BMW M3 - Directory w/ AI Reviews
High-performance sports sedan
The BMW M3 is the benchmark sports sedan. Since 1986, the M3 has defined what a high-performance four-door should be - offering race-car-derived engineering in a practical daily driver package.
History
The original E30 M3 was born from Group A touring car homologation requirements. Its high-revving 2.3-liter four-cylinder produced 195 hp and the car won numerous racing championships. The E36 M3 (1992) moved to a smooth inline-six. The E46 M3 (2000) is considered by many to be the perfect balance. The E90/E92 (2007) introduced the screaming V8. The F80 (2014) returned to an inline-six, now turbocharged. The current G80 (2021) continues with a twin-turbo inline-six making 473 hp (503 in Competition).
Key Features
The M3 features BMW's S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, and available xDrive all-wheel drive. Carbon-fiber bucket seats, M-specific suspension tuning, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential provide track-ready capability. The car can switch between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes to suit any driving situation.
Notable Versions
The E30 M3 is one of the most collectible sports cars of the 1980s. The E46 M3 CSL is considered the ultimate modern M car. The E92 M3 GTS pushed the V8 era to its extreme. The M3 CS variants offer track-focused enhancements. The Competition xDrive variant adds all-wheel-drive traction.
Fun Facts
The original M3 was homologated for touring car racing and won the DTM championship. The E46 M3 CSL stands for "Coupe Sport Lightweight" and used carbon fiber extensively. Every generation of M3 has been faster around the Nurburgring than the last. The M3's inline-six engines are hand-assembled at BMW's Dingolfing plant.
2025 BMW M3 Competition xDrive