NationMaster - Encyclopedia: BMW M3

The BMW M3 is a high performance version (produced by BMW M GmbH ) of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/2/3 3-series. Common upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive (yet at times smaller) engines, improved handling/suspension, more aggressive aerodynamics/body, and an interior/exterior accents with "M"/Motorsport nomenclature. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 499 pixelsFull resolution (2813 Ã— 1756 pixel, file size: 1. ... Industrial robots welding a car body in the white section of a production line. ... For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation). ... Regensburg (also Ratisbon, Latin Ratisbona) is a city (population 151. ... Car classification is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories. ... 1963 Jaguar E-Type, a classic sports car 1963 Chevrolet Corvette was based upon European sports cars A sports car is an automobile designed for performance driving. ... In automobile design layout is the place where both the engine and driven wheels are. ... Sketch of FR layout In automobile design, an FR, or front-engine, rear wheel drive means a layout where the engine is in the front of the vehicle and drive wheels at the rear. ... The Rambler American introduced in the late 1950s was an early compact car. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ... Car redirects here. ... For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation). ... The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. ...

E30 M3

Based on the 1986 model year E30 3-Series, the first M3 (Motorsports 3-series) was introduced with a 2.3 L I4 S14B23 engine (or S14 in shorthand). The engine design was based on various BMW genealogy; basic block layout from the M10 4 cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6. The valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder was adopted for aggressive breathing, resulting in outstanding performance for the day. The most notable characteristic of the E30 M3 (relative to later M3 iterations) is its racing pedigree. It was campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and AC Schnitzer competing in many forms of racing including but not limited to Rally, DTM, Australian touring car and other series. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupÃ© (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... BMW E30 318i BMW E30 325es with diving board bumpers E30 318i Lux Convertible E30 Convertible built April 1993 The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ... BMW E30 318i BMW E30 325es with diving board bumpers E30 318i Lux Convertible E30 Convertible built April 1993 The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The BMW S14 is a 2. ... The BMW M88/3 is an I6 piston engine. ... The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ...

One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing. One of the reasons often cited for its creation was that it was to compete with the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E which was introduced in 1983, although this was only speculative. When the E30 M3 was in its final years of top level competition, the 2.5 liter S14 engine in full race trim was capable of 340 hp (250 kW) plus, naturally aspirated. Homologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologos for agree, which is used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority. ... In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. ... 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2. ...

The E30 M3 road car

The first road going version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised exhaust cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp (160 kW). Later the Sport Evolution model production run of 600(sometimes referred as Evolution III) increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMW's Garching plant; at the time the 215 hp (160 kW) example was the world's fastest four seat convertible. A cabriolet was a light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a folding calash top, seating two persons facing forwards, one of whom was the driver. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ...

Changes from the standard 3-series

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panels the standard model 3-series and the M3 shared were the hood and roof. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series. It also had a Getrag 265/5 5 speed gearbox, and rear differential with different final drive ratio and 25% lockup. BMW E30 318i BMW E30 325es with diving board bumpers E30 318i Lux Convertible E30 Convertible built April 1993 The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... Î¸ is the caster angle, red line is the pivot line, grey area is the tire Caster (or castor) angle is the angular displacement from the vertical axis of the suspension of a steered wheel in a car or other vehicle, measured in the longitudinal direction. ... BMW E30 318i BMW E30 325es with diving board bumpers E30 318i Lux Convertible E30 Convertible built April 1993 The E30 automobile platform was the basis for the 1982 through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... The BMW E28 automobile platform was the basis for the 1981 through 1987 BMW 5-Series automobiles. ...

Wrap up

To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules changes year to year, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement; therefore, improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo 1, Evo 2 and Sport Evolution some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evolution; to further facilitate 18-inch (460 mm) wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Other limited production modes (based on evolution models but featuring special paintwork and/or unique interior schemes commemorating championship wins) include the Europa, Ravaglia, Cecotto, and Europameister .

