BMW is celebrating four decades of the M3, the compact performance car that has become the defining model of its M division. Across six generations, the M3 has gone from a 200 hp four-cylinder homologation special to a 3.4-second all-wheel-drive sedan and estate. BMW has marked the milestone by revisiting the car’s road and racing history.

The M3 was not BMW M GmbH’s first car. That title belongs to the mid-engined M1, which was built in small numbers. But according to BMW, the M3 is the model that has defined what an M car stands for among enthusiasts for the past 40 years. The recipe of agility, a strong driving experience and distinctive styling has been backed by a long run of motorsport success.

A four-cylinder start in 1985

The first M3 was officially unveiled at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt am Main in 1985. The two-door used a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder, producing 147 kW (200 hp). It weighed 1,200 kg (2,646 lb). BMW quotes 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). A soft-top version followed later.

The original car made its name on the race track. It won races around the world, including in the German DTM (then the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft), the World Touring Car Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Six cylinders and more body styles

The second generation arrived in 1992 and took a more mature approach. It was the first M3 with a six-cylinder engine. The coupé and convertible were soon joined by a four-door sedan. From 1996, buyers could order the Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) as an option.

The third-generation M3 followed in 2000. It had a power dome on the bonnet, flared wheel arches and a dual-branch exhaust, and a 3.2-litre straight six producing 252 kW (343 hp). The limited M3 CSL added more power and less weight. With 265 kW (360 hp), it reached 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. In racing, the M3 GTR won numerous races in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and took two overall wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

The V8 era and a DTM comeback

The fourth-generation M3 of 2007 is still the only one with a naturally aspirated V8. The high-revving 4.0-litre engine produced 309 kW (420 hp) and took the M3 Coupé from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.8 seconds.

In 2012, BMW returned to the DTM, now called the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, after 20 years away. It raced the M3 DTM and won all three titles in its first season back. Bruno Spengler took the drivers’ crown, BMW Team Schnitzer won the teams’ championship and BMW won the manufacturers’ title.

Turbocharging and a sedan-only line-up

The fifth generation arrived in 2014. Only the four-door sedan carried the M3 name from then on. The V8 was replaced by a newly developed high-revving straight six with M TwinPower Turbo technology. BMW says this engine produced more power and torque than the V8, with fuel consumption and emissions 25 per cent lower. The M3 Sedan with Competition Package produced 331 kW (450 hp) and cut the 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time to 4.0 seconds.

All-wheel drive and the first Touring

The current sixth-generation M3 was launched in 2020 and keeps the straight six. M xDrive all-wheel drive became available on the M3 in 2021. In 2022, BMW added the M3 Touring, an estate version fans had wanted for years. The limited-production M3 CS is the fastest series-production M3 so far. BMW quotes 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.4 seconds for the sedan and an electronically limited top speed of 302 km/h (188 mph).

What it means

For four decades, the M3 has been the reference point in the compact performance class, with Mercedes-AMG and Audi as its long-standing rivals. Its history shows the wider shifts in the segment: from a lightweight four-cylinder to large naturally aspirated engines, then to turbocharging and all-wheel drive. Along the way, the line-up has grown to include estate and four-door versions alongside the classic two-door.

Facts: BMW M3 by generation

  • 1st generation (1985): 2.3-litre four-cylinder, 147 kW (200 hp), 1,200 kg, 0–100 km/h in 6.7 s, 235 km/h (146 mph)
  • 2nd generation (1992): first six-cylinder M3; sedan added; SMG optional from 1996
  • 3rd generation (2000): 3.2-litre straight six, 252 kW (343 hp); M3 CSL 265 kW (360 hp), 0–100 km/h in 4.9 s
  • 4th generation (2007): 4.0-litre V8, 309 kW (420 hp), 0–100 km/h in 4.8 s (Coupé)
  • 5th generation (2014): turbocharged straight six, sedan only; Competition Package 331 kW (450 hp), 0–100 km/h in 4.0 s
  • 6th generation (2020): M xDrive from 2021, Touring from 2022; M3 CS 0–100 km/h in 3.4 s (sedan), 302 km/h (188 mph) limited
  • Current WLTP combined consumption: 10.0–10.7 l/100 km depending on version, CO2 226–242 g/km, CO2 class G

BMW has published the full anniversary press kit and historical photo sets on its PressClub website.

Source: www.press.bmwgroup.com