Nothing exudes as much excitement and ecstasy as the BMW M3.
The mere mention of the word M3 is enough to send screams, “terror” and euphoria to the hearts of many car enthusiasts around the world.
So what is it that makes the M3 so special?
Is it the Beemer insignia, the look, or is it just the name itself?
Frankly speaking, for most of us here, it’s just the above three items that really make us fall in love with the M3.
But the M3’s trump card isn’t just its menacing looks and blue and white propeller insignia, so to speak. It’s sheer performance and sheer driving pleasure that you get every time you turn the ignition key on this wonderful machine.
The first M3 was introduced in 1986 under the E30 platform. Engine specs were somewhat moderate, as the car only came with a 2.4L inline-4 engine and was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The second-generation M3, the E36, on the other hand, was much more refined, and it was the model that also began to win the hearts of many. Debuted in 1992, it was also the first M3 to be equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The car looked much meaner than the E30, and the performance figures also dwarfed its predecessor, which seemed much more tame.
Then came the E46 M3, and this was the model that really took the world by storm. Armed with a more muscular and robust-looking body, the car was not only bigger and more aggressive-looking, but it also had a more powerful engine under the hood. Power delivery came in the form of a new S54B32 in-line 6-cylinder 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine. With 338 hp under the hood, it took the M3 just 4.8 seconds to hit the century mark.
The E46 M3 also came with BMW’s Drivelogic SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission, which is somewhat similar to a Formula 1 style clutchless manual gearbox. Steering wheel mounted shift paddles were also installed to provide a driving experience. sportier for the driver.
Perhaps the best and most focused M3 would be none other than the M3 CSL, which stands for Coupe Sports Lightweight. Although the CSL version started in the E36 era, it was the E46 M3 CSL that stole all the limelight. As the name suggests, BMW had only one focus in mind: making the car as light as possible. Many lightweight materials were used to build the car and one of the few distinguishing features was the use of a carbon fiber roof, a lighter exhaust manifold, thinner rear glass, and lightweight racing seats. BMW even removed the air conditioning system and radio unit, although they could be ordered based on customer preferences.
Its engine was also overhauled and additional performance parts were added to the engine as well.
The end product was a car that could not only outperform the standard M3, but could even match the performance of a Ferrari 360.
It really made the CSL stand tall in the eyes of the world.
So what else can be said regarding the M3?
Well, let’s face it. When it comes to the M3, it’s all about the numbers.
And this can be clearly seen in the fourth generation model.
Numbers and performance figures are everything for this current M3. Codenamed E90, E92, and E93, the car came with an impressive 4-liter V8 engine, capable of delivering a healthy dose of 414 hp at an incredible 8,300 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm at 3,900 rpm.
The fourth-generation M3 also came with a sedan version. Although the car is based on the E90 3 series platform, the BMW designers decided to include some styling cues from its coupe brother, such as the same front design as the coupe.
Honestly speaking, I wouldn’t mind having one of these babies in my garage, really. Who would not?
It’s not just the Beemer badge that makes heads turn every time one sees an M3 burning on the highway or cruising around town, but an M3 will always be an M3.
It is a car made for the driver and the road. It is made to get your adrenaline pumping every time you look at it. And it is made to seduce every part of your body, mind and soul.
Simply put, the M3 is truly a machine of engine perfection.