30 Years of BMW M3

BMW M3 30 Jahre

Three decades ago, the first-ever BMW M3, based on the E30 3-Series, went on sale, and now, it's the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3. For five generations, the BMW M3 has been catered even the most astute of car enthusiasts who wanted a car with a motorsport pedigree Bavaria's finest deserved. Because this is the car's 30th anniversary, let's have a mini history lesson about BMW's high-performance version of the 3-Series.

E30 (1986-1992) - The first BMW M3 comes with the S14B23 2.3L engine, which comes with basic block layout from the M10 4-cylinder overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6.  This car participated in numerous touring car championships and the E30 M3 was meant to be a homologation for Group A Touring Car racing purposes.

E36 (1992 -1999) - Based on the E36 3-Series model, this M3 comes with a 3.0L straight-6 engine that generates 280HP of power. During its lifespan, the E36 M3 is offered in 2-door coupe, cabriolet, and a 4-door saloon. There were special-edition models made on this generation such as the Canada-exclusive Euro-spec, LTW, GT, GT-R, R, and the Imola Individual, as well as an Australian-exclusive Anniversary Edition.

E46 (2000 - 2006) - The E46 M3 comes with 3.2L DOHC straight-6 engine and it was based on the E46 3-Series that underwent a full model change in 1998. This engine produces 338HP of power and 269ft-lb of torque. Initially, it was mated with a 6-speed manual but later, an SMG II double clutch gearbox was offered.

E90 (2007 - 2013) - For an unsuspecting twist, the E90 M3 replaces the 6-cylinder engine to a more powerful 4.0L V8 engine, producing 414HP of power, while mated with a 7-speed M DCT. Apart from the performance, the E90 M3 is lighter than the previous one thanks to new components such as a high-strength carbon fiber roof, and aluminum for the suspension parts, resulting to 1630kg of weight.

F80 (2014 - onwards) The latest-generation M3 marks a bold start for BMW because this model is now available exclusively as a 4-door saloon. The old M3 Coupe is now renamed as the BMW M4. Whatever that is, both the M3 F80 and the M4 F82 now comes with a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six engine, which produces 431HP of power and 405lb-ft of torque, while mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. Electric power steering is now standard for the first time in this one, though. Apart from that, the F80 M3 uses high-strength steel and carbon components, resulting to 83kg of weight loss, perfect weight distribution, and dynamics similar to the E46 M3.

To honor such occasion, BMW offered a commemorative special edition model called the M3 30 Jahre, which comes with an exclusive Macao Blue paint (Frozen Silver for UK customers), 20-inch alloys, Merino leather, carbon trim, and it's based on the Competition Pack, with added 19bhp on the 6-cylinder turbo engine on it as well as updates on the suspension, differential, and stability systems. Oh, and it's available exclusively with a 7-speed DCT. This model is strictly limited to 500 units worldwide and it will cost 90,000 Euros.

Wir sagen Happy Birthday!