History of the M3

Distinctive excellence starts here….

(Enter a 30-year journey)

When it comes to the BMW M3, its reputation says it all. Rooted in innovation and refinement, this iconic model is sophistication personified and remains one of the most sought-after performance vehicles in its class. It has undergone three decades and five generations of utter transformation, and the results are truly amazing….

A look back….
It was Paul Rosche, BMW’s former managing director, who came up with the idea of the BMW M3. The year was 1985 in Munich, Germany, the headquarter of BMW Motorsport GmbH and that idea quickly resulted in the production of the vehicle, with just over 17,900 units completed and sold.

But that was just the start.
Following that initial production, which represented the very first generation of the BMW M3, combined production units grew to over 222,000, accounting for the second, third and fourth generations since 1992. A sports car legend is an understatement. This car symbolized excellence, refinement and truly embodies ultimate driving experience.

Today, the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupe are on target to extend this tradition into a fifth generation. Without a doubt, the M3 has one of the most loyal followings in the automotive world.

The initial model was made available in a coupe body style, with a convertible body style added soon after. Since 2014, the M3 has been solely produced in the sedan body style, due to the fact that the coupe and convertible models became rebounded as the 4 Series range.

Over the years, the M3 has had a number of upgrades, each one better than the next. Those include refined engines, handling, brakes, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and various interior upgrades. Special edition colors throughout the years also were highlights. Despite all these enhancements and changes, though, the M3’s combination of performance and every day usability has remained a constant.

Through the generations….

First Generation: BMW M3 E30
Making its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985, the M3 E30 was special for a variety of reasons. It was initially built for track purposes only, with 200 HP rear-wheel drive capabilities. In order to comply with the touring car competition Group A Sporting regulations, a total of 5,000 units of the street-legal version required for homologation had to be built for sale each year.

Rooted in innovation and refinement, this iconic model is sophistication personified and remains one of the most sought-after performance vehicles in its class.

It was in the spring of 1986 that the European street version of the first-generation BMW M3 E30 began being produced. It became a racing sensation very quickly, rivaling its competitions as well as earning several Touring Car Championships in Europe.

As it continued to gain worldwide recognition, the North American version production of the BMW M3 E30 took place in 1987, with its official release announced a year later. By the end of the production of the first generation in 1991, a total of 17,970 units of the road-going Coupe were sold worldwide.

This model was presented with a 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The M3 E30 Coupe had a total of 11 production versions with mechanical and cosmetic variations.

Second generation: BMW M3 E36 3.0 and 3.2
Similar to the first generation, the second generation was presented with distinctive cosmetic and power upgrades from its 3 Series engineered designs. Different however from its predecessor, the M3 E36 was built specifically for the every day road, with a production model in three body types. Those include the 2-door coupe and convertible in 1992 as well as the 4-door sedan in 1994. This represented the very first time that the M3 model brought on a 4-door sedan.

This generation evolved, beginning at the 1992 Paris Motor Show where the M3 E36 3.0 Coupe was presented with a brand-new engine — the S50 B30. This offered individual throttle bodies and a Variable Valve Timing System. The response to this model in the United States was overwhelming to say the least.

It was in 1994 that the Coupe in U.S. specs made its American public debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. That same year, the sedan and convertible versions were produced and made available only in Europe.

In 1995, BMW Motorsports fitted the newer models of E36 with a higher performance engine — a 3.2 liter S50 B32 to be exact — and presented this at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production in Europe began the following year.

This car symbolized excellence, refinement and truly embodies ultimate driving experience.

It was in 1996 at the New York International Auto Show that the new U.S. Model of the M3 E36 3.2 was announced and this featured a specialized S52 engine and electrical traction control system. The following year, the M3 reached a new level by becoming the world’s first volume-produced car to introduce Sequential M Gearbox as optional equipment.

The BMW M3 E36 3.0 had a total of eight production versions, three of which were standard production that included the European sedan and convertible models. The remaining three were limited editions made for the European and U.S. markets. The 3.2, however, did not have any official variations in special production versions.

Third generation: BMW M3 E46
It was in 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the new high-performance concept BMW M3 E46 made an entrance. This model boasted significant improvements, including a number of aesthetic and functionality modifications including interior trims, an updated navigation system, First Innovative adaptive LED taillights and the list goes on. Most distinctive, however, was considered the upgrade linked to the M3 performance characteristics which was the signature bulging power dome on the hood of the car.

Other notable additions to the E46 include a Second Generation Sequential Manual Gearbox, providing 11 changeable options in gear shift among other upgrades; the Special Edition Dynamic Stability Control, which electronically controls the suspension of the car, and the M Differential Lock, which further controls the car’s stability as well as provides superior traction.

Eight official production versions of the E46 were accounted for, as well as limited editions.

It has undergone three decades and five generations of utter transformation, and the results are truly amazing….

Fourth Generation: BMW M3 E90/E92/E93
This generation was chock full of upgrades resulting in a better, faster and more efficient vehicle. This was made clear in an aggressively customized V-8 engine and 414 horsepower. The transformation also featured a total rework of the exterior body style as well as a restyling of the interior.

The concept model of this new design was revealed in the spring of 2007 at the Geneva International Motor Show. Six months later, the official production version was presented at the Frankfurt international  Motor Show.

With this latest M3 lineup came new paint colors, manually adjustable front seats with heat options, a new LED taillight design featuring luminous strips, and more.

Five notable innovations of this generation include: the first of the BMW M Double Clutch Transmission, resulting in smooth power flow; Power-Upgraded to the 90-degree V8 engine, which made for a more powerful and lighter engine; the introduction of the “A” Automatic Engine Start/Stop Function, which lowered fuel consumption; the addition of the POWER button; and an Optional ZCP Competition Package.

Special limited editions of these models were also presented.

The F80 Generation
With the M3 badge remaining only on the saloon, the F80/F82 also dropped quite a bit of weight. it was presented from 2014-2018 with a straight six-engine and is a considered a torque-filled monster. Powerful and complete with a Competition Pack, this model also boasted a new exhaust, plus revised tuning, suspension upgrades and new front seats.

Special editions were brought forth, including an M3 CS with upgraded engine, and a Motorsport, before ceasing production in 2018.

The future….
What’s next for the amazing M3? BMW has announced that the new M3, codenamed G80, is set to begin being sold in 2021 and will debut with a S58 turbocharged straight-six engine. All-Wheel-Drive will be optional on the new M3 and a manual gearbox will be available only with rear-wheel-drive. It will also be available as a wagon.

Three decades and five gestations of pure refinement are made clear in the BMW M3. Sophisticated, stylish and with a reputation like no other, distinctive excellence starts here! Watch the video below (supplied by Carwow) and see how they compare!