BMW M3

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.

The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style added soon after. M3 Sedans were available during the E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4, so that generation of 3 Series saw the M3 produced only as a sedan. In 2020, the M3 was produced as an estate (Touring) for the first time, alongside the sedan.

Upgrades over the regular 3 Series models include engines, handling, brakes, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and various interior upgrades. The M3's biggest contribution to both driver safety and the performance industry is BMW's continual development of their limited-slip differential, which mathematically maximizes torque and grip without compromising handling. The M3's most notable implementation of technology came in 1992 when the E36 M3 was outfitted with the SMG-I gearbox. When they fitted the E46 M3 with the SMG-II gearbox, it officially took the title as the fastest shifting gear box in the world. A carbon fiber air box was developed for the E46 M3 CSL, and it worked by creating a vortex of air that could constantly maintain maximum air induction pressure to maximize throttle response.

E30 generation (1986–1991)

The first BMW M3 was based on the E30 3 Series and was intended to be a homologation special to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules, which required a total of 5,000 cars to be built. It was presented to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, and began production from March 1986 to June 1991. The E30 M3 was mainly produced in the coupé body style, but limited volumes of convertibles were also produced.

The front splitter, the rear apron, sill panels, as well as changes to the body in the area of the rear window ( C-pillar) and the bootlid improved the aerodynamics. For aerodynamic reasons, the rear window was flattened and the tailgate was made of light, glass-reinforced plastic raised by approximately 40 mm for better air flow. The changes over the rear of the car resulted in lower lift forces and better straight-line stability. In addition, the windscreen was glued in – not, as with the other E30 models, framed with a window rubber and piping. As a result, the M3 achieved a relatively low instead of as in the standard 3 Series. The only exterior body panels the regular 3 Series and the M3 shared were the bonnet, roof panel, sunroof.

The brake calipers, rotors and master cylinder were unique to the M3 model.

The transmission was a ''Getrag 265'' 5-speed manual. European models were outfitted with a dogleg version with close ratios and a 1:1 ratio for fifth gear. North American models used a traditional shift pattern and had wider gear spacing with an overdriven fifth gear. A clutch-type limited-slip differential was standard equipment.

In 2004, ''Sports Car International'' named the E30 M3 number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. In 2007, ''Automobile Magazine'' included the E30 M3 in their "5 greatest drivers cars of all time" under their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time.

This generation now easily fetches $100,000.

File:BMW M3 E30 (4889208362).jpg, Coupé
File:BMW M3 Cabrio 1991 purble vl TCE.jpg, Convertible

Engine

The E30 M3 used the BMW S14 four-cylinder engine, a high-revving DOHC design with a head closely based on that of the BMW S38 six-cylinder engine and the block from the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine with a 7,250 rpm redline. In countries where the M3 was sold with a catalytic converter, the initial versions were rated at and had a top speed of . In countries where a catalytic converter was not fitted, the engine was rated at .

Suspension

Differences from the regular E30 models included:
* 5-stud wheel hubs
* 225/45R16 Pirelli P700-Z tyres.
* offset control arm bushings in the front suspension, for increased caster angle
* aluminium control arms
* revised front strut tubes with bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube, similar to the E28 5 Series
* front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing from the E28 5 Series

Brakes

Although uncommon, differences from the standard E30 M3 included:
* 310mm slotted front & 295mm slotted rear rotors
* 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers
* stainless steel braided hoses

Special editions

Evolution

In 1989, the sportier "Evolution" model (also called "EVO1") of European M3s were upgraded to the (as introduced on the Ravaglia special edition model), increasing the top speed to .
Non catalytic converter "Evolution" model (also called "EVO2") introduced in 1988 was rated at . Other changes included larger wheels (16 × 7.5 inches), thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter bootlid, a deeper front splitter and an additional rear spoiler. A total of 505 cars were produced, including 40 sold in France as the "Tour de Corse".

Sport Evolution

A more powerful and lighter "Sport Evolution" model (sometimes referred to as "EVO3"), with a limited production run of 600 units, was produced with an upgraded engine rated at at 7,000 rpm and at 4,750 rpm. The top speed was increased to . Sport Evolution models have enlarged front bumper openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing. Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights.

Ravaglia and Cecotto editions

In April 1989, the Ravaglia and Cecotto limited editions were released, both named after ''Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft'' (DTM) racing drivers. Power was increased to with a catalytic converter. Cecotto Edition production consisted of 480 cars, plus 80 cars for the Swiss market de-tuned to to meet Swiss emissions limits. The production run for the Ravaglia Edition consisted of 25 cars.

M3 Pickup prototype

In 1986, BMW produced an "M3 Pickup" prototype pickup truck, based on the convertible model. The M3 Pickup used the narrower body of regular E30 models and was originally powered by the 2.0-litre version of the S14 engine from the Italian-specification M3. It was used by BMW M as a transporter for roughly 26 years before it was officially retired in 2012.

Production volumes

Total production of the E30 M3 was 17,970 cars.

Motorsport

The M3 E30 competed in many forms of motorsport and was highly successful in touring car racing. In full race trim, the 1988 M3's naturally aspirated engine was rated at approximately . The E30 M3 won the 24 Hours Nürburgring five times (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994) and the Spa 24 Hours four times (1987, 1988, 1990 and 1992), often competing against cars with significantly larger or turbocharged engines.

To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced and sold in limited volumes. These include the Evo 1, Evo 2, and Sport Evolution, with upgrades including weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, taller front wheel arches (to allow 18-inch wheels to be used in DTM racing), bigger brake ducts and more power output from the engine. With the introduction of the 2.5L evolution engine into racing in 1990, power increased to approximately .

The M3 also competed as a rally car, with Prodrive-prepared examples contesting several national championships and selected rounds of the World Rally Championship between 1987 and 1989. By the latter year, the cars, based on the regular M3, were equipped with six-speed gearboxes and were rated at . The M3 was not very competitive with the four-wheel drive cars on loose surfaces, but it was a very effective car on asphalt. Its most notable success was a victory on the Tour de Corse in 1987, driven by Bernard Béguin.

Championships

* World Touring Car Championship; 1 title (1987)
* European Touring Car Championship; 2 titles (1987 and 1988)
* British Touring Car Championship; 2 titles (1988 and 1991)
* Italia Superturismo Championship; 4 titles (1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991)
* Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft; 2 titles (1987 and 1989)
* Australian Touring Car Championship; 1 title (1987)
* Australian 2.0 Litre Touring Car Championship

HOME


Content is Copyleft
Website design, code, and AI is Copyrighted (c) 2014-2017 by Stephen Payne


Consider donating to Wikimedia



As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases