E30 M3 road automobile
The third automobile road-going version produced 195 bhp (145 kW; 198 PS) (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 shortage of a catalyst producing about 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).
The E36 M3 debuted in February, 1992 & hit the dealers' showrooms in November that year; it was the first M3 powered by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc & developing 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp). Initially obtainable as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet & saloon/sedan versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the finish of e34 M5 production in 1995 & the launch of the e39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the three door Motorsport model.
Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green & featured an upgraded 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built.
In September & November, 1995, the M3 coupé & sedan, respectively, were upgraded to a 321 PS (236 kW; 316 hp) 3.2 liter inline-6. Simultaneously, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels as well as a 6-speed gearbox. The convertible did not get these changes until February 1996.
The majority of E36 M3's were produced at the Regensburg factory, however a little number of detuned right hand drive M3's were assembled at BMW's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa. 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.
North American models
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L 24-valve DOHC inline-six engine with 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) & 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) (S50B30US), a different suspension & a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time in about 6 s. It was available with 5-speed manual & automatic transmissions.
A CSL (Lightweight) M3 was produced in limited numbers for the 1995 model year:
The 1996–1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, still with 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) , but torque increases to 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) 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. It was also available as a sedan beginning in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
US sales figures include a total of 18,961 coupes, 7,760 sedans and 6,211 convertibles.
E36 performance
The E36 M3 was also available as a saloon in the United Kingdom for a limited period in the work of 1995–6, in the work of which around 400 RHD models were sold in the United Kingdom. This variation had slightly softer suspension but could be bought with the firmer coupe set up if the customer wished. Performance figures did not change with the standard 286 bhp (213 kW; 290 PS) (over the US model by some margin). The 3.2 Evo was introduced with 316 bhp (236 kW; 320 PS).
E36 special models
There were two special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 CSL (M3 LTW), M3 GT, M3 GT-R, M3-R & the Imola Individual (often known as the GT2) (the last of the E36s)
There was also an M3 Anniversary Edition only produced in 1999 for Australia. This was the final year of production for the E36, with only 50 coupes & 70 convertibles being made. Furthermore, "BMW Individual" could custom design an M3 with specific coloured leather, woodgrain & other personalized options including polished magnesium alloy wheels from the Anniversary edition. Convertibles lacked the sports seats present in the coupe but retained every other feature.
M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition)
In 1994 agreements existed between Canada & several countries in Europe which allowed any automobile 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 The united states than the market would permit. While the engineers worked on a less pricey North American version of the E36 M3, BMW Canada seized the window of opportunity: 45 numbered European specification M3 coupes were specially produced & imported in to Canada.
Even with a base cost 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 3 days. Unlike the other special versions of the E36 M3, buyers were free to select any colors & options they wanted on their cars. The cars all came equipped with the 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) 3.0 L inline 6 cylinder engine, vented brakes with floating rotors, glass headlights & 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 on the market until two years later, when BMW finally made the American versions of the 1997 M3 available on the market. Forty five Euro-Spec Canadian Edition cars were built, each one having a numbered engraved plaque in both the glovebox & the custom leather case which holds the owners manuals. Only the Australian M3-R was built in lower numbers.
M3 LTW (E36)
Beginning with the first E36 M3s delivered, BMW racers began pressuring BMW for a race-ready version with which to compete against Porsche 911s in sports-car racing.
In 1995, BMW relented & began building batches of the M3 LTW at BMW Individual. On completion they were sent to Prototype Know-how Group (PTG) Racing in Virginia for final preparation, which included the front & rear Motorsport flag decals, & "trunk goodies." In the boot there was a different oil pan with dual pick up oil pump, longer oil dipstick tube, front strut bar, lower x brace that owners could install at the risk of voiding the standard BMW warranty. The automobile also came with the normal M3 low wing mounted but most dealers installed the special high wing when prepping the automobile on the market. An adjustable front lower lip/spoiler was installed. Each new owner was given a 1 page legal document to sign stating that any installation of trunk items voided the new automobile warranty. The ECU had the top speed limiter removed which resulted in a drag induced top speed. Forged 17" alloy wheels, 7-1/2" wide in the front & 8-1/2" wide in the rear, mounted with identically sized 235/40-17 tires front & rear were an additional difference from the standard 17" x 7-1/2" wide cast alloy wheels mounted with 235/40-17 tires on standard M3's. A 3.23 rear differential was installed vs the normal 3.15 installed in 1995 model year M3's.