Having won more road races than any other model in history, the E30 M3 is considered by many to be the world's most successful road race car. M3s entered by BMW and privateer racing outfits did dominate the competition for the years it was in production. Its wins include the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off World Touring Car Championship title in 1987. The E30 M3 is also a multiple winner of Guia Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours. The current DTM logo DTM was the initials for the former Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touringcar Championship), held from 1984 to 1996, a motorsport series based in Germany, with additional rounds elsewhere in Europe. ... The European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organized by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004. ... The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) is an international Touring Car championship organized by the FIA. The first WTCC, which was open to Group A Touring Cars, was held in 1987 concurrent to the long-running European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). ... The 1987 World Touring Car Championship season was the 1st World Touring Car Championship season. ... The WTCC in Macau, 2005 The Guia Race (æ±æœ›æ´‹å¤§è³½) is an international touring car race run during the Macau Grand Prix weekend. ... The 24 Hours NÃ¼rburgring is a GT and touring car endurance racing event on the NÃ¼rburgring, inspired by the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Spa 24 Hours. ... The Spa 24 Hours is an endurance racing event held annually in Belgium at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. ...

Notable publication accolades

In 2004, Sports Car International named the E30 M3 car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. Sports Car International is an automobile magazine in the United States focused on sports cars. ... Sports Car International magazine compiled a list of the Top Sports Cars of the last few decades. ...

In 2007 "Evo" Magazine rated the E30 M3 top of all the M series BMWs at time of print Look up evo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

In 2007 "Automobile Magazine included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under the 25 Greatest Cars of All Time. The November 2006 cover of Automobile Magazine. ...

Performance^[1]

The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ...

Production Figures

Italian Roberto Ravaglia currently runs BMWs Team Italy-Spain in the WTCC, who took Alessandro Zanardi to a famous race victory at Oschersleben. ... Alberto Johnny Cecotto (born January 21, 1956 in Caracas, Venezuela) was a World Champion motorcycle road racer and Formula One driver. ... Italian Roberto Ravaglia currently runs BMWs Team Italy-Spain in the WTCC, who took Alessandro Zanardi to a famous race victory at Oschersleben. ...

Significant Victories in Auto Racing

The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) is an international Touring Car championship organized by the FIA. The first WTCC, which was open to Group A Touring Cars, was held in 1987 concurrent to the long-running European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). ... The 1987 World Touring Car Championship season was the 1st World Touring Car Championship season. ... The European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organized by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004. ... The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom and Ireland. ... The Campionato Italiano Superturismo or the Italian Superturismo Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in Italy and France. ... The current DTM logo DTM was the initials for the former Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touringcar Championship), held from 1984 to 1996, a motorsport series based in Germany, with additional rounds elsewhere in Europe. ... V8 Supercars is a touring car racing category. ... The WTCC in Macau, 2005 The Guia Race (æ±æœ›æ´‹å¤§è³½) is an international touring car race run during the Macau Grand Prix weekend. ... The 24 Hours NÃ¼rburgring is a GT and touring car endurance racing event on the NÃ¼rburgring, inspired by the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Spa 24 Hours. ... The Spa 24 Hours is an endurance racing event held annually in Belgium at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. ...

Production contemporary reviews

The E30 M3 was met with rave reviews during its introduction and production. Even today, it is well-regarded within the automotive press and fondly remembered as one of the most exciting BMWs ever produced.

E36 M3

The E36 M3 débuted in February, 1992 and hit the dealers`showrooms in November that year; it was the first M3 powered by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc and developing 286 PS (282 hp/210 kW). Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon/sedan versions in 1994. The E36 is also the first M3 to be manufactured in right-hand drive. Image File history File links 1996 BMW ///M3 coupe Kosmos Black Photographed in Los Angeles, CA File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupÃ© (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... 318is CoupÃ© 1995 316i Compact 1996 M3 CoupÃ© E36 convertible E36 Wagon Georgia State Patrol 318i The E36 automobile platform was the basis for the 1991-1999 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ... The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... The automatic gear selector in a Ford Five Hundred vehicle An automatic transmission (commonly abbreviated as AT) is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, thus freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually (similar but larger devices are also used for railroad... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Kerb (sometimes mis-spelled as curb by Americans) weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables (such as motor oil and coolant), a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ...

