The BMW M3, which was introduced in 1986, was the first of its kind. The automobile caused a stir when it was unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1985. The BMW M3 soon rose to the top of the BMW M lineup thanks to its numerous triumphs in touring car racing championships. The BMW M3 E30 will serve as our starting point as we shine a light on the interesting history of this illustrious vehicle.
In This Article...
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.
BMW E46 M3 (2000 – 2006)
The third generation E46 M3 maintained the rather traditional style of the base model, much like the E36 before it. The vehicle did have wider wheel arches, unique side grilles, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and a distinctive “power dome” on the bonnet, though.
Ulf Weidhase and Martina Bachmann developed the first automobile concept in 1997. The final production model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in October 2000 after a concept model had its German debut at the 1999 International Motor Show.
BMW installed a brand-new S54 3.2-liter straight-six engine under the hood of the new vehicle that generated an astounding 343 horsepower (256 kW) at 7,900 rpm and 360 Nm (266 lb ft) of torque. On the other hand, American vehicles were rated at a marginally lesser 333 horsepower (248 kW) and 355 Nm (262 lbft)
The car’s weight climbed to 1,570 kg (3,461 lb), but with the additional power, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in as little as 5.1 seconds (Some testers even claimed they did it in 4.8 seconds). The maximum speed was 250 km/h (155 mph).
A Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission or an SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission, both of which were based on the Getrag 420G, were used to couple the potent engine. The gears in the SMG transmission could be changed using the gear shifter or the steering wheel paddles, and the clutch was electrohydraulically actuated.
While engineers extensively reworked the suspension and braking system to boost turning and stopping ability, an unique M Differential Lock was installed to assist in channeling power to the rear wheels. BMW equipped the M3 with 18-inch wheels as standard equipment, with larger 19-inch wheels available as an add-on.
The E46 M3’s interior was considerably more opulent and comfortable than the outgoing model. Nappa leather trim was standard and offered in a variety of hues, including Kiwi yellow and Cinnamon brown.
The vehicle also had a three-spoke steering wheel with a M logo and unique stitching, LED instrument dial lighting on the tachometer, and an illuminated gear shifter.
E30 BMW M3 Coupe
After Kuenheim requested a high-performance 3-Series from the M crew, construction got started right away using a four-cylinder block from 1962 and a modified M1 supercar cylinder head (minus two cylinders, of course). Following those tests at the “Ring, additional testing, and the debut of the S14 engine, the production E30 M3 was originally unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in 1985 and became available to the general public in 1986.
Those pronounced arches the back wing. improved axle kinematics, dampening, and braking performance thanks to the redesigned chassis configuration. a lean 1200 kg in weight. a 200bhp, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine with a 6.7-second 0–62 mph speed. Rear-wheel-drive. Let’s just say that BMW stepped up and did an outstanding job; we won’t go over the praise again.
But with 300 horsepower in race trim, M3s destroyed the 1987 WTCC, with Roberto Ravaglia and his BMW-backed Schnitzer squad earning first place. In addition to winning national championships in France, England, and Italy, the M3 also won the German touring car championship. In 1989, it also triumphed at the Nurburgring. Afterward, 1990. And 1991. And 1992.
The “Evo,” with a 220 horsepower engine, and the “Sport Evo,” with a 2.5 liter four-pot engine and a two-tier rear wing, were both released as road-going special editions.
To go racing, they only needed to make 5,000. BMW had sold 17,970 M3 cars by the end of 1991.
BMW M3 (E30): 1986-1991
Although the M3 begins manufacturing in March 1986, it isn’t until the summer of 1987 that the model reaches American shores. BMW sells the automobile in our country through the 1991 model year while advertising it as a 1988 model. Only a 2.3-liter, 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine is offered in the United States; in other regions, M3 versions are available with up to 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engines. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox made by Getrag.
Collectability
The first M3, which was produced from 1987 to 1991, has garnered the most interest from collectors. The homologation component of its construction contributes to its mystique while being the most uncommon generation. 17,970 first-generation M3s were produced in total, including 786 cabriolet convertibles and 1,184 two-door coupes. The convertible was never brought to America. All of them were manual transmissions in the United States and were powered by 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engines with 192 horsepower. The E30 is the only M3 with a four-cylinder engine, making it not only the rarest of the M3s.