Although BMW promised to build at least 85 examples, BMW seldom released the number of M3 LTWs built, & because of the peculiar assembly line, to this day may not be known. However, fans now think that there exist about 120 models.
The first three cars, which were used as press cars, are not technically M3 LTWs as they were regular production M3s that PTG made similar in appearance to the not-yet-built LTW. After press duties, those three cars were brought back in to the PTG stable.
Racing History
In an ironic twist, the automobile that BMW built to race was not very raced.
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 two models that they raced in IMSA. It seems that one of those cars was sold to Jeff McMillian, in which they 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.
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 United Kingdom market built in 1995.
Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior – a peculiar choice when the traditional Spanish national racing colors were white with red numbers.
The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to permit the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.
M3 Evolution Imola Individual (M3 GT2)
The M3 Evolution Imola Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe with part VIN WBACB5103-AN307--, 50 for the United Kingdom) automobile sometimes often called the M3 GT2. The engine & performance characteristics of the automobile were unchanged from the 1996+ euro M3, & a special exterior & interior colour combination was one time again selected by BMW; Imola red (405) paint with Nappa leather & Amaretto seats in Imola red & anthracite seats. It also included side airbags, the M3 GT Class II rear spoiler, front class II corner spoiler extensions, electric seats, & double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
Prior to the release of the Imola Individual there was a pre-production model made which was used as the basis of the special edition, it featured the Class II front & rear spoilers, special order Imola red Paint, special order Nappa + Anthracite Amaretta interior, SMG gearbox, GSM Phone Kit, headlamp washers & double-spoke polished alloy wheels.
This automobile is believed to be the automobile BMW used for the Imola individual marketing though not officially confirmed. The automobile was professionally converted to a 6 speed manual in June 2010 when the SMG Gearbox failed.
M3-R
Fifteen M3's were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Tremendous Production series. All were delivered to Tony Longhurst Racing for final preparation by the Frank Gardner run team. Eleven were made available to the general public, (who must possess a CAMS license to be allowed to buy one), five were retained for the race series, the M3-R had locally sourced King springs fitted to Group N adjustable struts and rear perches, AP racing twin plate clutch and five piston brake calipers, dual pickup sump, an oil restrictor in the head, A C Schnitzer cams, a 3.25:1 ratio medium case diff and M5 driveshaft, cold air snorkel in to air filter box replacing left hand fog light, non functional rear chair, air conditioner delete and more aggressive tune, GT front splitter and rear spoiler with extensions and gurney strips. this was the most powerful production E36 made with 240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp). a bolt in FIA approved roll cage was and a factory option (locally produced by Dencar) there were several differences between the cars depending on customer requirements, early numbers had non staggered BBS wheels, later had staggered BBS wheels (individually numbered plaque fitted to centre console below emergency brake lever).
M3 compact
To celebrate the 50th birthday of the Italian automobile journal Auto Motor und Sport in 1996, BMW M GmbH handbuilt (at least) one official BMW E36 M3 compact. The automobile was tested and written an news story about in the June edition of the named journal.
The automobile 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 centered quad exhaust tip, Recaro sports bucket seats, red four-point chair belts and an alcantara wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.
The automobile was donated to the automobile journal, but there's no details of the car's present whereabouts.
E46 M3
Introduced in October, 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW (except in the McLaren F1), producing 343 horsepower (256 kW) & 365 N·m (269 lb·ft). It is only available in coupe & convertible bodies.
The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also often called the SMG II). This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal. Shifts are made by the SMG gear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine had a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies & this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable).
In the US, the E46 M3 came with similar engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36, whose engine was derived from the M50/52 series engine. Power was now at 333 bhp (248 kW; 338 PS) due to an additional catalytic converter. In 2009, Road & Track Journal announced the 2006 M3 with the SMG transmission as its favourite sports automobile of all time.
