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.
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First Drive of the 2021 BMW M3 Competition
The vehicle outperforms the stock M3 in every single performance metric. The base engine, a 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbocharged BMW, produces 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque and 503 horsepower (375 kW) in the Competition edition. The basic M3 can only hit 155 mph and needs 4.1 seconds to get there (250 kph). The tuned vehicle outpaces that with a breathtaking top speed of 193 mph (311 kph).
For 2021, the BMW M3 received a significant update over the car from the previous generation. The powerplant, which partners with an eight-speed auto in the Competition configuration, is one of many similarities between it and the M4. The car’s top speed is increased with the optional M Driver’s package to 180 mph (290 kph), yet it still falls short of the modified M3 in the above video.
The first official M3 Touring wagon was introduced by BMW this year, and we’d like to see it get the same Pure Turbos upgrade as the sedan version. It would be quite the sight to witness a wagon speeding down the Autobahn at 193 mph. A BMW M3 CS is also in the works, but it will have a design that puts the emphasis on dominating the track.
The new BMW M3 Competition xDrive has what speed?
According to BMW, the xDrive technology trims 0.4 seconds off the 0-62 mph time when it is installed for the first time ever on a 3 Series-shaped M vehicle. Even while the resulting 3.5 seconds is very quick, it’s a bit of a dry stat.
Fastest vehicle in its category, however there aren’t many contemporary competitors with comparable strength. Audi seems to have forgotten about the RS4 (it hasn’t received an update in years), so all we can do for now is guess that the next-generation C63 will be as powerful as we wish for, if not anticipate given that it will use a four-cylinder hybrid.
The normal M3 isn’t slow, though. The launch control on the last-generation F80 automobile was terrible; it essentially dialed in a lot of revs and let go of the clutch. Wheelspin ensues, but not much progress is made. You accomplished a lot if you were able to reach 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. The updated version is considerably superior. In our testing earlier this year, it reached 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (as opposed to the 0-62 time claim of 3.9 seconds) and 100 mph in 7.8 seconds. There is proof supporting what we have said previously regarding how nicely the rear differential operates.
The 4WD one saves around four tenths of a second while performing exactly as promised. 0-60mph? 3.18secs. in 7.39 seconds, 100 mph.
Watch a 650 horsepower BMW M3 reach 197 mph with the top speed limiter removed.
According to BMW, the current M3 can reach speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h) with the top speed limitation in place or 180 mph (290 km/h) with it removed. The adjusted sample seen in this video, however, actually has a lot more performance to offer.
Although he didn’t choose the Competition model, the owner of the AutoTopNL YouTube channel is the proud owner of a G80 M3 with the available six-speed manual transmission. He has tuned the ECU, done a lot of performance changes to it, and recently had the top speed limiter lifted.
Additionally, this M3 gains from the aforementioned ECU tune, new catback exhaust, carbon fiber air intake, and 200-cell downpipes. It produces roughly 650 horsepower and well under 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, which are significant increases above the regular 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft (550 Nm).
He got on the German Autobahn to push the automobile all the way through to its top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph), which is what the speedometer showed. On his GPS timing equipment, that speed was translated to 312 km/h (194 mph), which is a pretty astounding number and not far from reaching the famous 200 mph (322 km/h) milestone.
The changes to the automobile have increased more than simply its top speed. Additionally, in-gear acceleration has been much enhanced; in one test, the vehicle accelerated from 100 km/h (62 mph) to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 7.2 seconds.
What is the horsepower of a BMW M3?
According to BMW, the M3 will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph. Engine output increases to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in the M3 Competition. Only an automatic transmission is available with the Competition, although BMW’s xDrive AWD system becomes available.
Is the M3 a quick vehicle?
Efficiency and Performance A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 510 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque in Competition version powers the M3. The M3 will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, with a peak speed cap of 155 mph.
What exactly does BMW M3 mean?
The word “Motorsport” refers to the BMW M Series, which was initially developed to support BMW’s racing program. Over time, the BMW M program started to add customized vehicle models to its roster, which are now accessible to the general public.
Which vehicle is quicker than an M3?
The Giulia, a direct competitor, has the benefit of attractive Italian design. The line-topping Quadrifoglio’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine produces a seductively seductive 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the M3 in terms of power output. In the dash from a complete stop to 60 mph, it is quicker than the M3 (3.6 seconds versus 4.1 seconds). It also uses rear-wheel drive, just like the M3, which is how enthusiasts prefer it.
Additionally, it has a carbon fiber roof and hood that reduce weight and lower the center of gravity for better handling. The 2018 M3 starts at roughly $66,500, while color options include a luscious deep red (Rosso Competizione), and prices start at nearly $75,000.
Which BMW has the best speed?