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 (291 hp/217 kW) 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built ^[3].

In summer, 1995 M3 coupé and saloon were upgraded to a 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) 3.2 liter inline-6; at the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The Cabriolet did not receive these changes until spring 1996.

All E36 M3s were built in BMW`s Regensburg factory; in total, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 Cabriolets and 12,603 saloons were produced. Saloon production ended in December, 1997, the coupé ceased production in late 1998 and the Cabriolet in December, 1999^[4]. Regensburg (also Ratisbon, Latin Ratisbona) is a city (population 151. ...

North American models

The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US), a different suspension and a 0-60 time in about 6 seconds. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine, available in 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The BMW M50 is an I6 piston engine. ... A double overhead cam (also called a dual overhead cam, DOHC, or twincam) engine is a type of internal combustion engine where the camshafts that operate the intake and exhaust valves are mounted above the cylinders, and where there are separate camshafts for inlet and exhaust valves. ...

BMW also produced somewhere between 200 and 320 M3 Lightweights also known as the M3 CSL (only 180 made it to the US). Some refer to it as the LTW as CSL stands for Coupe Sports Lightweight, and it was available as a sedan. Internal BMW designation documented it as a CSL however. These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used both on the road and on the track. It was about 100 to 200 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as sound deadening, radio, air conditioning, leather seats, and sunroof. Other extras that came with this version included an extendable front splitter, strut tower brace, x-brace, aluminum Doors and hood. It could also be fitted with a dual pickup oil pan however, BMW AG stipulated that fitting the dual pickup GT oil pan to the car would void the warranty.

The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, still with 240 hp (176 kW), but torque increases to 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same S52B32US engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The manual gearbox remains a 5-speed despite the European versions being upgraded to 6-speed. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999. The BMW M52 is an I6 piston engine. ... The BMW M Roadster is the BMW M performance model of the BMW Z3 and BMW Z4 convertibles. ... BMW M Coupe BMW M Coupe The BMW M Coupe, nicknamed the Shoe, Clown Shoe, Boot, Shooting Brake or Bread Van by enthusiasts, is a high-performance automobile produced by BMW from 1998 to 2002. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ...

US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupes (including 180 Lightweight versions), 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles^[5].

Performance

The E36 M3 was also available as a saloon in the UK for a limited period during 1995-6, during which around 400 rhd models were sold in the UK. This variation had slightly softer suspension but could be purchased with the firmer coupe set-up if the customer wished. Performance figures did not change with the standard 286bhp ( more than the US model by some margin ). The 3.2 Evo was introduced with 321 bhp (239 kW); though reliability was something of an issue. This model came with the expensive and at times problematic, double VANOS variable valve timing. This controlled the valve timing on the inlet and exhaust side via the use of electronic solenoids, which tended to rattle in their housings at low engine speeds when not under load, causing some owners to return their cars to the dealers for replacement. A few cars have been known to have their VANOS units seize, but the only effect is that the performance will suffer. The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ...

Special Models

There were five special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 CSL (M3 LTW), M3 GT, M3 GT-R, and the M3-R. There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for Australia. This was the final year of production for the mighty E36, with only 50 coupes and 70 convertibles being made. Furthermore, "BMW Individual" were able to custom design an M3 with specific coloured leather, woodgrain and other personalised options including polished magnesium alloy wheels from the Anniversary edition. Convertibles lacked the sports seats found in the coupe but retained every other feature.

M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)

In 1994 agreements existed between Canada and several countries in Europe which allowed any car authorized in one participating country to legally be sold in any of the others.^{[citation needed]} Though BMW had unveiled the next generation E36 M3 in Europe in 1992, the company felt that the production version would need to be priced much higher for export to North America than the market would allow. While the engineers worked on a less expensive North American version of the E36 M3, BMW Canada seized the window of opportunity: 45 numbered European specification M3 coupes were specially produced and imported into Canada.