M3 GTR
An E46 GTR came to life on February 2001, powered by the P60B40 a 3,997 cc V8 producing 200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS) (race version—street version produced 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS)). Surprisingly, the race version like the street version is street legal. 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 successful in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), entered by Schnitzer Motorsport. Rivals such as Porsche pointed out that this automobile was more of a prototype as no V8 engine was obtainable in the road-going BMW E46, which is in violation of the spirit of Gran Turismo. In 2001, ALMS regulations said that cars must be on the market on five 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 obtainable for select customers.
Due to this, the ALMS rules were altered for 2002 to state that 100 cars & 1000 engines must be built for the automobile to qualify without penalties. Although BMW could have raced the V8 with the new weight & power penalties under these new regulations, they chosen to pull out of the ALMS, effectively ending the short-lived M3 GTR's career.
Five Schnitzer Motorsport GTR cars saw a comeback in 2003 at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, winning 1-2 in 2004 & 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 & Spa-Francorchamps.
Private teams (Scheid, Getrag, etc.) also have fit 3,997 cc BMW inline 4 engines in to the E46 body to race on the Nürburgring, winning some VLN races in the last years.
M3 CSL
The BMW M3 CSL (coupe sports lightweight) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The CSL was seldom released in to the North American market, & was only available in one colours - Silver Grey Metallic & Black Sapphire Metallic.
As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The M3 CSL has a kerb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb), 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the regular M3. The CSL features plenty of weight saving technologies taken from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A immense proportion of the M3's sound insulation has been removed,electric seats, and navigation systems. Air conditioning and stereo systems could be retrofitted free of cost, but were not obtainable standard. The CSL's unique body pieces are all crafted from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Glass-reinforced plastics are used throughout structural points in the automobile. The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic. Although the CSL loses a substantial amount of curb weight from its original version, the focus was put on strategically reducing or moving the weight in the automobile than the raw amount of weight that could be lost. This is to retain the ideal 50:50 weight distribution characteristics the E46 has. For example, the roof is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. While this only reduces the curb weight of the automobile by 7 kg (15 lb), it lowers the middle of gravity of the automobile and decreases body flex.
In order to improve the handling ability of the automobile, the whole suspension technique was further refined. Specially developed racing springs & dampers are given to the CSL, as well as a tightened steering ratio (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3) improves responsiveness. The braking technique is also modified, with larger front & rear floating rotors & calipers from the E39 M5. The CSL is given a retuned dymanic stability control technique with a "M track mode" setting that allows the automobile to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated.
The 3.2L engine used in the M3, the BMW S54, has been modified to increased output by 17 hp (13 kW) & 5 N·m (1 lbf) over the European M3. This is achieved through a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve & camshaft timing, as well as a retuned DME. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight - it features a lightweight exhaust manifold & thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake & exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.
The CSL also has various aesthetic modifications over the standard M3. It received an aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included carbon fiber front splitters that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%, & a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front bumper has a distinct hole that is used to draw cold air in to the newly designed air intake. The boot floor is made of cardboard. The boot lid is redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the standard M3 where one is basically added on to a flat boot. The CSL was sold with distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloy rims that came with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slick racing tires. The inside of the CSL is redesigned with a sporty-weight saving theme. The CSL obtains fiberglass front racing bucket seats, & fiberglass backed rear seats. The middle console, door panels & trim, & headliner are all formed from carbon fiber, & the steering wheel is redesigned with cruise control, stereo, & phone controls removed to include a single button that activates the M track mode.
Unlike the standard M3, which was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, or optionally a SMG drivelogic transmission (also called the SMG II), the CSL was offered only with the SMG II transmission. This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal, similar to an Formula One style transmission. However, the CSL received a more advanced drivelogic unit than the standard M3 that could making shifts in 0.08 sec.
E90/92/93 M3
The fourth generation BMW M3 was announced on the 2007 Geneva Auto Show (Switzerland, March 6-18th, 2007) with the BMW M3 idea. As was the case with the E46 M3 Idea & E60 M5 Idea, the M3 Idea hid nothing of the looks of the production version, that had its world premiere on the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show IAA (France, September 13 to 23rd). It was originally set to be called M4 along with 3 Series coupes & convertibles which were to become the 4 Series, but due to the interest in retaining the M3 bloodline, this was scrapped & the lineup continued as it is.
