Afterwards the E30 M3’s debut in 1986, the BMW M3 has been a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series developed by BMW’s in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 variants have been made for every generation of the 3 Series since.
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.
In This Article...
Overview
The most extreme compact sports coupe and sedan from BMW is the M3. M3s, which are based on the 3-series, get special, more potent engines, new suspension components, bigger brakes, and subtly redesigned bodywork. The first M3, which had been in production since the middle of the 1980s, debuted in North America in 1988.
This is not a car for yuppies. This is a car for us. That is what we wrote about the original M3 more than 30 years ago, and it still holds true now. — Car and Driver, November 1987, “1988 BMW M3”
- A homologation special with custom fender flares was built. The M1 supercar served as the basis for its 2.3-liter inline-four engine. Currently a fully developed, appreciating collector’s item.
- sold a lot more units than its predecessor did. the original M3, which offered a four-door body style. The North American version received a weaker, neutered engine.
- The first M3 turbocharged. received particular wheels, bumper panels, and fender flares. The original M3 was only offered as a four-door sedan.
Versions of the BMW M3
The internal motorsports branch of BMW, BMW M GmbH, created this high-performance trend-setter. The coupe and convertible were renamed as part of the M4 series when BMW withdrew the coupe and convertible in 2015 and only offered the M3 as a sedan.
The M3 is a significantly improved model of the BMW 3 Series, and it bases its upgrades on ones drawn from motorsport. For real German engineering lovers, the handling, suspension, braking, and body have all been improved for superior aerodynamics, lower weight, and superior performance. The M3 engines are typically distinct from those in the 3 Series.
F80/F82 BMW M3 Saloon/M4 Coupe
For this new generation of M cars from BMW, the E digits were dropped, as well as an iconic name due to the discontinuation of the M3 Coupe. It’s really rather simple: the M3 badge will only remain on the saloon, while the M4 Coupe will serve as the new, er, M3 Coupe. Geddit?
BMW reduced the weight of the new M3/M4 significantly in addition to reducing the E numbers. The new M4 is a relatively light 1500kg, compared to the previous BMW M3 Coupe’s hefty 1655kg weight. Even though the new M4 Convertible weighs in at a hefty 1750 kg, it is still 60 kg lighter than the previous M3 Convertible.
A revised version of BMW’s proven, tested, and beaten 3.0-liter twin-turbo 6cyl replaces the V8 as well. Yes, the straight-six engine from the M3/M4 has been rejoined, and it is a torque-filled beast.
Although total power increases somewhat to 431 bhp (from 414 bhp), the torques are what have actually increased. The original V8 has a 295lb ft torque. With a tremendous 406lb ft of torque, this revolutionary vehicle can reach 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds (or 4.1s with the optional dual-clutch automatic gearbox).
A lot of carbon fiber is included. There is a good deal of “face” and style, much of it functional aero to help with handling and downforce, and there is even a “Smokey Burnout” function.
Not to mention the brand-new Competition Pack, which boosts horsepower by 19 and cuts the time from 0 to 62 mph by 0.1 seconds. Along with new tires, a recalibrated diff, and new springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, there is also a new exhaust system.
Introduction
BMW’s tagline is “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” and their M-car lineup unquestionably occupies a prominent position in that experience. Is there a clear winner between the M3 and M4 considering that both are now leading the pack?
The M3 has dominated the family since the 1986 birth of the infamous E30, and its closest relative may have been the M5 or the short-lived Z4M. That is, up to the 2011 introduction of the 1M coupe.
Before this crazy younger brother hit the market, BMW had mostly concentrated on the M5 and M6, which certainly didn’t lack power or presence, but it could be argued that these missed the target by being a more accessible, nimble automobile for the masses. The 1M changed things up a little for BMW.
Few vehicles, in fact, could compete with the M3 if you were looking for a high-performance luxury vehicle that is ideal for daily driving, demonstrates its dependability on the Nurburgring, and then transports you home in supreme comfort.
It would appear that BMW had never intended for the 1M to be a long-term option, despite the fact that it was comparable, if not superior, in many aspects.
After selling fewer than 6,500 units throughout the 1M’s brief lifespan, BMW confirmed this. It would be abandoned after a year of creation and allowed to become an uncommon legend for later history books.
It was time to introduce a brand-new option into the lineup, the M4, soon after the 1M’s manufacture had stopped. The F82 and F83, two completely new versions, will also be introduced along with this.
If you’re unsure of the model numbers, the F83 was the seductive cabriolet/convertible for people who enjoy a little “wind in their hair” feeling, and the F82 was the sexy coupe.
