5 Icon Modernday - BMW M3 history
The BMW M3 is a sport sedan version of the BMW 3-Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. The DTM races made the M3 legendary. The rivalry between the M3 EVOand the 190E Evo was a marketing boost !
BMW M3 history
M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, and F30 3-series, and sold with coupe, saloon and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight components, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour "M" (Motorsport) emblem.
The last M3 coupe was produced in Germany on 5 July 2013, replaced by the F82/F83 M4 Coupe and convertible starting with the 2015 model year,but the M3 name will remain in use for the saloon version.
The BMW M3 remains the only car ever to have earned more titles than the venerable Porsche 911 in motorsport, and also is the most successful touring, and grand touring car ever to have participated in racing.
Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the E30 M3 used the BMW S14 engine.
In contrast to later M3 iterations, the E30 M3 was campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzer in many forms of motorsport, including rallying and racing. The latter included campaigns in the World Touring Car Championship, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, British Touring Car Championship, Italian Touring Car Championship, French Touring Car Championship and the Australian Touring Car Championship. The production of the E30 road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. It was to compete with various models including the "2.3-16V" variant of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E that was introduced in 1983.
In full race trim, the naturally aspirated 2.3 L S14 engine produced approximately 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS). With the introduction of the 2.5 L evolution engine into racing in 1990, bmw m3 horsepower increased to approximately 380 hp (283 kW; 385 PS).
The E30 M3 road car
The road car engine produced 195 PS (143 kW) with a catalytic converter and 215 PS (158 kW) without a catalytic converter for the later version.
The "Evolution" model (also called "EVO2") produced up to 220 PS (160 kW). Other Evolution model changes included larger wheels (16 X 7.5 inches), thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter bootlid, a deeper front splitter and additional rear spoiler. It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies; no saloon option was available.
Later the "Sport Evolution" model production run of 600 (sometimes referred as "EVO3") increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 PS (175 kW). Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing. Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights. An additional 786 convertibles were also produced.
Second Gen - E36- The E36 M3 debuted in February 1992 and was in the dealer's showrooms in November that year. It was the first M3 powered by a straight-six engine; the engine used was a 2,990 cc (182 cu in) S50, which produced 210 kW (282 hp).
Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible and saloon versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998 prompted the introduction of the 4-door Motorsport model.
Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an upgraded 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) 3.0-litre engine. 356 GTs were built.
In September and November 1995, the M3 coupe and saloon, respectively, were upgraded to the 239.4 kilowatts (321.0 hp) 3.2 litre S50B32 engine. At the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The convertible did not receive these changes until February 1996.
The majority of E36 M3s were produced at the Regensburg factory; however, a small number of low compression right hand drive M3s were assembled at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa. In total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 convertibles and 12,603 saloons were produced. The saloon ceased production in December 1997, the coupé ceased production in late 1998, and the convertible ceased production in December 1999.
There were six special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 Lightweight, M3 GT, M3 GT-R , M3-R, and the Imola Individual (often referred to as the GT2) – the last of the E36s.
There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for Australia. This was the final year of production for the E36.
Third Gen - E46 - bmw e46 m3 specs , first introduced in October 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies as the saloon version had been dropped.
The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II). This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch (no clutch pedal). Shifts are made via the SMG gear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine had a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies and this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable).
In the U.S., the E46 M3 came with similar engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36, whose engine was derived from the M50/52 series engine. Power was now at 333 bhp (248 kW; 338 PS) due to close-coupled catalytic converters closer to the engine exhaust ports. In 2009, Road and Track magazine announced the 2006 bmw smg M3 with the SMG transmission as its favourite sports car of all time.
E46 performance[edit]
The M3s S54 naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six engine produces 343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp).
EU Models
343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp) @ 7900 rpm
Torque: 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) @ 4900 rpm
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) — 5.1 s for manual and SMG
M3 GTR
An E46 GTR came to life in February 2001, powered by the P60B40 a 3,997 cc V8 producing 493 hp (368 kW; 500 PS). Unlike the straight-six powered M3 versions, which were outpaced by the Porsche 996 GT3, the racing version of the E46 M3 GTR 16, entered by Schnitzer Motorsport, was very successful in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with BMW factory driver Jörg Müller securing the 2001 GT title .