Even with a base price of $59,900 (a substantial sum for the day given that the standard equipment list did not include forged lightweight wheels, air conditioning, a sunroof or even metallic paint), all 45 cars were spoken for in just 3 days. Unlike the other special versions of the E36 M3, buyers were free to choose any colors and options they wanted on their cars. The cars all came equipped with the 286 bhp 3.0 L inline 6 cylinder engine, vented brakes with floating rotors, glass headlights and other European standard equipment. They were initially delivered to Toronto, then shipped all across the country to the dealerships where they were ordered.

Canada would not see another E36 M3 for sale until two years later, when BMW finally made the American versions of the 1997 M3 available for sale. Forty five Euro-Spec Canadian Edition cars were built, each one having a numbered engraved plaque in both the glovebox and the custom leather case which holds the owners manuals. Only the Australian M3-R was built in lower numbers.

M3 CSL (E36)

Beginning with the first E36 M3's delivered, BMW racers began pressuring BMW for a race-ready version with which to compete against Porsche 911s in sports-car racing. Porsche 911 in hillclimb The Porsche 911 (pronounced as nine eleven, neun elfer in German) is a sports car made by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. ...

In 1995, BMW relented and began building batches of the M3 CSL at BMW Individual. Upon completion they were sent to Prototype Technology Group (PTG) Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front and rear Motorsport flag decals, and "trunk goodies." In the boot there was a different oil pan with dual pick up oil pump, longer dipstick tube, front strut bar, lower x brace that owners could install at the risk of voiding the standard BMW warranty. The car also came with the normal M3 low wing mounted but most dealers installed the special high wing when prepping the car for sale. Each new owner was given a 1 page legal document to sign stating that any installation of trunk items voided the new car warranty. The ECU had the top speed limiter removed which resulted in a drag induced top speed. A 3.23 rear differential was installed vs the normal 3.15 installed in M3's.

There is a minor controversy in which some people believe the M3 CSL should not be called an M3 CSL (referring to the famous 3.0 CSL), but rather an M3 Lightweight, as that was the name that BMW advertised the car as. BMW 3. ...

While it is true that BMW's press referred to the car as the M3 Lightweight, each M3 CSL's build sheet (the instructions from BMW AG to BMW Individual) clearly labelled the car as an M3 CSL, so there can be no doubt that the factory itself thought of the car as a CSL. In addition, the additional manual that came with the car identified it as the CSL.

This controversy can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the English translation of CSL is Coupé Sports Lightweight.

Although BMW promised to build at least 85 examples, BMW never released the number of M3 CSL's built, and because of the peculiar assembly line, to this day may not be known. However, enthusiasts now believe that there exist approximately 120 models.^[8]

The first two cars, which were used as press cars, are not technically M3 CSL's as they were regular production M3's that PTG made similar in appearance to the not-yet-built CSL. After press duties, those two cars were brought back into the PTG stable.

Outside of multiple cars raced in the BMW CCA Club Racing series (an amateur series specific only to BMW models) PTG had between two to four models that they raced in IMSA. It seems that one of those cars was sold to Jeff McMillian, in which he won the SCCA World Challenge series, without winning a single race. One was raced in the SCCA's Touring 1 class by John Browne, and one or two may have been raced in the extinct Motorola Cup. IMSA logo The International Motor Sports Association (generally referred to as IMSA) is an American auto racing sanctioning body based in Braselton, Georgia. ...

M3 GT

The M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe only edition of which 356 were made, 50 further M3 GT Individuals were made in right-hand drive for the UK market. All built in 1995. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2160x1440, 973 KB) Summary BMW E36 M3 GT Individual, Chris Enright, Goodwood, 2004 Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2160x1440, 973 KB) Summary BMW E36 M3 GT Individual, Chris Enright, Goodwood, 2004 Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ...

Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior - a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colors were white with red numbers.

The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.

