BMW M3 generations

BMW M3 E92, E90 AND E93.

For the love of motorsport.

BMW M3 E92, E90 and E93.For the love of motorsport.

In the autumn of 2007, BMW M launched the fourth generation BMW M3 E92 sports coupé. Two further launches followed in 2008, as the high-performance vehicle was made available in three body styles: the E92 Coupé, the E93 Convertible and, for the first time since the E36, as the E90 Sedan. Just like their predecessors, the models set new standards in terms of technology and driving dynamics. But one new feature in particular was to make the headlines: never before had the BMW M3 been powered by an eight-cylinder engine.

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5 POWERFUL FACTS:

  • 01 Fourth generation of the BMW M3
  • 02 Production period: 2007 to 2013
  • 03 V8 engine with high speed concept
  • 04 Max. output: 309 kW (420 hp)
  • 05 Introduction of the M Drive System
Blauer BMW M3 E92

UNIQUE M.

By 2007, over 20 years had passed since the first BMW M3 took to the road. While the outstanding characteristics of this M powerhouse are ever-present, with the BMW M3 E92 it became a fully-fledged sports car, seeing its length and width increased over those of its predecessors. What remained were the distinctly flared wings and unique design; based on the dimensions and basic shape of the BMW 3 Series coupé, the M engineers completely redesigned and redeveloped numerous elements of its body. Apart from the chassis, only the doors, boot lid, windows and front and rear lights were taken from the BMW 3 Series Coupé. All other components were designed specifically for the BMW M3. In order to further optimise the vehicle’s centre of gravity, the M3 E92 was equipped with a carbon fibre roof as standard for the first time – a high-strength and particularly lightweight component that was previously reserved for the special BMW M3 CSL (E46) model.

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Blauer BMW M3 E92

V8 ENGINE FROM MOTOR RACING.

Another visual highlight of the fourth-generation BMW M3 is the particularly pronounced power dome on its bonnet. As well as giving the sports car a muscular appearance, its striking shape has a tangible purpose: to accommodate the eight-cylinder engine powering the BMW M3. This engine is the S65B40, which brought with it more cylinders, more displacement, more power, and more revs.

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The V8 engine oft the BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93

The V8 engine oft the BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93.

Although it replaced the epochal in-line 6-cylinder engine that had been so popular with fans for the previous 15 years, the V-shaped eight-cylinder was a winner right from the start. With a displacement of four litres, an output of 309 kW (420 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, its phenomenal stats stood out, even on paper. Particularly impressive is its top rev speed of 8,300 rpm, which creates an incredible racing sound before each gear change. High revs were not a must, however: with the S65B40, a torque of 340 Nm was available at just 2,000 rpm.

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Nick Heidfeld driving the BMW Sauber F1.08

2008: Nick Heidfeld drives the BMW Sauber F1.08.

INSPIRATION FROM FORMULA 1.

As is typical for BMW M, the V8 engine features numerous technologies such as double VANOS, individual throttle valves and powerful engine electronics. At the same time, the number of cylinders, the M high-rev concept and the low weight of only 202 kilograms indicate that the M engineers were inspired by the BMW Sauber Formula 1 team’s eight-cylinder engine.

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And that's not all: the engine block was even produced in the Landshut light metal foundry, where the BMW Sauber Formula 1 engines were also manufactured. Altogether, this delivered tangible results: the M3 Coupé with M DKG transmission accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the engine electronics take it all the way to 250 km/h. With the optional M Drivers Package, speeds of up to 280 km/h are possible.

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BMW M3 E90 in Silver Grey

BMW M3 E90: With the same front as the E92, the sedan is also immediately recognisable as a genuine M3.

SOFTWARE MEETS M POWER.

The fact that the digital age dawned at the same time as the BMW M3 is reflected in its numerous software innovations. For example, as well as featuring intelligent energy management with brake energy regeneration for the first time, the M Drive System in the fourth generation M3 also allows numerous driving dynamics parameters to be configured according to personal preference and called up instantly with the M Drive button. This was based around the M3’s adaptive chassis with three different characteristics, implemented via the electronic damper control – yet another adjustment available at the touch of a button.

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M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic of the BMW M3 E90, E92 und E93

M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic of the BMW M3 E90, E92 und E93.

SHIFT FASTER.

The M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.

The M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic launched in 2008 illustrates the interaction of modern software and precise mechanics particularly well: the newly developed M DKG transmission featured seven gears and eleven electronically controlled drive programs. Six of these were intended for manual mode via the shift paddles. Launch control for maximum acceleration from a standing start is also available. The drive programs can be configured by the driver, saved and then recalled by pressing the M Drive button. The transmission’s complex cooling system also ensures stability suitable for the racetrack. All in all, the M DKG played a major role in the overall performance of the model; up until this point, no BMW M3 has been able to transfer drive power from the engine to the wheels faster. For advocates of pure driving, the manual six-speed transmission was of course still available.

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Alpine White BMW M3 E93 Convertible

BMW M3 E93: The luxury of open-top driving meets the driving dynamics of a BMW M3.

BMW M3 GTS

SPECIAL MODELS.

SPECIAL MODELS.

BMW M3 GTS.

Numerous special models were made during the BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93’s production period. 2010’s BMW M3 E92 GTS attracted particular attention, and not only due to its Fire Orange paint finish: the special model also achieved a maximum output of 450 hp from its larger 4.4-litre engine. A roll cage, coilover suspension and a striking rear spoiler were just three of the features that made this highly limited-edition car an uncompromising sports machine. Without a rear seat bench and by using lighter materials in the door panels and polycarbonate for the rear windows, it saved around 50 kilograms of weight. If customers also chose the free option of dispensing with the audio system and automatic climate control, it weighed in at just 1,530 kilograms. The resultant driving performance was correspondingly high: the GTS accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, reaching an impressive maximum speed of 305 km/h.

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BMW M3 GT2 ALMS

SUCCESS IN MOTORSPORT.

SUCCESS IN MOTORSPORT.

BMW M3 GT2 Art Car by Jeff Koons

BMW M3 ART CAR.

BMW M3 ART CAR.

THE BMW M3 ART CAR BY JEFF KOONS.

Unleashed energy as a racing car design: in 2010, US artist Jeff Koons designed the seventeenth BMW Art Car. For its unique look, the artist collected images of race cars, related graphics, vibrant colours, speed and explosions. After its world premiere on June 2, 2010 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris the BMW Art Car competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12, 2010. The car designed by Jeff Koons and driven by Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE), turned out to be a true fan favourite. It started with the number 79 – a tribute to Andy Warhol’s BMW Art Car from 1979.

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Jeff Koons with the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car

Jeff Koons

"These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy. You can participate with it, add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car – it’s really to connect with that power."
Jeff Koons

THE NEW BMW M3 AND M4.

The sixth generation BMW M3 and the second generation BMW M4 are poised for launch. Experience exclusive content and get a first look at BMW M’s latest high-performance vehicles right now. Plus: Every week a comprehensive article on all generations of the BMW M3 since 1986.

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BMW M3 E92

NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE.

The BMW M3 E92.

NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE.

The BMW M3 E92.