At the same time that the 2014 North American International Auto Show saw the debut of the new M4, BMW also introduced the market to the brand-new F80 M3. Talk about stirring up trouble!
The F80 was only offered in one version, a hefty, aggressive-looking, four-door sedan that certainly doesn’t lack in road presence, unlike the previous-generation E92 M3, which was offered in sedan, coupe, or convertible body-types.
If you’re not already aware, you might be wondering what the distinctions between the M3 and the M4 are, so let’s look more closely at them now.
What exactly does BMW M3 mean?
The BMW M3 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series that was created by BMW’s internal motorsport subsidiary, BMW M GmbH.
What makes the BMW M3 so unique?
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.
A BMW M3 is quick.
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 car in its class, however now days there aren’t many challengers with comparable strength.
What distinguishes an M3?
Acceleration/Speed The M3 Competition’s 0-60 mph time is only 3.8 seconds, while the M3 Competition xDrive’s time is 3.4 seconds. The BMW M3 can outrun many other cars in its sector and many of its rivals’ cars with a 0-60 mph time of under 4 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle has up to 503 horsepower.
Is the BMW M3 a quick vehicle?
M Sport trim, which incorporates some of the sporty aesthetic characteristics from M cars into BMW’s more mainstream models without adding more power or costing nearly as much as a real M model, was created since the letter “M” stands for “motorsport.”
What does the M in BMW M1 stand for?
The most extreme compact sports coupe and sedan from BMW is the M3. M3s, which are based on the 3-series, get distinctive and more potent engines, various suspension components, more substantial brakes, and significantly redesigned bodywork.
Which BMW M4 or M3 is superior?
The M3 outperforms the M5 in the trap speed competition with a speed of 132.36 mph (213.01 kph) (207.63 kph). Considering what happens when the lights turn green, the outcome is unexpected, but not at all unexpected given that the M3 is substantially lighter and virtually as powerful as the M5.
How is a BMW M Series created?
M1: sport throttle, comfort steering, and MDM. M2: MDM, sport plus throttle, comfort steering, and sport plus suspension. I just use MDM for street driving rather than turning off the DSC to help with the traction control’s involvement.
What distinguishes a BMW from a M Series?
The M Performance variant no longer comes with a manual, but it does have M Sport brakes, M Sport exhaust, sportier tires, wider wheels, more selectable driving modes, and a standard electronically controlled locking rear differential.
The BMW M1 is a Lamborghini, right?
The “ordinary” M3 is only “rated” for 473 horsepower, and its maximum torque is 406 lb-ft. With 503 horsepower and, more crucially, 479 lb-ft of peak torque, the M4 Competition Coupe is more of a gorilla. That last figure represents arguably the biggest distinction between the two vehicles.
Why don’t we have a BMW m7?
The VIN number is arguably the simplest way to recognize a BMW M Series. Given that all you have to do is look at the first three letters, this method is the quickest and most effective. The WBS prefix is used in the VIN numbers of all BMW M vehicles. The VIN numbers of all other BMW automobiles start with WBA.
What distinguishes a BMW?
As BMW did not want their flagship saloon to be propelled by a high-revving engine and as the most recent top-performing models (often the BMW 760Li) have V12 engines that, while strong, are viewed as being too heavy for a sporty offshoot, there is no BMW M version of the 7 Series.
M4 or M3: Which is faster?
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).
M3 or M5: Which is faster?
Which vehicle is quicker? BMW M3 versus M4 Considering that the current generation of both vehicles uses the same engine and powertrain, depending on the transmission you select, the M4 would be the faster vehicle due to the M3’s increased weight.
Which BMW is the rarest?
In the late 1970s, BMW and Italian automaker Lamborghini signed a contract for the creation of a racing car in enough quantity for homologation, but due to disagreements, BMW decided to develop the car on its own. The resulting vehicle was marketed to the general public as the BMW M1 from 1978 to 1981.
What does M2 in an automobile mean?
- BMW. 1 M3 GTR.
- 2 M3-R. BringaTrailer.
- Three i3 Shadow Sport. Ford Press.
- Limited Edition M5 Pure Metal Silver 4 pieces. Bimmer Blog.
- 5 M3 CRT; 100 in Nakhon.
- There are 6 unique X6 Performance Editions. Ford Press.
- THE NEXT 100 YEARS 7 BMW Individual 7 Series Ford Press.
- 8 distinct Bang & Olufsen 6 Series Gran Coupes