M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual

The M3 Evo Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe with part VIN WBACB5103-AN307--, 50 for the United Kingdom) car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged from the 1996+ euro M3, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosen by BMW; imola red (405) paint with nappa leather & Amaretto seats in imola red and anthracite seats.

M3-R

Fifteen M3's were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Frank Gardner Racing for final preparation.

M3 compact

To celebrate the 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto Motor und Sport in 1996, BMW M GmbH handbuilt (at least) one official BMW E36 M3 compact. The car was tested and written an article about in the June edition of the named magazine^[9].

The car embodied all the technical (engine, driveline, suspension) and optical (bumpers, wheels, mirrors, dashboard) characteristics of the stock E36 M3. It was powered by the 321 DIN-hp 3.2-litre engine, and its color was red with a black cloth/alcantara interior. It had the forged Styling 24M 5-doublespoke wheels that came standard on the M3 cabriolet, an exhaust with fairly centered quad exhaust tip, Recaro sports bucket seats, red four-point seatbelts and an alcantara wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. For some reason, BMW M GmbH removed the front fog lights.

The car was donated to the automobile magazine, but there are no details of the car's present whereabouts.

Accolades

The E36 M3 is considered one of the best-handling cars of all time, and was in fact named "Best-Handling Car Ever – at any Price" by Car and Driver in 1997. Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ...

E46 M3

The E46 M3, first introduced in October, 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (338 hp) and 370 N·m (273 ft·lbf). Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupÃ© (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMWs highly successful 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The straight-6 (also inline 6, I-6, or I6) is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a single row. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, straight drive, or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in automotive applications. ... Description A type of manual transmission designed for high-performance driving or auto racing, where random access to specific gears is no longer required (or in fact possible). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV (though BMW advertises it as an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle) produced by the German automaker BMW. It is based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ... The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMWs highly successful 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. ... The BMW M54 is a modern straight-6 engine, debuting in the year 2000. ... This page lists superlatives of the automobile industry - that is, the smallest, largest, fastest, lightest, best-selling, and other such topics. ... A naturally-aspirated engine or normally-aspirated engine (NA - aspiration meaning breathing) refers to an internal combustion engine (normally petrol or diesel powered) that is neither turbocharged nor supercharged. ... This article is about a unit of measurement. ...

The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were Laguna Seca Blue. The available SMG Drivelogic (also known as SMG II) transmission, a Formula 1-style electrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. The model also came with a new 6-speed transmission and red-line RPM of 8000, a first for any BMW. The engine also consisted of 6 independent throttle bodies and electronically driven throttles (without a cable). The acronym SMG may refer to An acronym for submachine gun A rap group featuring Ice T and others The actress Sarah Michelle Gellar BMWs name for its version of an electrohydraulic manual transmission Scottish media company SMG plc SMG, a property management company Shanghai Media Groups abbreviation. ...

In the US, the E46 finally comes with virtually the same engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36 where it was heavily detuned. Power is now at 333 bhp (248 kW/338 PS), five down on the German model due to an extra catalytic converter in the downpipe.

Performance

The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower (75 kW) per litre (340 hp/3.2 litre), a notable feat.

US Models Description A type of manual transmission designed for high-performance driving or auto racing, where random access to specific gears is no longer required (or in fact possible). ...

Cabriolet / Convertible model 1/4 Mile +/- ~.5 sec Description A type of manual transmission designed for high-performance driving or auto racing, where random access to specific gears is no longer required (or in fact possible). ...

Special Models

There are a total of four different E46 M3 produced: The normal M3 (General Description), The M3 CSL, M3 Competition and M3 GTR V8.

