The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo in the M3 sedan is similar to that in the forthcoming 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. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the M3 Comp, but an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-drive mode is also an option. 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 normal M3 and the Competition model impressed us on 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 M3 doesn’t quite immerse the driver as much as the noisy Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, though.
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(2000–2006) E46 generation [edit]
Both coupe and convertible body types were produced for the E46 3 Series M3 model. With either the manual or SMG-II gearbox, the E46 M3’s S54 straight-six engine accelerates the coupe from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds. The coupe and convertible both achieved 0.89g on the skidpad when cornering. 250 km/h is the electronically capped top speed (155 mph). 1,570 kg is the kerb weight (3,461 lb). [Reference needed]
Both the Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission and the SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission were choices for the available transmissions. The SMG-clutch II’s was electrohydraulically actuated, and either the shift lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddles could be utilized to change gears. Although the SMG-II was hailed for its quick shift times and performance on the racetrack, some individuals complained that its shifts lurched and were delayed in stop-start traffic.
A total of 56,133 coupes and 29,633 convertibles were produced for the E46 M3. Production of the vehicles, for a total of 85,766 vehicles, ran from September 2000 to August 2006 at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany.
To test the viability of developing an M3 model on the already-existing E46 station wagon platform (particularly the integration of the M3’s bigger rear wheel arches onto the wagon body), an M3 Touring station wagon prototype was created. The prototype was never produced.
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.
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.
Over 30 years later, what we said about the first M3 still holds true “A yuppie vehicle is not what this is. For us, this is a vehicle.” – “1988 BMW M3,” Car & Driver, November 1987.
- 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.
What kind of engine is in the BMW M3?
BMW’s S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which in standard form generates 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, powers the M3. It is combined with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission that only drives the rear wheels.
What model BMW M3 has a V8?
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.
For BMW, what does M3 stand for?
The most popular definition of M3 on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok is “sporty model of BMW automobile.” M3. Definition: A sportier BMW model.
Why did BMW discontinue the M3?
Not because of poor sales, but rather because a new model of the 3 series sedan was required, the M3 sedan was discontinued (F30). There is no chance that BMW will continue producing an M3 sedan based on the previous 3 series after the E90 sedan’s production ceased and the F30 sedan’s production began.
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?
With the introduction of the original M3 over 20 years ago, BMW revolutionized the muscle vehicle by cramming a lot of power into a compact, four-cylinder engine.
A German pocket rocket with 215 horsepower was used yesterday. The 2009 M3, which arrives on sale in the US in the spring, boasts a 414-horsepower V-8.
One of the most technologically advanced cars in its class is the new M3 coupe. It has four seats and ample space in the trunk for a family’s luggage, but it corners like a race car.
Even though it is based on the 3-series coupe, just 20% of its components are used in the M3. The rest of the world is different.
BMW demands a high fee for all the power and technology. The M3 will cost more than $62,000 to start. When compared to the entry-level 328i sedan ($33,175) or the current top-of-the-line 335i convertible ($49,875), The costs comprise shipping.
The wheel wells have been expanded to accommodate larger wheels, and the M3’s body is more muscular with a wider track. The four rounded tailpipes give forth the first sign of power.
The BMW M GmbH division manufactures the carbon fiber roof on-site. The M3 weighs 123 pounds more than the 3 series and has a lower center of gravity. The wheel hub, shifter, both seats, and several external surfaces sport M3 emblems.
In order to handle an engine with higher power, the suspension has been strengthened. Compared to the 3 series, steering is more direct. The goal of all these modifications is to make the M3 corner flatly.
Compared to the six-cylinder it replaces, the V-8 engine, a lesser version of BMW’s V-10 monster, weighs more than 30 pounds less. 8,300 rpm is the engine’s highest speed. According to Gerhard Richter, the executive in charge of BMW M GmbH, the performance firm in charge of M automobiles, “we don’t see engines that rev below 8,000 rpm as high speed.”
The driver can choose between normal and sport mode by pressing a button. The electronic damping controls for dynamic stability can be configured for standard or sporty settings using a feature called MDrive. The iDrive controller allows for the storage and retrieval of the settings.
The engine block is produced by the same BMW foundry that creates race vehicles’ Formula One engines. A silicon alloy of aluminum makes up the crankcase.
What the firm says: Ulrich Mehring, director of sales and marketing, claims that the M3 is not the best 3 series because it is a sport car and that the reaction is very different.
“BMW has come up with its interpretation of the muscle vehicle – the high-performance street-driving machine – and our focus is on agility and cornering abilities,” says Martin Birkmann, M brand and motorsports manager for BMW of North America LLC.
It’s a common complaint about BMWs that the iDrive system, which serves as the main controller for the radio, climate, phone, and car settings, is challenging to operate. Yes, since its introduction a few years ago, BMW has simplified iDrive, but not sufficiently.
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which goes on sale in the United States the following year and will compete with the M3, is targeted at a different market than the M3. According to BMW, M customers are real fanatics who are generally 10–12 years younger than AMG customers.
This luxury automobile is not a high-volume model. The peak annual sales for BMW’s previous-generation M3 in the United States were under 8,000 vehicles. BMW anticipates the new model to perform better, although a significant increase in sales is unlikely given the expensive price.
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.
Which BMW M3 is the cheapest?
- It should come as no surprise that the cheapest BMW M vehicle on Autotrader is an automatic E36 M3.
- Another popular option for motorists looking for a real M3 on a budget is the E46 M3.
- For for $12,500, you can get a luxury sport car with 500 horsepower.