M3 CSL
A silver-grey BMW M3 CSL.
The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The CSL was never released into the North American market, and was only available in two colours – Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.
E90/92/93 M3
The fourth generation BMW M3 was announced on the 2007 Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland, 6–18 March 2007) with the BMW M3 concept.
As was the case with the E46 M3 Concept and E60 M5 Concept, the M3 Concept had almost nothing of the looks of the production version, that had its world premiere on the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show IAA (Germany, 12 to 23 September).
It was originally set to be called M4 along with 3 Series coupes and convertibles that were to become the 4 Series, but due to the interest in retaining the M3 line, as well as the plan for a separate 4 series line, this change was scrapped.
BMW M3 (E92) coupe (France)
Similar to the previous M3 generations that introduced a new engine, the fourth generation M3 did the same: the BMW S65 V8 engine. The engine produces 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) at 8300 rpm, with peak torque of 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) at 3900 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As of April 2008, BMW offers a new seven speed Getrag double-clutch gearbox, called M-DKG (Doppel-Kupplungs-Getriebe) or M-DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) as an option, which reduces shift pauses to less than a tenth of a second and shortens the car's 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time by 0.2 seconds vs. manual. It features both automatic and manual modes similar to the SMG gearboxes in the E36 and E46, but with more speed and efficiency.
The E92 M3 coupe inherited a carbon-fibre roof similar to the one used on the E46 CSL. For 2011, the E92 M3 received a model refresh commonly referred to as a LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) by BMW. Those changes included minor interior trim pieces and LED rear tail-lights. Recent testing by Car and Driver magazine has shown that the 2011 M3 equipped with an M-DCT transmission accelerated from 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds and went on to record a 12.4 second quarter mile time. This is almost half a second quicker than 2008–2013 bmw m3 sedan models with the same engine and transmission.
F80 M3
BMW produced the F80 M3 starting at the 2014 model year (2015 for USA), introducing it as only a saloon following the company's plans to split off the BMW 4 Series coupe/convertible from the BMW 3 Series.Unlike its E90 M3 saloon predecessor, but similar to that generation's E92 coupe, the F80 M3 features a carbon fibre 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.
BMW M3 history
M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, and F30 3-series, and sold with coupe, saloon and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight components, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour "M" (Motorsport) emblem.
The last M3 coupe was produced in Germany on 5 July 2013, replaced by the F82/F83 M4 Coupe and convertible starting with the 2015 model year,but the M3 name will remain in use for the saloon version.
The BMW M3 remains the only car ever to have earned more titles than the venerable Porsche 911 in motorsport, and also is the most successful touring, and grand touring car ever to have participated in racing.
The E30
Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the E30 M3 used the BMW S14 engine.
In contrast to later M3 iterations, the E30 M3 was campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzer in many forms of motorsport, including rallying and racing. The latter included campaigns in the World Touring Car Championship, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, British Touring Car Championship, Italian Touring Car Championship, French Touring Car Championship and the Australian Touring Car Championship. The production of the E30 road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. It was to compete with various models including the "2.3-16V" variant of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E that was introduced in 1983.
In full race trim, the naturally aspirated 2.3 L S14 engine produced approximately 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS). With the introduction of the 2.5 L evolution engine into racing in 1990, bmw m3 horsepower increased to approximately 380 hp (283 kW; 385 PS).
The E30 M3 road car
The road car engine produced 195 PS (143 kW) with a catalytic converter and 215 PS (158 kW) without a catalytic converter for the later version.
The "Evolution" model (also called "EVO2") produced up to 220 PS (160 kW). Other Evolution model changes included larger wheels (16 X 7.5 inches), thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter bootlid, a deeper front splitter and additional rear spoiler. It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies; no saloon option was available.
Later the "Sport Evolution" model production run of 600 (sometimes referred as "EVO3") increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 PS (175 kW). Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing. Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights. An additional 786 convertibles were also produced.
Second Gen - E36- The E36 M3 debuted in February 1992 and was in the dealer's showrooms in November that year. It was the first M3 powered by a straight-six engine; the engine used was a 2,990 cc (182 cu in) S50, which produced 210 kW (282 hp).
Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible and saloon versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998 prompted the introduction of the 4-door Motorsport model.
Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an upgraded 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) 3.0-litre engine. 356 GTs were built.
In September and November 1995, the M3 coupe and saloon, respectively, were upgraded to the 239.4 kilowatts (321.0 hp) 3.2 litre S50B32 engine. At the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The convertible did not receive these changes until February 1996.
The majority of E36 M3s were produced at the Regensburg factory; however, a small number of low compression right hand drive M3s were assembled at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa. In total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 convertibles and 12,603 saloons were produced. The saloon ceased production in December 1997, the coupé ceased production in late 1998, and the convertible ceased production in December 1999.
There were six special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 Lightweight, M3 GT, M3 GT-R , M3-R, and the Imola Individual (often referred to as the GT2) – the last of the E36s.
There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for Australia. This was the final year of production for the E36.
Third Gen - E46 - bmw e46 m3 specs , first introduced in October 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies as the saloon version had been dropped.
The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II). This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch (no clutch pedal). Shifts are made via the SMG gear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine had a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies and this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable).
In the U.S., the E46 M3 came with similar engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36, whose engine was derived from the M50/52 series engine. Power was now at 333 bhp (248 kW; 338 PS) due to close-coupled catalytic converters closer to the engine exhaust ports. In 2009, Road and Track magazine announced the 2006 bmw smg M3 with the SMG transmission as its favourite sports car of all time.
E46 performance[edit]
The M3s S54 naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six engine produces 343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp).
EU Models
343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp) @ 7900 rpm
Torque: 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) @ 4900 rpm
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) — 5.1 s for manual and SMG
M3 GTR
An E46 GTR came to life in February 2001, powered by the P60B40 a 3,997 cc V8 producing 493 hp (368 kW; 500 PS). Unlike the straight-six powered M3 versions, which were outpaced by the Porsche 996 GT3, the racing version of the E46 M3 GTR 16, entered by Schnitzer Motorsport, was very successful in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with BMW factory driver Jörg Müller securing the 2001 GT title .
M3 CSL
A silver-grey BMW M3 CSL.
The BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The CSL was never released into the North American market, and was only available in two colours – Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.
E90/92/93 M3
The fourth generation BMW M3 was announced on the 2007 Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland, 6–18 March 2007) with the BMW M3 concept.
As was the case with the E46 M3 Concept and E60 M5 Concept, the M3 Concept had almost nothing of the looks of the production version, that had its world premiere on the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show IAA (Germany, 12 to 23 September).
It was originally set to be called M4 along with 3 Series coupes and convertibles that were to become the 4 Series, but due to the interest in retaining the M3 line, as well as the plan for a separate 4 series line, this change was scrapped.
BMW M3 (E92) coupe (France)
Similar to the previous M3 generations that introduced a new engine, the fourth generation M3 did the same: the BMW S65 V8 engine. The engine produces 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) at 8300 rpm, with peak torque of 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) at 3900 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As of April 2008, BMW offers a new seven speed Getrag double-clutch gearbox, called M-DKG (Doppel-Kupplungs-Getriebe) or M-DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) as an option, which reduces shift pauses to less than a tenth of a second and shortens the car's 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time by 0.2 seconds vs. manual. It features both automatic and manual modes similar to the SMG gearboxes in the E36 and E46, but with more speed and efficiency.
The E92 M3 coupe inherited a carbon-fibre roof similar to the one used on the E46 CSL. For 2011, the E92 M3 received a model refresh commonly referred to as a LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) by BMW. Those changes included minor interior trim pieces and LED rear tail-lights. Recent testing by Car and Driver magazine has shown that the 2011 M3 equipped with an M-DCT transmission accelerated from 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds and went on to record a 12.4 second quarter mile time. This is almost half a second quicker than 2008–2013 bmw m3 sedan models with the same engine and transmission.
F80 M3
BMW produced the F80 M3 starting at the 2014 model year (2015 for USA), introducing it as only a saloon following the company's plans to split off the BMW 4 Series coupe/convertible from the BMW 3 Series.Unlike its E90 M3 saloon predecessor, but similar to that generation's E92 coupe, the F80 M3 features a carbon fibre 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.
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