M3 GTR

An E46 GTR came to life on February 2001, powered by a 4000 cc V8 producing 444 bhp (race version—street version produced 380 bhp). Unlike the straight-six powered M3 versions, which were outpaced by the Porsche 996 GT3, the racing version of the E46 M3 GTR 16 was very successful in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), entered by Schnitzer Motorsport. Rivals such as Porsche pointed out that this car was more of a prototype as no V8 engine was available in the road-going BMW E46, which is in violation of the spirit of Gran Turismo. In 2001, ALMS regulations stated that cars must be for sale on two continents within twelve months of the rules being issued. To fulfill this rule, BMW put 10 road going GTRs on sale after the 2001 season, for 250,000 euros (then $218,000) each, allegedly only available for select customers. Porsche 996 Carrera 4S Porsche 996 with aero kit The Porsche Type 996 is a sports car, and the version of Porsches 911 Carrera model sold from 1998 (as a 1999 model) through to 2004. ... The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is a series of automobile races. ... Schnitzer Motorsport is a successful Motorsport Team based in Freilassing near Munich, Germany It was founded in 1967 by the brothers Josef and Herbert Schnitzer, born in 1939 and 1941. ... This article is about the auto company. ... For other uses, see Prototype (disambiguation). ... Gran Turismo is Italian and Spanish for grand touring or grand tourisme. ...

Due to this, the ALMS rules were altered for 2002 to state that 100 cars and 1000 engines must be built for the car to qualify without penalties. Although BMW could have raced the V8 with the new weight and power penalties under these new regulations, they chose to pull out of the ALMS, effectively ending the shortlived M3 GTR's career. The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ...

Two Schnitzer Motorsport GTR cars saw a comeback in 2003 at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning 1-2 in 2004 and 2005, as well as entries in the 24 Hours Spa. Onboard coverage recorded in 2004 Hans-Joachim Stuck, Pedro Lamy, Jörg Müller & Dirk Müller on the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. Schnitzer Motorsport is a successful Motorsport Team based in Freilassing near Munich, Germany It was founded in 1967 by the brothers Josef and Herbert Schnitzer, born in 1939 and 1941. ... The 24 Hours NÃ¼rburgring is a GT and touring car endurance racing event on the NÃ¼rburgring, inspired by the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Spa 24 Hours. ... The Spa 24 Hours is an automobile race held annually in Belgium at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, colloquially known as Spa. ... Hans Joachim Stuck was a Formula One driver from Germany and son of the legendary Hans Von Stuck. ... JosÃ© Pedro Lamy ViÃ§oso, OIH, better known as Pedro Lamy, pron. ... For other persons named JÃ¶rg MÃ¼ller, see JÃ¶rg MÃ¼ller (disambiguation). ... Dirk MÃ¼ller (born 18 November 1975 in Burbach) is a German race driver, driving for BMW. His team-mate JÃ¶rg MÃ¼ller is unrelated, as is French driver Yvan Muller. ... Detailed NÃ¼rburgring map showing both the Nordschleife and the new GP section. ... The route of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps as laid out for the Belgian Grand Prix The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the famous venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the SPA 24 Hours endurance race. ...

Private teams (Scheid, Getrag, etc.) also have fit 4000 cc BMW V8 engines into the E46 body to race on the Nürburgring, winning some VLN races in the last years. GETRAG is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. ... Detailed NÃ¼rburgring map showing both the Nordschleife and the new GP section. ... The 24 Hours NÃ¼rburgring is an Endurance racing event on the NÃ¼rburgring, inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. ...

M3 CSL (E46)

BMW made a limited run (less than 1,400 units) of the M3 CSL (E46) machines between June and December of 2003. The CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) received an aggressive weight reduction campaign, more power (up to 360 hp), and sharper handling characteristics than the standard M3, courtesy of larger anti-roll bars, stiffer spring rates, and semi-slick racing compound tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cups). From the exterior, the CSL is distinguished from its standard sibling with a different wheel design, larger integrated rear spoiler and a large air intake hole on the left side of the front bumper. Weight loss was achieved through use of a carbon-fiber roof, trunk lid made of sheet molding compound, lighter exhaust manifold, thinner rear glass, carbon fiber interior door panels and console, lightweight racing seats, removed sound insulation, and the removal of side air bags. The M3 CSL's engine differs from the M3 with different camshafts, carbon-fiber intake manifold and alpha-N engine management. Several other features available in a regular M3 as standard such as air conditioning and radio were also deleted, although these options could be added at the request of the owner. SMG II sequential manual gearbox was made standard. Owing to the small production run and the complications of clearing DOT and EPA standards for the North American market, BMW never exported the CSL to the United States, although some parts from it were later made available on the regular M3 as part of an optional Competition Package. A wheel with a slick tire. ... This Ford F-150 pickup truck has two spoilers one on the roof and another on the tailgate. ... Fabric made of woven carbon filaments Carbon fiber (alternately called graphite fiber) is a material consisting of extremely thin fibers about 0. ... Description A type of manual transmission designed for high-performance driving or auto racing, where random access to specific gears is no longer required (or in fact possible). ... The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the most common name for a government agency in North America devoted to transportation. ... EPA redirects here. ...

