Sleek And Speed

BMW M3 refers to a series of models patterned after the E30, E36, and E46 models. These models are sports and luxury cars inspired by the BMW 3-Series manufactured by BMW Motorsport. Its body style is either as a two-door coupe or a two-door convertible, and it’s classified as a compact luxury car.

E30 M3

The E30 M3 is based upon the 1986 E30 3- Series. The first model consisted of a 2.3 L S14 engine. It was very much similar to the engine of BMW M1 and it had a valve train and head architecture as well.

Subsequent models were introduced in the later years. These models had additional features like increased compression. The engines had an average horse power of 215. The earlier versions had horsepower of 195. The Sport evolution model produced 238 hp. The cars were also manufactured for racing. The Evo I, Evo II and the Sport Evo which was also known as the Sport Evo had lesser weight, more power and excellent aerodynamics. However manufacturing of the original M3 (E30 coupe was stopped in 1991.


Racing Glories

The E30 M3, with its racing pedigree, is not to be outdone in the auto racing arena. Over the years significant victories have ensured its fame, with eleven titles (won between the years 1987 and 1991) in the most prestigious racing championships that include the European Touring Car Championship, the Italia Superturismo Championship, and the World Touring Car Championship. It has also snagged thirteen wins (between 1987 and 1993) in three different races—the Guia Race, the 24 Hours Nürburgring, and the Spa 24 Hours.

E36 M3

The E36 M3 made its debut in the Paris Auto Show in 1992. It was a repalcement for the original M3. After a gap of four years the M3 was upgraded to the all new 3.2 L, 321 hp engine. It also had a six transmission gearbox and powerful disc brakes. These models are different from those sold in America and hence they are called Euro models. The 3.2 Euro is also known by the name of Evo. The first E36 M3 model which was exported to the United States was in the year 1995. It had a 3.0 L engine which in turn had a horse power of 240.


In 1997 the Car and Driver magazine named the E36 M3 Best-Handling Car Ever, and the automotive industry bows to it as one of the better-handling cars of all time.

The E36 M3 had five special-edition models the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), the M3 CSL (M3 LTW), the M3 GT, the M3 GT-R, and the M3-R.

E46 M3

The E46 M3 was introduced to the world in 2001. It boasted of a new 3.2 L S54B32 engine, which at the time had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp in North America) and 365 N•m (262 ft•lbf) of torque. This engine produces more than 100 hp per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre)—a notable feat.

The M3 CSL and the M3 GTR V8 were the E46 M3’s special edition models. Video game fans might have seen a GTR as one of the theme cars in 2005’s Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and again on the new installment Need for Speed: Carbon. The racing version of the car also features in the 2006 GTR-FIA GT Racing Game 2.

E92 M3

This is a new model based on the E92 3-series coupe. It will debut at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show (Salon International de l’Auto), which opens on March 8 and closes on the 18th, at Palexpo, the giant convention center in Geneva, Switzerland. This latest M3 will be powered by a V8 engine instead of the inline-6 engine used in the past two generations. The engine is expected to produce more than 400 bhp.

Preliminary specifications indicate an approximate 426 bhp and a standard SMG transmission.