|
The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular compact 3-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. The first M3 appeared in 1986's E30 car, and there has been an M version of every 3-Series since.
1986
Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series body, there were 13 different versions of the first M3. It was first introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 Formula 1 straight-4. This version produced 195 hp (143 kW), and later versions upped displacement to 2.5 L and 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced.
Production of the original M3 ended in 1991.
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
1992
The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). A convertible and sedan appeared in 1994, along with an automatic transmission option, and the new 321 hp (236 kW) S52B30 engine came in 1995.
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which got the tamer S50B30 engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 Nm (236 ft.lbf).
Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the coupe and convertible continued until 1999.
2001
The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 hp (252 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lbf.ft) of torque. The available Sequential Manual Gearbox was also a highlight.
| 