While the CSL was comparable in performance to the Ferrari 360 at half the price, this version of the M3 is often criticized as being too racing-oriented and significantly more expensive than the standard model. With its design so highly focused on weight loss the CSL became less of the "every day car" that the M3 is known for as several features have been removed from the base model. Another criticism was the unavailability of a manual gearbox as some purists did not find the SMG as satisfying as a traditional stick-shift. Aftermarket tuners like AC Schnitzer have also tweaked regular M3s to perform like the CSL, but at a much lower cost. Ferrari 360 was the name given to three models of Ferrari cars: the Ferrari 360 Modena, an enclosed two-door coupe; the Ferrari 360 Spider, a two-door convertible; and the Ferrari Challenge Stradale, the bare-bones version of the 360 Modena. ...

M3 Competition Package (Europe, US) or M3 CS Club Sport (UK)

Although the M3 CSL was never exported to the United States, in 2005 BMW introduced an M3 Competition Package in both Europe and the US (a.k.a. CS/Club Sport in the UK): a $4,000 option which offered a number of upgrades taken from M3 CSL. The package includes:

BBS Kraftfahrzeugtechnik AG (English: BBS Automotive Technology AG) is a high performance automobile wheel company headquartered in Schiltach, Germany. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

E90/91/92/93 M3

The fourth generation BMW M3 was announced on the 2007 Geneva Auto Show (Switzerland, March 6th-18th 2007) with the BMW M3 concept. As was the case with the E46 M3 Concept and E60 M5 Concept, the M3 Concept hid almost nothing of the looks of the production version, that had its world premiere on the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show IAA (Germany, September 13th to 23rd). Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... A notchback full-size luxury sedan. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupÃ© (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... Saab 900 Convertible 1962 Rambler American 1981 AMC Eagle 4-WD convertible Convertible can also refer to a convertible security A convertible (sometimes called cabriolet in British English) is a car body style with a folding or retracting roof (aka soft top or top in USA, hood in UK). ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... The BMW E90 automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/compact executive cars. ... BMW E90 320i The E90 automobile platform is the current 3-Series in production. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A colored automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ... Gearbox redirects here. ... A Twin-clutch gearbox or Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is a semi-automatic transmission with separate clutches for odd and even gears. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The BMW 3-Series is a line of compact sedans manufactured by BMW since May, 1975. ... The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV (though BMW advertises it as an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle) produced by the German automaker BMW. It is based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform. ...

Just as the previous M3 generations all introduced a completely new engine, the fourth generation M3 did the same: the BMW S65 engine was introduced. This S65B40 is a naturally aspirated, high revving 4-litre V8 (based on the S85B50 5-litre V10 that powers the E60/E61 M5 and the E63/E64 M6 to date) delivers 420 DIN-hp (309 kW, 414 SAE-hp) at 8,300 rpm and peak torque is 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) at 3,900 rpm, which represents a power increase of 22% over the E46 M3. The engine weighs 15 kg (33 lb) less than the outgoing six cylinder for a total weight of 202 kg (445 lb). A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As from April 2008, BMW offers a new 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 kp/h sprint time by 0.2 seconds vs. the SMG. It features both automatic and manual modes in a manner similar to the SMG gearboxes in the E36 and E46. The E92 M3 coupe inherits the carbon-fiber roof from the E46 CSL as part of the weight-saving program.

