BMW M3
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| BMW M3 | |
|---|---|
| BMW | |
| aka | Type aka here, not up there |
| Production | 1986-Present |
| Class | Compact Luxury Sports Sedan |
| Body Style | 2-door, 4-seat coupe 2-door, 4-seat convertible 4-door, 5-seat sedan |
| Length | Convertible: 181.7 in (4615 mm)
Coupe: 180.3 in (4580 mm) Sedan: 178.2 in (4526 mm) |
| Width | Convertible: 71.6 in (1819 mm)
Coupe: 70.2 in (1783 mm) Sedan: 71.5 in (1816 mm) |
| Height | Convertible: 55.8 in (1417 mm)
Coupe: 54.2 in (1377 mm) Sedan: 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in (2761 mm) |
| Weight | Convertible: 4145 lb
Coupe: 3704 lb Sedan: 3726 lb |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 4.0 litre DOHC V8 |
| Power | 420 hp @ 8300 rpm 295 lb-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm |
| Similar | Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Audi RS4 |
| Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular BMW 3 Series automobile.The first M3 was introduced in 1986 with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 inline-4 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMW's M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder
See Wikicars' comprehensive BMW M3 Review.
Recent Changes
- On January 15, 2008, BMW unveiled official images of the M3 Cabriolet in the wake of a premature leak earlier in the week. The new droptop will feature the 4.0 litre V8 found in both sedan and coupe, producing 309 kW/420 hp and 400Nm/295 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm at a maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm matched to a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission dubbed the M DKG. It will also be an important model as it will be the first M3 convertible to be factory-fitted with a retractable hardtop. The car will officially debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March.[1]
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- The upcoming M3 will feature a V8 underneath the hood. Even though this isn't the first M3 to have a V8 under the hood, the 2008 M3 will be the first production M3 to feature a V8. A convertible version should be expected around the spring of 2008. Contrary to the fact that last generation a four-door version was absent from the group, for the fourth generation, BMW is bringing back the sedan variation of the M3, along with for the first time, an M3 Wagon which probably will not reach the United States.
- On Oct. 06, 2007, BMW fully unveiled the BMW M3 sedan on the internet.[2]
Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
Pricing
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| Trim1 | Trim2 | Trim3 | Trim4 |
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| $Price1 | $Price2 | $Price3 | $Price4 |
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Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
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| Coupe | Convertible | Trim3 | Trim4 |
| MPG | |||
| 14/20 | 13/19 | c/h | c/h |
Engine and Transmission
- 4 litre DOHC V8, 32-valve
- 420 bhp @ 8400 rpm
295 lb-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm - 6-speed manual & 7-speed M-DCT
- Top Speed: Top Speed: 161 mph (260 km/h) indicated/155 mph (250 km/h) actual (electronically limited, once delimited a true 200 mph is possible)
- 0-60mph: 4.3 seconds for the BMW E92 M3 coupe and 4.8 seconds for the sedan.
Performance
Reliability
- RECALL ALERT: On Nov 20, 2008, BMW issued a recall affecting all 2008 or 2009 M3s equipped with BMW's DCT Dual Clutch Transmission system due to a software malfunction occurring under hard braking which initiate a multi-stage downshift and causing the car to stall. Owners are urged to visit their local dealer which will replace the defective system under BMW's personal tab. [3][4]
Safety
Photos
M3 Coupe
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M3 Cabriolet
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M3 Sedan
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Colors
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Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
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| <MODEL> Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2008–present)
The new fourth generation of the BMW M3 will feature many exciting changes. The new M3 will set a milestone, carrying the first ever V8 found inside a production M3. The only similarities between the M3 and 3-series coupe are the headlights, tailights, doors and the trunklid. That means that nearly every body panel has been altered to differentiate the M3 from the ordinary coupe. Expect the new M3 to shift from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 175 MPH. A convertible version should be expected around the spring of 2008. Contrary to the fact that last generation a four-door version was absent from the group, for the fourth generation, BMW is bringing back the sedan variation of the M3, along with for the first time, an M3 Wagon which probably will not reach the United States.
Third generation (2001–2007)
The 2001 E46 M3 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 (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N•m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were striking, coloured 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 M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre), a notable feat.
Second generation (1996–1999)
The replacement for the original M3 first 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). For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo". 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) and a different suspension. The reasoning behind the less powerful motor was largely due to both the projected excessive costs in producing the original engine for the U.S. market and the possible difficulty in getting the European engine to pass more strict U.S. emission laws. An M3 that was sold in the United States in 1995 was one of 2953 '94 models shipped from Europe. This coupe has a 3.0L 24-valve DOHC straight six-cylinder engine. This engine produces 240bhp at 6000rpm and 225lbs-foot of torque at 4250. BMW also produced somewhere between 120 and 125 M3 Lightweights (only 85 made it to the US), often called the CSL (for compact sports light). These were reduced weight versions of the model intended to be used on the street or on the track. It was about 200 to 300 pounds lighter than a stock M3 with many of the car's features removed, such as air conditioning, leather seats, and the sunroof. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. 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.
First Generation/Origins (1986-1991)
Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 inline-4 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer Motorsport. The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMWs Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible. The M3 E30 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 panel the standard model and the M3 shared was the hood. 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. To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, 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 I, Evo II and Sport Evo (Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evo; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.
Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
- A heavily-tuned E46 BMW GTR was featured in the computer game Need For Speed Most Wanted, as the player's first car.
Awards
2002 RACV Australia's Best Sports Car Over $57,000
2006 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Sports Car
See Also
| image (between 170-190 pixels) | ||
| BMW | ||
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BMW | Rolls-Royce | Mini Current: 1 Series · 3 Series · 5 Series · 6 Series · 7 Series · Z4 · X3 · X5 · X6 · X4 M Cars: M1 · M3 · M5 · M6 · M Coupe · M Roadster · M535i Historic: 507 ·Z8 · Z3 · Z1 · 503 · 328 · Isetta · 8 Series · E3 · · · · · · · · · · Racing: M3 GTR· V12 LMR · V12 LM98 · 320 Turbo · 3.0 CSL · 700 RS Concept: Nazca M12 · Nazca C2 · Nazca C2 Spyder · Z11 · Z13 · Z18 · Z07 · Z9 · Z9 Convertible · X Coupe · CS1 Concept · xActivity · H2R · Mille Miglia · M3 Concept · CS Concept · Just 4/2 · Concept Z4 Coupe · Turbo · X6 Sports Activity Coupe Concept · Concept X6 Active Hybrid · Concept 1-Series tii · M1 Homage Concept · GINA Light Visionary Concept · M8 Prototype · 750i ActiveHybrid Concept · X1 Concept · Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer Concept iDrive · DesignworksUSA · ConnectedDrive · BMW Welt | ||
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