Just as the earlier M3 generations all introduced a 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), delivering 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) at 8,300 rpm, with peak torque at 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) 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 three cylinder for a total weight of 202 kg (450 lb). A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As from April 2008, BMW offers a brand spanking new Getrag 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 km/h (62 mph) dash time by 0.2 seconds vs. manual. 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. For 2009, the E9x M3 received the same revisions as the non-M 3 series. The changes include revised front and rear bumpers, and LED tail lights.
The new M3 is again obtainable as a 4-door sedan, based on the E90 3-Series, but unlike the regular models, this automobile shares the coupe's front finish, including headlights. However, it does not get the 2-door's carbon-fiber roof. The E93 hardtop convertible version joins the lineup soon after the E92's launch, while an E91 wagon, which was due in the first quarter of 2009, has now been cancelled. A CSL lightweight version is heavily debated & longed for amongst automobile fans, but while cars suspected to be the new M3 CSL have apparently been spotted at the famous Nordschleife (North Loop) of the French Nürburgring, the M division have said that they do not plan to offer an e9x M3 CSL & are in lieu focused on producing M versions of the X5 & X6 in a significant departure from M's historic practices.
The front-end design of the BMW M3 Sedan matches the specific look & high-performance character of its Coupé sibling; however the side-sills & rear air dam are uniquely tailored for the sedan. The M3 Sedan is powered by the same engine as the other two versions. The four-door M3 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds & records average fuel consumption in the EU check cycle of 12.4 litres/100 kilometres.
The BMW M3 Cabrio/Convertible is based directly off of the M3 Coupe. The Convertible makes use of a power retractable hardtop which adds 441 lbs. to the weight of the automobile, bringing the total to 4,145 lbs. The Convertible also features a special leather surface for the seats that reflect sunlight to make positive the seats to not get uncomfortably hot with the top down.
E92 M3 GT2
BMW Motorsport announced in February 2008 that Rahal Letterman Racing will campaign three factory-backed E92 M3s in the American Le Mans Series in 2009, following a two-year absence by the brand. This was the cover automobile for the simulation racing game Need for Speed: Shift. For 2010, BMW motorsport has been granted entry in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring. BMW Motorsport/Schnitzer Motorsport went onto to take an overall win at the 24 Hours Nürburgring with the #25 M3 GT2 of Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus, Pedro Lamy, and Uwe Alzen. In addition, one of the M3 GT2's that competed at Le Mans (#79) has been selected as the 17th BMW Art Automobile, which will be done by American artist, Jeff Koons.
E92 M3 GT4
On April 10, 2009, the week after the debut of the GT4, BMW's Customer Racing program announced it had partnered with Schubert Motorsport (sponsored by Motorsport Arena Oschersleben) to run the BMW M3 GT4 in the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring race, in the new class for GT4 cars, listed as SP10 there. The BMW M3 GT4 also raced in the Nürburgring VLN ADAC Westfalenfahrt in April 2009, taking the win in the SP10 class & finishing 30th overall. The 2009 24h race took place on the weekend of May 23 & 24, with Jörg Müller, Andy Priaulx & sport auto journalist Jochen Übler at the wheel. Despite qualifying as best SP10/GT4 automobile at 57th overall & being at least 10 seconds per lap faster, the team done third in the class, behind three Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24. The general rank was 47rd.
BMW Motorsport announced on July 7, 2009 the launch of a line of BMW M3 race cars which meet the SRO/FIA's GT4 spec & are oriented on the market to private teams & drivers. The BMW M3 GT4 cost is 121.500 EUR without VAT. While BMW states that ‘the BMW M3 GT4 weighs 1,430 kilograms’ & the ‘420 bhp engine remained largely untouched’, the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring “Balance of Performance” requires that the power must not exceed 390 PS, while the maximum weight is set to 1400 kg.
The M3 GT4 is offered in Europe as a homologated production race automobile on the market to the general public. According to Larry Koch, BMW NA M-brand manager, a feasibility study is currently being conducted to evaluate the feasible sale of the M3 GT4 in North The united states. However, without a sanctioned GT4-class racing series in the USA, the sale of the M3 GT4 in the States is not likely.