The new M3 is once again available as a 4-door sedan, based on the E90 3-Series, but unlike the regular models, this car shares the coupe's front end, including headlights. However, it doesn't get the 2-door's carbon-fiber roof. The E93 hardtop convertible version joins the lineup shortly after the E92's launch, while an E91 wagon is due in the first quarter of 2009. A CSL lightweight version is heavily debated and longed for amongst car enthusiasts, and cars suspected to be the new M3 CSL have already been spotted at the famous Nordschleife (North Loop) of the German Nürburgring. Detailed NÃ¼rburgring map showing both the Nordschleife and the new GP section. ...

BMW Motorsport announced in February 2008 that Rahal Letterman Racing will campaign two factory-backed E92 M3s in the American Le Mans Series in 2009, following a two-year absence by the brand.^[13] BMW M GmbH (previously: BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG established in May 1972 with just eight employees. ... Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR) is an auto racing team that currently has a three car livery in the Indy Racing League. ... The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is a series of automobile races. ...

Performance^[14]

BMW M3 Challenge

The "BMW M3 challenge" is a freeware racing game developed by BMW for simulation and entertainment purposes. The PC game includes single and multi-player modes.^[15] A stylised illustration of a personal computer A personal computer (PC) is a computer whose original sales price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals, intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator. ...

Developed by Blimey! Games and 10tacle Studios in cooperation with BMW engineers, it is a car simulation that reproduces real life car physics such as body roll and skidding. Body roll is a reference to the weight transfer of a car towards the outside of a turn. ...

It allows the player to perform advanced driving maneuvers such as feathering the brakes, moderating the clutch engagement level, or using lower gears to slow down the engine, thereby decreasing speed.

BMW M3 Challenge features a drivable representation of the famous Nürburgring German race track. Detailed NÃ¼rburgring map showing both the Nordschleife and the new GP section. ...

References

^ Works figures according to Kittler, loc. cit.
^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 130. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
^ All figures: Covello, Mike (2002). Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Iola: Krause Publications, 160-163. ISBN 0-87341-605-8.
^ Euro versions: 0-100 km/h
^ Road & Track Sports & GT Cars 1996, p. 18.
^ BMW World - E36 M3 CSL Lightweight
^ Auto Motor und Sport, 13/1996, pages 38-40
^ Motor Trend, March 2003
^ BMW M3 Owners Manual
^ Motor Trend, March 2003
^ BMW returning to American Le Mans Series. AutoWeek (6 February 2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-06.
^ BMW M3 Sedan (06/2008).
^ BMW M3 Challenge the game.

Motor Trend is one of the oldest automotive magazines still publishing. ... Motor Trend is one of the oldest automotive magazines still publishing. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini/Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Contents

E30 M3

The E30 M3 road car

Changes from the standard 3-series

Wrap up

Notable publication accolades

Performance^[1]

Production Figures

Significant Victories in Auto Racing

Production contemporary reviews

E36 M3

North American models

Performance

Special Models

M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)

M3 CSL (E36)

M3 GT

M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual

M3-R

M3 compact

Accolades

E46 M3

Performance

Special Models

M3 GTR

M3 CSL (E46)

M3 Competition Package (Europe, US) or M3 CS Club Sport (UK)

E90/91/92/93 M3

Performance^[14]

BMW M3 Challenge

References

External links

Contents

E30 M3 GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

The E30 M3 road car

Changes from the standard 3-series

Wrap up

Notable publication accolades

Performance[1]

Production Figures

Significant Victories in Auto Racing

Production contemporary reviews

E36 M3

North American models

Performance

Special Models

M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)

M3 CSL (E36)

M3 GT

M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual

M3-R

M3 compact

Accolades

E46 M3

Performance

Special Models

M3 GTR

M3 CSL (E46)

M3 Competition Package (Europe, US) or M3 CS Club Sport (UK)

E90/91/92/93 M3

Performance[14]

BMW M3 Challenge

References

External links

E30 M3

Performance^[1]

Performance^[14]