What Is a BMW M3?
BMW is one of the most well known names when it comes to cars (and a few SUVs) that provide a high level of performance and luxury with an emphasis on driver and vehicle involvement. The company is also actively involved in racing, through it Motorsports division. In addition to being involved in racing, BMW's M division also designs and engineers performance versions of standard BMW models. The M3 is based on the 3 Series and is part of the M family of cars, which over the years has also included the M1, M6, M5, X6M, X5M, Z3 M Coupe and Roadster, Z4 M Coupe and Roadster and the latest addition, the 1 Series M Coupe.
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Built for the Track
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Since its introduction in 1987, the M3 has been BMWs most intense street car. The first version was based on the E30 3 Series platform and was powered by a high-revving, 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine that the company called the S14. The E30 M3 street car was built to fulfill the requirements of Group A racing, which meant that BMW had to build and sell 5,000 street-legal versions to qualify to race in this category. BMW Motorsport engineered a car that could be sold for street use but also easily made into a race car. The E30 M3 went on to become the most successful competition model that the company ever made, a record that still stands.
High Revving Engines and Sport Tuned Chassis
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One of the hallmarks of BMWs Motorsport division are the high-revving, naturally aspirated motors that it produces, and the engines in the various M3s are no exception. The first M3s S14 four-cylinder was replaced by the E36 M3's 3.0-liter S50 and slightly larger S52 six cylinder engines. The E36 M3 was introduced in 1994 and was made until 1995. In 2001, BMW introduced the E46 M3, the most powerful and best performing M3 yet. This version was powered by the S54 3.2-liter, 333-horsepower six-cylinder engine. The M3s chassis was designed to be able to take full advantage of the extra power, with a lower ride height, stiffer suspension, better brakes and larger wheels and tires.
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The V8 Era
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The M3 has evolved over the years from the original four-cylinder street racer into the current version, which is much heavier and more luxurious, but also much more powerful. The current E90 (four door version) and E92 (coupe version) of the M3 are both powered by a 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 414 horsepower. This V8 revs to an incredibly high 8,400 rpm. Like previous versions, the current M3 is rear-wheel drive.
Uncompromising Performance
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The M3 is not a car for everyone. Many buyers would be happier with a car like the 335is, which has turbocharged six cylinder and offers impressive, though not equal, performance for less money. The latest M3 is expensive, with a base price of $55,400, but also extremely fast. Fuel mileage is not that great (20 mpg highway) and the maintenance on BMW's M cars is more involved than the standard cars, due to the higher level of performance. But for drivers who prize performance and driver involvement above all else, the M3 is a popular choice.
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