BMW M3 F80 AND M4 F82.

With the F80 series’ newly developed inline 6-cylinder engine, M GmbH was treading both traditional and new territory: on the one hand, the number of cylinders and their arrangement is closely linked to the history of BMW M. On the other, the motor with the reference number S55B30 contained for the first time a power unit with turbocharger in a BMW M3. The aim was to combine the advantages of a high-performance, naturally aspirated motor with the strengths of modern turbo technology.

Lighter and stronger: for the first time, the BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82 can if desired be equipped with M carbon ceramic brakes.  

From 2016, BMW M3 and M4 were available for the first time as a Competition version. The new option resulted in several changes to engine and suspension: the engine of the Competition model was given a performance hike of 14kW (19hp) to 331kW (450hp), the Adaptive M Suspension was fitted as standard and the exhaust system had a more emotional sound thanks to new mapping. The Competition Package had more extensive series features along with black exterior accessories.

In 2017, the series had a facelift. New LED rear lights and a sharper light signature for the headlights make the M3 and M4 stand out from their predecessors. The range was further extended with new colours and wheel rim designs.

In 2016, as a special homage to the 30-year success story of the BMW M3, BMW M presented an exclusive special edition limited to 500 cars. The BMW M3 “30 Jahre M3” in BMW Individual Macao Blue metallic is inspired by the M3 E30 in which this shade of paint was once offered. Only available with the Competition Package, the tradition-rich edition achieved 450hp.

A real collector’s piece: in 2014, BMW celebrated Marco Wittmann winning the driver’s title of the DTM with the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition. The special edition was limited to 23 cars, inspired by Wittman’s race number. The homage to Wittman’s car was only available in Alpine White.

In 2016, the second BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition was launched: Marco Wittmann won Europe’s premier touring car championship for the second time. The special edition was limited to 200 units and produced in the traditional M livery, which quoted the look of the 2016 DTM cars. Indeed, driving the car on racetracks was highly desired: under the bonnet lurked the 500hp-strong motor of the M4 GTS.

Towards the end of the production period of the BMW M4 F82, the high-performance coupé was again released as a special edition. The BMW M4 Edition M Heritage was available in three colours: Laguna Seca Blue, Velvet Blue metallic and Imola Red – the three traditional BMW M colours. The choice of exterior colour was matched by the two-tone leather interior. The Competition Package and the 450hp-strong engine were also standard.

In the 2015 season, the BMW M4 was employed as the official safety car for motor cycling’s MotoGP. With a unique, dynamic design, LED light bars on the roof and flashers on the front, the model could be identified as the lead car, and not just at first glance. Numerous M Performance Parts and coilovers made the M4 very fast on the track – pretty important, when two dozen of the fastest motorcyclists in the world are breathing down your neck.

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.