BMW M3 (G80/G81)

BMW M3 (G80/G81)

The BMW M3 is a sports model of the BMW 3 Series, which has been manufactured since the beginning of 1986. It is a vehicle that was developed by the BMW subsidiary BMW M GmbH and initially produced (E30 and E36). The later series (E46 and E90) were created by BMW AG. The BMW M3 is a particularly powerful variant of the respective 3 Series series vehicle.

When it was launched in spring 1986, the BMW M3 (E30) was only available as a two-door sedan. From mid-1988, the M3 was also offered as a convertible.

In the successor model based on the E36, which was introduced in autumn 1992, the two-door variant of the 3 Series was called a coupé for the first time. It was also available as a four-door sedan and a convertible from 1994.

The third series of the M3 (E46) was only produced as a coupé and convertible from mid-2000 to summer 2006.

The fourth M3 version (E90) was available as a sedan for the first time since 1999 in addition to the coupé and convertible. The convertible now had a three-part steel folding roof instead of a fabric top for the first time.

In spring 2014, the fifth M3 generation was presented, which is now only produced as a sedan, as the coupé and convertible are sold under the separate name M4. Furthermore, the M3 was given its own development code for the first time: it is therefore not sold under the abbreviation F30, but is called F80. The M4 models also received their own names (coupe: F82; convertible: F83).

The sixth generation was presented in September 2020. In June 2022, a station wagon version of the M3 was presented for the first time with the M3 Touring.

G80/81 generation

The full M version of the G20 3 Series, powered by the BMW S58 turbocharged straight-six engine that debuted in the G01 X3 M. All-wheel drive (xDrive) has been announced as being optional on the new M3, which would represent the first time that an M3 has used a drivetrain layout other than rear-wheel drive. A manual gearbox will be available only with rear wheel drive, and is the only transmission available on the standard M3 model. It will also be available as a Touring (estate) model, marking the first time BMW has offered an M3 Touring. The BMW M3 G80 is on sale as a 2021 model, with the initial prototypes tested at the Nürburgring alongside the BMW M4 G82. It was officially unveiled on 23 September 2020 alongside the new M4.

M3 Competition

At launch in 2020, the M3 Competition model was unveiled alongside the standard M3 model. Compared to the standard M3, the M3 Competition increases power output by 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp) to a total of 375 kW (510 PS; 503 hp) and torque is increased by 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) to 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft), and it is offered exclusively with an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. The M3 Competition also features a separate transmission oil cooler, black chrome exhaust tips, forged M light-alloy wheels, automatic brake hold function, and high-gloss black mirrors.

M3 CS

In 2023, at the 24 Hours of Daytona, BMW unveiled the limited-production M3 CS model. The model features a power increase to 404.5 kW (550 PS; 542 hp) and a weight-reduction of 15 kilograms (33.1 pounds) compared to the M3 Competition xDrive. It is offered only as an all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic model.

Updates

In July 2022, for the 2023 model year, the M3 saloon received the new dual curved display featuring iDrive 8, matching the facelifted, standard 3 Series. It replaces the previous separate digital cockpit and infotainment system with iDrive 7. The M3 Touring launched directly with the new display.

M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models. These include a wing, carbon fibre side skirts, an M Performance Exhaust system, canards, a carbon fibre splitter, a carbon fibre diffuser and rear ground effects.