BMW M3 E92, E90 AND E93.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.