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.

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).

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.

BMW M3 Performance

0-60 mph: 4.6 - 4.8 seconds for E92 Coupe/ 4.7 - 4.9 seconds for E90 Sedan / 5.1 - 5.3 seconds for E93 Convertible

1/4 mile: 12.5 seconds @ 114.8 mph (184.8 km/h)

Top Speed: 161 mph (259 km/h) indicated/155 mph (249 km/h) actual (electronically limited, once delimited a true 186 mph is possible)

Skid Pad: 0.98 g, Slalom: 71.4 mph (114.9 km/h)

BMW M3

Car - BMW M3