, 12,603 sedans, and 46,525 coupes were made. Production of the sedan ended in December 1997, that of the coupe in late 1998, and that of the convertible in December 1999.
Amount of BMW M3 GTR production?
When the BMW E46 M3 failed to qualify for the 2000 Florida 12 Hours of Sebring, BMW realized it needed to go larger and better. The M3’s already potent 6-cylinder engine couldn’t keep up because it was designed as a road-going vehicle and lacked the boost necessary to thrive in Florida. At this point, BMW submitted a vehicle that had previously been race-tuned. The revised M3’s powertrain received several significant improvements, while other elements that broke daily driving norms were removed.
Porsche had to argue that BMW was pushing things too far and making the competition unfair because the car was too powerful. This is when the Automobil Club de l’Ouest (A.C.O. ), which also oversees the Le Mans 24 Hours, decided to order 1,000 road-going BMW M3 GTRs to be rebuilt with an additional 100 pounds of weight and 20% larger air restrictors.
The M3 GTR is still one of the rarest BMWs ever produced, and just 10 were produced as a result of the new regulations making it impossible to complete the car within the 12-month production cycle.
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.
How many US-specific BMW M3 CSs were produced?
BMW set a production limit for the CS at 1,200 cars, with about 550 going to the US. When left standard, the 3.0-liter straight-6 twin-turbo engine produces 453 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
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.
How uncommon are BMW M3s?
The 2021 BMW M3 will be released the following year, and while most people will be happy with its notable power increase and optional all-wheel-drive system, others might not be able to get past its contentious new grille. The departing F80 generation has turned into a fantastic deal on the used market for consumers who feel the new M3’s nostrils are too big. In fact, as of this writing, a very unique F80 M3 is being offered for auction on Bring A Trailer with a not too absurd price tag.
It’s a 2017 BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition in question. In a limited production run, this special edition model was created to celebrate the M3’s 30th birthday. Only 150 of the 500 M3 30 Jahre Editions produced by BMW were exported to the United States. The time has come for you to own one of the 150.
This 149 Jahre Edition vehicle, like the others sold in the US, features a distinctive Macao Blue metallic paint job outside and interior leather that is only available in black and blue. Frozen Silver Metallic was another option BMW provided for the vehicle, although not in the US.
The M3’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in this vehicle, which was an option for buyers initially. The M Competition Package is standard on all Jahre Edition models, increasing the output to 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A variable M suspension, 20-inch Competition wheels, and other extras are included in the package.
The M3 Jahre Edition cost almost $20,000 more than the regular M3 at launch, retailing for $84,245 with a manual transmission and $87,145 with a DCT. The current offer of $40,000 seems like a relative steal when compared to the original MSRP with four days left in the auction. The vehicle, which has 29,000 kilometers on it, would make the ideal addition to the garage of a BMW enthusiast.