The BMW M5 Competition variant, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, is now the company’s quickest production vehicle. Even some of the quickest cars under $100,000 are available from BMW, in a variety of styles ranging from coupes to SUV Sport Activity Vehicles(r).
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.
Why is the BMW M3 a hit?
The M3 is renowned for its excellent handling. Everyone is aware that it chews up corners, and when it comes to handling, it truly outperforms the competition. It has always driven like a true sports car, which is not surprising considering how much better a driver’s car the basic 3-series is than the competition.
The handling of the M3 is a major factor in its status as one of the best German automobiles of the previous ten years. Drivers feel comfortable pushing it to the limit over curves because it feels precise.
M5 or M3: Which is faster?
The BMW M3 and M5 once both came equipped with V8 engines. The M3 was limited to an inline-six in 2014, while the midsize still has a V8 under the hood. We frequently think that more cylinders and power are better at the drag strip, but this comparison between an unmodified 2017 M3 and a stock 2020 M5 Competition shows a different tale.
The most recent M5, which produces a whopping 627 horsepower in the CS version, is the most potent model to bear the badge. With 617 horsepower, the M5 Competition that was raced here is little less potent, but it still poses a danger to the majority of contemporary muscle cars.
The previous generation M3’s twin-turbo inline-six engine produced a maximum of 425 horsepower in basic trim. The M5 Competition is about 200 horsepower faster, but this blue four-door vehicle is not your typical 2017 M3. With the update, the drivetrain now produces 600 horsepower. Now it appears that we will be engaged in a fair fight.
Okay, it’s not quite fair because the M3 is lighter and the M5 Competition has all-wheel drive, but at least the horsepower is comparable. Speaking about curb weight, there is a sizable difference. The M3 weighs only 3,540 pounds, compared to the M5 Competition’s huge 4,370 pounds (1,982 kg) weight (1,606 kg). This adds 840 pounds (381 kg) more weight for the midsize vehicle to transport.
The drag race has gotten off to a shady start. The M3 driver accelerates roughly a second too slowly, whereas the M5 Competition driver almost flawlessly hits the green light. You probably believe that the M3 has no chance at this moment.
However, the small vehicle has the faster time of acceleration, finishing in 10.84 seconds. The M5 Competition stays in the 10s as well, but it moves a little more slowly at 10.99 clicks. The M3 outperforms the M5 in the trap speed competition with a speed of 132.36 mph (213.01 kph) (207.63 kph).
Given what happens when the lights turn green, the outcome is unexpected, but not at all startling given that the M3 is significantly lighter and virtually as powerful as the M5.
To be fair, this M5 Competition clocks in at 10.99 seconds, which isn’t bad at all. And it actually beat the powerful Shelby GT500 with a 10.88-second pass.
M3 or M4: Which is faster?
Considering that the current version of both vehicles uses the same engine and powertrain, depending on the transmission you select, the M4 would be the speedier vehicle because it is lighter than the M3.
Having said that, the weight disparity is negligible, and we would not use this as the deciding factor when purchasing either car.
Are M3s V8s?
The V-8 engine was added to the M3 in its fourth generation. The 4.0-liter V-8, which was especially made for the M3, has a redline of 8400 rpm and 414 horsepower. The sound of this M3 is possibly the greatest ever produced.
That unique V-8 pulled and thundered in a way that its forerunners couldn’t duplicate. The E90 generation is heavier than the E80 generation, despite the V-8 weighing 33 pounds less than the previous inline-six. Despite lacking a sunroof and having a carbon fiber roof panel, the coupe coupe weighed roughly 200 pounds heavier than previously. Even with the additional weight, the redesigned chassis maintained the track-ready power while enhancing the ride.
Similar to the E36, the price of the E90 has dropped to alluringly low levels. It’s simple to find one with higher miles for less money than a brand-new Miata. You need still be mindful of a few things, though.
- The V-8 engine is dependable and strong. Mostly. Watch out for any signs of main bearing or connecting rod wear. Additionally, keep an eye out for any issues with the two throttle actuators that can cause the main ECU to enter limp-home mode. For this unique engine, parts are exceedingly expensive.
- If something does go wrong, don’t anticipate it to be simple to fix. This M3 has far more processors and electrical systems than any of its predecessors since it is thoroughly more modern.
- Oil will be burned. If you frequently engage the car’s upper rev range, there is a lot of it. It also uses pricey 10W-60 weight. Make sure to keep some in the trunk in case you run out at any time.
- Avoiding and avoiding buying vehicles with iDrive-controlled infotainment systems is a good idea. The system is generally dependable, but you should obviously avoid the outdated menus, displays, and user interface if at all possible. Additionally, the display won’t be under a large, unsightly hump on the instrument panel.