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BMW-M3 Sedan Competition-2021-1024-07
BMW M3
BMW
aka F80 M3
Production 1986-Present
Class Compact Luxury Sports Sedan
Body Style 4-door (F80) saloon
Length 4,671 mm (183.9 in)
Width 1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase 2,812 mm (110.7 in)
Weight 1,595 kg (3,516 lb)
Transmission 6-speed manual, RWD
7-speed M DSG, RWD
Engine 3.0 L S55 I6 Twin Turbo
Power 420 hp @ 8300 rpm
295 lb-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm

GTS
450 hp @ N/A rpm
324 lb-ft. of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Audi RS4
Designer Florian Nissl

The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular BMW 3 Series automobile. The first M3 was introduced in 1986 with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 inline-4 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMW's M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder

Recent Changes

  • On November 4, 2009, BMW announced the successor to the E46 M3 CSL in the form of the track-focused M3 GTS. Painted in a bright orange paint recalling hardcore BMWs of yore and carrying a €115,000 (US $170,000) entry fee, this limited edition super M3 goes on an extreme crash diet, lopping off 419 LB by way of removing the air conditioning, navigation and radio systems as well as the rear seats. They've also replaced the power-adjustable front thrones with lightweight body-hugging bucket seats and changed the rear window from glass to Macrolon. At the same time, BMW threw out the standard 4.0 liter V8 and shoehorned a 4.4 liter mill producing 450 hp sent to the hind wheels via BMW's 7-speed M dual clutch gearbox. Underneath, they've also given the car a special threaded suspension (adjustable in compression and rebound), better brakes and a titanium rear silencer. The car goes on sale in May 2010 in Germany first, with international orders being available in Summer 2010. [1]
  • On January 15, 2008, BMW unveiled official images of the M3 Cabriolet in the wake of a premature leak earlier in the week. The new droptop will feature the 4.0 liter V8 found in both sedan and coupe, producing 309 kW/420 hp and 400Nm/295 LB-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm at a maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm matched to a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission dubbed the M DKG. It will also be an important model as it will be the first M3 convertible to be factory-fitted with a retractable hardtop. The car will officially debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March.[2]
  • The upcoming M3 will feature a V8 underneath the hood. Even though this isn't the first M3 to have a V8 under the hood, the 2008 M3 will be the first production M3 to feature a V8. A convertible version should be expected around the spring of 2008. Contrary to the fact that last generation a four-door version was absent from the group, for the fourth generation, BMW is bringing back the sedan variation of the M3, along with for the first time, an M3 Wagon which probably will not reach the United States.
  • On Oct. 06, 2007, BMW fully unveiled the BMW M3 sedan on the internet.[3]

Styles and Major Options

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing

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MODEL Trims
Coupe Convertible Sedan GTS
MSRP
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 €115,000 (US $170,000)
Invoice
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Coupe Convertible Trim3 Trim4
MPG
14/20 13/19 c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission

BMW-335i-DKG-2

BMW's Dual Clutch 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox

  • 4 litre DOHC V8, 32-valve
  • 414 bhp @ 8400 rpm
    295 lb-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
  • 6-speed manual & 7-speed M-DCT
  • Top Speed: Top Speed: 161 mph (260 km/h) indicated/155 mph (250 km/h) actual (electronically limited, once delimited a true 200 mph is possible)
  • 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds for the BMW E92 M3 coupe and 4.8 seconds for the sedan.


Performance

By the graft on the right, you can see the lines of the torque and power counts were very smooth. The M3 was notably smooth under accelatring.

M3datas


Reliability

  • RECALL ALERT: On Nov 20, 2008, BMW issued a recall affecting all 2008 or 2009 M3s equipped with BMW's DCT Dual Clutch Transmission system due to a software malfunction occurring under hard braking which initiate a multi-stage downshift and causing the car to stall. Owners are urged to visit their local dealer which will replace the defective system under BMW's personal tab. [4][5]

Safety

Photos

2022 M3 Sedan

2023 M3 Touring

M3 50 Jarhe


2016 M3 sedan

M3 CS

2011 M3 Coupe

M3 Coupe

M3 Cabriolet

M3 Sedan

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Colors

  • Frozen Black (new for 2011)

Main Competitors

Hybrid Models

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Unique Attributes

BMW M3

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Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

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<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms

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Generations

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G80/G81 generation (2020–present)

The full M version of the G20 3 Series, powered by the BMW S58 turbocharged straight-six engine that debuted in the G01 X3 M. All-wheel drive (xDrive) has been announced as being optional on the new M3, which would represent the first time that an M3 has used a drivetrain layout other than rear-wheel drive. A manual gearbox will be available only with rear wheel drive. It will also be available as a Touring (estate) model, marking the first time BMW has offered an M3 Touring. The BMW M3 G80 is on sale as a 2021 model, with the initial prototypes tested at the Nürburgring alongside the BMW M4 G82. It was officially unveiled on 23 September 2020 alongside the new M4.

F80 generation (2014–2019)

BMW produced the F80  M3 for the 2014 model year (2015 for USA), introducing it as only a saloon following the company's plans to split off theBMW 4 Series coupe/convertible from the BMW 3 Series. Unlike its E90 M3 sedan predecessor, but similar to that generation's E92 coupe, the F80 M3 features a carbon fiber roof. The F80 M3, as well as its coupe counterpart the M4, were revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. The performance of the car has improved from the previous generation. BMW claims that the car can do 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual gearbox and 3.9 seconds with the optional DCT gearbox. The M3 and M4 will run the standing kilometer in 22.20 seconds. This is a comparable time to the 2006 Corvette Z06, which took 22.24s to accomplish the same. Top speed will be limited to 155 mph (249 km/h) but an optional M Driver's package will raise this to 174 mph (280 km/h). The new engine will generate up to 425 hp between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm and up to 406 LB-ft (550 N-m) of torque between 1,850 and 5,500 rpm. This fifth generation M3 platform structure will be made of steel, and the bonnet and doors from aluminum.

The official 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration times are 3.9 seconds with the M-DCT transmission and 4.1 seconds with the manual transmission.[138] Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) but an optional M Driver's package raises this to 280 km/h (174 mph). The kerb weight is 1,621 kg (3,574 LB).

In 2016, a Competition Package became available for the M3 and M4. Changes included an increase in power to 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp), revised tuning of the electronic differential and the electronic stability control ("DSC"), suspension upgrades and new front seats.[140][141] The official 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time was 4.0 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission.

M3 CS

An "M3 CS" special edition was produced in 2018 with an upgraded engine rated at 339 kW (454 hp) and 601 N-m (443 LB-ft). The weight was reduced by 50 kg (110 LB) through use of a carbon fiber front splitter, Alcantara interior parts and thinner glass for the side windows.

Fourth Generation: (2008–2013)

The new fourth generation of the BMW M3 will feature many exciting changes. The new M3 will set a milestone, carrying the first ever V8 found inside a production M3. The only similarities between the M3 and 3-series coupe are the headlights, tail-lights, doors and the trunk-lid. That means that nearly every body panel has been altered to differentiate the M3 from the ordinary coupe. Expect the new M3 to shift from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 175 MPH. A convertible version should be expected around the spring of 2008. Contrary to the fact that last generation a four-door version was absent from the group, for the fourth generation, BMW is bringing back the sedan variation of the M3, along with for the first time, an M3 Wagon which probably will not reach the United States.

Initially, the M3 was produced with a 6-speed manual transmission. In April 2008, the E90/E92/E93 M3 became the first BMW to be available with a dual-clutch transmission when the 7-speed Getrag "M-DCT" transmission was introduced as an option.

The official 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration times for the coupé and sedan are 4.6 seconds with the DCT transmission (4.8 seconds with the manual transmission)[97] and 5.1 seconds for the convertible.

The E90 and E92 versions received many positive reviews, including "the greatest all-around car in the world", "the finest car on the market, period" and "the best, most complete car in the world".

Third generation (2001–2007)

BMW E46 M3

The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N-m (262 ft-lbf) of torque. The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were striking, colored Laguna Seca Blue. The available SMG Drivelogic (also known as SMG II) transmission, a Formula 1-style electrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. The model also came with a new 6-speed transmission and red-line RPM of 8000, a first for any BMW. The engine also consisted of 6 independent throttle bodies and electronically driven throttles (without a cable). The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per liter (340 bhp/3.2 liter), a notable feat.

The available transmissions were a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission or a SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission, which was based on the Getrag 420G.[62] The SMG-II used an electrohydraulically actuated clutch, and gear shifts could be selected via the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SMG-II was praised for its fast shift times and racetrack performance, but some people found its shifts to be delayed and lurching in stop-start traffic.

Total production of the E46 M3 was 56,133 coupés and 29,633 convertibles. The cars were assembled at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany, and production was from September 2000 until August 2006, for a total of 85,766 cars.

