BMW M3 Evolution Between 1988 - 2011

 

1988 - 1991 E30 Coupe

Built for road racing In Europe. Some M3 models did not come to North America, for example this model. Still great car. Came with  a 192 horsepower, 2.3 liter 4 cylinders engine.

1995 - 1999 E36 Coupe

The North American version has 42 fewer horsepower (240), but less expensive and not really slower. This car started the M3 legacy as one of the 10 best favourite car. Came with  a 240 horsepower, 3.0 liter 6 cylinder (in-line) engine.

1997 - 1998 E36 Sedan

This was the first 4 door model after the M3 engines was changed to 3.2 liters in 1996. BMW made just 8444 car from this model. Came with  a 240 horsepower, 3.2 liter 6 cylinders (in-line) engine.

1998 - 1999 E36 Convertible

It was priced $6600 more then the E 36 Sedan. Heavier and less rigidity muted the razor sharp handling. The best thing was in this car the automatic roof. Came with  a 240 horsepower, 3.2 liter 6 cylinders (in-line) engine.

2001 - 2006 E46 Coupe

This is the first M3 in North America that came with the same European Engine. A little pricier but a great all around performer sport car. With automated manual clutch less transmission came from 2002. Came with  a 333 horsepower, 3.2 liter 6 cylinders (in-line) engine.

2002 - 2006 E46 Convertible

The heaviest BMW M3 until today. It is 180 kg heavier than  the E46 Coupe. Because the extra weight, it is  not that peppy then the Coupe, but still a lot of fun to drive. Celebrities' wife favourite car. Those ladies just love to show up with a car like this. So far this is the most expensive M3. This model's price starts at $56,000 US. Came with  a 333 horsepower, 3.2 liter 6 cylinders (in-line) engine.

2008 - M3 Coupe and Sedan

M3 received a complete redesign for 2008 and beyond. Based on the new 3-Series Coupe, the new M3 has a revamped interior, exterior, and mechanical underpinnings.

This M3 power plant is a 4.0 litters, 8 cylinder V8 engine. It also features tuned suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, a carbon fiber roof, and many exterior modifications typical of an "M" car. The M3's V8 power plant capable to deliver 420 horsepower. The maximum torque of 295 pound-feet at 3,900 rpm. The red line is at 8,400 rpm. The engine is the lightest V8 in the world, weighing less than the previous M3's inline-six.

The roof made from carbon fiber to cut the unnecessary weight, and lowers the car's center of gravity. It also lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height.

The late model BMW- M3 (E90/92 ) with the S65 (M-V8) engine comes standard with 18" or 19" wheels depending on the packages within the car.

Price starts at (Canadian currency) $69,900 for the Sedan, at $71,300 for the Coupe and at $81,900 for the Cabriolet.

2011 - Light Weight M3 Concept

Light weight BMW

Visit our Photo Album for more 2011 - Light Weight BMW M3 Concept car Photos

The German automaker showed the M3 Concept at a special M Division event in Munich, Germany on April 1-th 2011. It is not an April first joke like the same day introduced BMW M3 pick up truck.

The main idea behind this concept is lightweight.  The car is stripped out, but unfortunately BMW did not give out any details on what the car's weight is or other specifics.

However they did say that the car will have a limited production run, and will include more then one surprises.

This lightweight version of the M3 sedan is built with parts from the M3 GTS. The M3 Concept is positioned in between the M3 and M3 GTS.

The darkened 19 inch wheels, the front splitter and the bigger front and rear brakes are taken from the M3 GTS.

The black kidney grilles gives the car are more aggressive look.

Unfortunately, because  the dark tinted windows and lack of information nothing is known about the interior.

Details are still top secret at this moment. Also it is unknown whether the light weight M3 runs the standard 4.0 liter V8 or the enlarged 4.4 from the GTS.

Power output should remain close to the standard 426 horsepower of the M3. The brakes, suspension and exhaust will be enhanced for maximum performance, resulting in a more sporty character than the regular M3.

This car won't be as hard or as focused as the M3 GTS. The BMW M3 Light Weight Concept is planned to make its official debut at the M3 Festival at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race later in June of 2011.

Read more about the latest BMW and BMW related news in our BMW Repair Blog