The “Evolution” and other lightweight variants designed for racing purposes are the M3s with the highest collector values among all five generations. While these vehicles were never imported, many of them are now old enough to be brought to the United States legally for usage on roads. These semi-exotic M3s cost more when new, have greater power, contain unusual features, and were produced in tiny quantities.
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.
Why was the BMW M3 retired?
BMW will discontinue manufacturing the F80-generation M3 sports sedan in August because it won’t meet Europe’s stricter emissions regulations.
According to a brand representative, the sport sedan, which has a turbocharged straight-six engine that generates 431 horsepower, will require a new particulate filter in order to comply with the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
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 not to retain the vehicle in production for a longer period of time like it did with its predecessors, but rather to discontinue it early and with the rest of the 3-series lineup.
The M4’s two-door counterpart, the M3, won’t fall under this scenario because it and its 4-series siblings will continue to be sold into the next year. The M4 will be taken off the market “for a couple of months” while it is rehomologated, but it will return to showrooms with its WLTP-certified filter, the spokesman said.
The filter will lower the vehicle’s nitrogen oxide output to below the WLTP maximum level while maintaining performance, according to the spokeswoman. The modified M4 won’t undergo any other modifications, so its claimed 4.3-second sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour will stand.
The M4’s popularity will have played a role in the decision to keep it. The upcoming 2020 M3 is scheduled to go on sale with an engine that will produce 462 horsepower, 21 horsepower more than the M3 Competition Pack of today.
Currently, the F80 M3 costs Rs 1.48 crore (on-road, Delhi) and competes with vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG C 63.
The BMW M3 is uncommon.
The E30 M3 is quickly turning into an extremely sought-after collector automobile. The German automaker initially homologated this race car for use on public roads. It was created with racing in mind, and boy was it effective on the track. Therefore, with this vehicle, you’re getting the opposite of just a sports upgrade from a road-legal production automobile.
Five years ago, you could find one in excellent condition for between $35,000 and $50,000; today, though, these vintage thoroughbred racers are selling for well over $100,000.
What BMW M3 model is the rarest?
BMW M3 GTR E46 was introduced in February 2001 and was the first M3 in the brand’s history to be powered by a V8.
Released in February 2001, the BMW M3 GTR of the E46 generation was the first M3 in the brand’s history to be powered by a V8. The primary justification for the M3 GTR’s release was that, in order to compete in the American Le Mans series (ALMS), the car had to be made available in a specific quantity for a specific period of time prior to the start of the racing season.
And because the Le Mans M3 GTR had a V8, the road car likewise had a V8 under its hood.
BMW offered 10 road GTR variants for sale at a price of 250 000 euros apiece following the 2001 racing season in order to satisfy all requirements.
The P60 engine in the road version of the car produced 380 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and was fitted with a dry sump lubrication system. A 6-speed manual transmission with a sports double-disc clutch and an M-differential with variable degree of lock delivered all power to the wheels.
The automobile received a very durable chassis and sports suspension settings from the race version. Compared to the stock M3, the GTR variant was also somewhat subdued. Two spacers that were inserted between the front and back cups, respectively, provided the body with additional rigidity. The front, back, and rear wing were all altered to increase downforce and enhance aerodynamics.
The automobile has additional benefits as a result of its large weight reduction. Like the racing version, the roof, rear spoiler, hood, and bumper vents were all made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
To cut weight, the GTR’s interior has also been modified. The back sofa was eliminated, leather-upholstered Recaro racing seats were fitted, and exclusive M3 GTR sill pads were added.
Was there ever a V8 in the M3?
A sports car maker rarely modifies a winning formula once it has found it. Corvette’s V8 engine was moved to the middle by Chevrolet after eight generations, whereas Porsche has doggedly kept the 911’s flat-six engine in the back for almost 60 years. The BMW M3 is a unique case. The 2022 BMW M3 Sedan’s current G80 generation inline-six engine is twin turbocharged, just like the F80 type it replaces. However, it wasn’t always like this.
The E36 and E46 models featured normally aspirated inline-six engines, while the first-generation M3 had a four-cylinder engine. However, the E90 is our favorite iteration of the M3 because it was the first (and only one to use) a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 (and eventually a 4.4-liter in the limited GTS model). You should buy an M3 from this generation before collectors start to notice, in our opinion, because we believe it will go down in history.