An M3 Touring station wagon prototype was built to evaluate the feasibility of building an M3 model on the existing platform of the E46 station wagon (especially the integration of the M3's wider rear wheel arches onto the wagon body). The prototype did not reach production.

E46 M3 CSL

BMW made a limited run (fewer than 1,400 units) of the M3 CSL (E46) machines between June and December 2003. The CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) received an aggressive weight reduction campaign, more power (up to 360 hp), and sharper handling characteristics than the standard M3, courtesy of larger anti-roll bars, stiffer spring rates, and semi-slick racing compound tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cups). From the exterior, the CSL is distinguished from its standard sibling with a different wheel design, larger integrated rear spoiler and a large air intake hole on the left side of the front bumper. Weight loss was achieved through use of a carbon-fiber roof, trunk lid made of sheet molding compound, lighter exhaust system, thinner rear glass, carbon fiber front bumper, rear diffuser, interior door panels and console, lightweight racing seats, removed sound insulation, cardboard trunk lid and the removal of side air bags. The M3 CSL's engine differs from the M3 with different camshafts, valves, carbon-fiber intake manifold and alpha-N engine management. Several other features available in a regular M3 as standard such as air conditioning and radio were also deleted, although these options could be added at the request of the owner. SMG II was made standard, with different software from the standard M3. The CSL features a unique system called M track mode which allows the driver to use all the car's longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to the physical limit, for example on the race track.

Owing to the small production run and the complications and expense of clearing DOT and EPA standards for the North American market, BMW never exported the CSL to the United States, although the steering rack, brake kit, and the track tuned traction control unit were later made available on the regular M3 as part of the North American-only Competition Package (ZCP).

The CSL holds the BMW M3 Nürburgring record of 7 min and 50 s, and a Top Gear test track time of 1 min 28 s (wet + oil).

GTR road car

In order to homologate the M3 GTR for racing, a road version was produced in 2001. BMW claimed to offer 10 cars for sale to the general public, at the very high price of €250,000, but only 6 cars were produced, of which 3 were development prototypes. The road cars were built alongside the GTR race cars in the special vehicles department of BMW's Regensburg Plant.

As with the race car, the GTR road car was powered by the 4.0-litre P60 V8 engine. The engine retained the race cars' dry sump oil system and was slightly detuned from 331 to 285 kW (444 to 382 hp) at 7,000 rpm. Top speed was 295 km/h (183 mph). The transmission was a six-speed manual and the differential was the same variable locking unit as used in the race car.

The 2005 video game Need for Speed: Most Wanted featured the M3 GTR on the game's cover art as the protagonist's car in a custom blue-and-silver livery. Road & Track, who collaborated on the first Need for Speed video game, described the game's custom M3 GTR as being "so iconic that fans still recreate the livery in real life." Once searched about the M3 GTR, nearly 85% of the results will relate the car to Need for Speed: Most Wanted.

Second generation (1996–1999)

BMW E36 M3

The replacement for the original M3 first appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo". The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N-m (225 ft-lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasoning behind the less powerful motor was largely due to both the projected excessive costs in producing the original engine for the U.S. market and the possible difficulty in getting the European engine to pass more strict U.S. emission laws. An M3 that was sold in the United States in 1995 was one of 2953 '94 models shipped from Europe. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 240 bhp at 6000rpm and 225 pounds-foot of torque at 4250. BMW also produced somewhere between 120 and 125 M3 Lightweights (only 85 made it to the US), often called the CSL (for compact sports light). These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used on the street or on the track. It was about 200 to 300 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as air conditioning, leather seats, and the sunroof. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N-m (236 ft-lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.

First Generation/Origins (1986-1991)

BMW E30 M3

Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 inline-4 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer Motorsport. The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMWs Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible. The M3 E30 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panel the standard model and the M3 shared was the hood. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series. To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement; therefore, improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo I, Evo II and Sport Evo (Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evo; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.

Worldwide

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Design quirks and oddities

  • A heavily-tuned E46 BMW GTR was featured in the computer game Need For Speed Most Wanted, as the player's first car.
  • The BMW M3 topped the sports car category as the most secure according to the 2003 RACV Vehicle Security Rating with the score of 106 points out of 120.
  • According to the Herald Sun, a 2003 BMW M3 CSL Coupe is regarded as a modern collectable. The car, priced at $210,000 AUD when new can be had for $75,300 to $83,000 AUD.


Awards

1991 - 2012: Car and Driver Ten Best Award. 2002 RACV Australia's Best Sports Car Over $57,000

2006 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Sports Car

See also

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Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at BMW M3. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


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