Last week BMW brought us news about the iconic M3 celebrating 25 years. There’s been just four generations of M3s in that time; if you compare the original E30 to the current E92 you begin to appreciate how long 25 years is in the life cycle of the modern car.
At launch the E30 hit the market with a 2.3 litre four cylinder engine. Peak power was rated at 147kW at 6750 rpm, with 240Nm of torque available from 4750rpm. The feisty pocket rocket tipped the scales at 1200kg. In contrast, the E92, released in 2007, has twice as many cylinders in its engine and almost twice the capacity. Maximum power from the 4.0 litre V8 is 309kW at 8300rpm, while torque has increased to 400Nm from 3900rpm. The listed weight of the manual equipped E92 is 1580kg. One interesting side note is the capacity of the fuel tank; 70 litres in the E30, reduced to 63 litres in the current model.
After the jump you can see a selection of images from all four generations of M3; E30, E36, E46 and E92. You get a good insight at the presence the M3 has made on racetracks around the world too. Basic specs will be given and a more comprehensive list is available for download (700kb PDF).
The only thing left to discuss is to let us know which M3 is your favourite. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
E30 M3 // 1986–1990
Engine: 2.3 litre four cylinder
Power: 147kW @ 6750rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 4750rpm
Weight: 1200kg (Coupé)
0–100km/h: 6.7 seconds
Standing kilometre: 27.2 seconds
E36 M3 // 1992–1999
Engine: 3.0 litre six cylinder
Power: 210kW @ 7000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 3600rpm
Weight: 1460kg (Coupé)
0–100km/h: 6.0 seconds
Standing kilometre: 25.6 seconds
E46 M3 // 2000–2006
Engine: 3.2 litre six cylinder
Power: 252kW @ 7900rpm
Torque: 365Nm @ 4900rpm
Weight: 1570kg (Coupé)
0–100km/h: 5.2 seconds
Standing kilometre: 24.2 seconds
E92 M3 // 2007–
Engine: 4.0 litre V8
Power: 309kW @ 8300rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 3900rpm
Weight: 1580kg (Coupé)
0–100km/h: 4.8 seconds (manual transmission)
Standing kilometre: 23.3 seconds (manual transmission)
15 replies on “25 years of the BMW M3 in pictures”
In 1996, BMW updated the E36 with a 3.2 litre engine and 6 speed box. If I’m not mistaken, power was 236kw. This is one M3 I’m very familiar with, especially in Boston Green. 😉
E30 is my all time favourite. I have a friend who has a rally version in the full BMW race livery, and everytime I see it I wish I owned it!
The E46 GTR and ALMS car is also a great looking car.
I allways will have a soft spot for the E46. I got one of the first customer delivered cars in OZ. The E46 was the car that got me into racing, and it has been a bit of a slippery slope for me since then!
Yep sure was WAY,Im more familiar with the Atlantis Blue colour though 😉 .0-100 in 5.5 secs for the 3.2 not far behind the E46.
I also would have loved a E30 ,fell in love with them from seeing them race and win at Bathurst,too bad they were all left hand hook coming into this Country……….they are now bringing bigger prices than the E46 M3 here…….and heavily sought after in the UK….
Beautiful array of pictures! M@
@WAY the basic specs used here have been sourced from the PDF supplied by BMW. I have only included the coupé specs from initial launch of each generation, so mid-cycle updates or limited releases etc aren’t shown.
I’d pencil in the E30 as my favourite M3 too. Although, it wasn’t really until the E36 that I started lusting after them. Now, though, E30 would be my pick for sure.
Yeah thanks for the great shots Liam……..I think its the raw appeal of the E30 that draws me back ,too many nanny controls have taken over these days,sort of takes away the driving appeal…… will be good to see the 6 return to the M3 although the 4 litre V8 does sound awesome……….
E30 is my favourite too, especially the EVO 2. But I have a real soft spot for the E36 for obvious reason. This article makes me want to go out and buy a E36 3.2. Anyone know of a good one?
Just sold mine……….went to Adelaide.
Was one in Hobart I know of low k car around 34k I think. Ill check for you…….
I guess you looking for a manual ,better than the smg………but hard to find.
Think its Estriol blue………
Yes manual only! Estoril is nice, but my X5M is monte carlo blue (the new Estoril) so maybe a different colour. Anything but Techno violet and that egg custard yellow.
Sold sorry Way,ironically came to WA ,Techno Violet was what I was looking for, white interior,but failed. Atlantis Blue I got but only 4 came into the Country ,another individual colour perhaps….Darkar Yellow…….yeah but I think most of those where in the 3.0 litre,great colour though.Will keep my feelers out………
wayne how about we go halves and turn it into a track bitch..
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