The Top 6 BMW M3s In History

The M3 Series isn’t the first motorsports lineup from BMW, but it’s considered to be one of the most decorated in the automaker’s books.

The beginnings of the M3 Series can be traced back to 1986 when BMW had no choice but to build a street-legal version of the special 3 series to abide by the FIA’s homologation rules and compete in certain racing series.

Today, these vehicles remain beloved by drivers due to their lightweight construction and powerful drivetrains. But which ones are the best of the best? Check out this list of the top BMW M3s in history.

BMW M3 E36: The Second-Generation Pioneer

The BMW M3 E36 was more than the E30’s successor一it was a pioneer in its own right.

Produced from 1992 to 1999, the E36’s angular yet compact design made it look like an outlier in BMW’s M3 lineup. It didn’t look like other race cars, but it packed quite a punch on the tracks thanks to variable camshaft adjustment technology.

Variable camshaft adjustment was first used on the E36, enabling the model to generate maximum torque under partial and full load ranges.

The E36’s powerful naturally aspirated engine hid in a straight-line body that came with M-side mirrors and aprons at the front and rear. Size-wise, the E36 was three centimeters lower than the E30, optimizing its center of gravity and handling.

A facelifted E36 rolled out in 1995, featuring white turn signal lenses and a retouched kidney grille design. Along with these came an S50B30 engine that made the E36 half a second faster than before.

• Engine: 3.2L inline 6-cylinder
• Horsepower: 321 hp
• Torque: 258 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 s
• Weight: 3219 lbs

BMW M3 F80: Unlocked Potential

One look at the M3 F80 is enough to realize that the model is built to perform.

Former BMW head of design Karim Habib had this in mind when he developed the F80. Indeed, the model boasted a long hood and low-slung silhouette with a carbon roof, overtaking mirrors, striking wheel housings, and other head-turning features.

This fifth-generation M3 made its debut before Christmas of 2013. Aside from its sleek style, the F80 also carried the first-ever M TwinPower Turbo Technology in an M3 vehicle. This innovation created the perfect combination of a high-performance and naturally aspirated engine infused with modern turbo tech.

The F80’s turbochargers can respond according to the mono-scroll principle, high-precision gasoline injection, variable valve control, and double VANOS stepless camshaft adjustment.

• Engine: 3.0L inline 6-cylinder
• Horsepower: 431 hp
• Torque: 406 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 4.3 s
• Weight: 3351 lbs

BMW M3 G80: Daily Driving In Sport Mode

The G80 M3 is BMW’s sixth-generation high-performance 3-series.

The G80 debuted in 2020 with an all-wheel drive option, which was a first for M3s. All-wheel drive G80s were equipped with the automaker’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, which lets drivers shift gears manually if they want to.

The G80 also had a rear-wheel drive option, which came with a manual, six-speed gearbox.

A great daily driver especially when it’s in sport mode, the G80 offers countless customization options and is compatible with all BMW M performance parts.

Perhaps one of the most distinct features of the G80 is the elongated kidney grille. It’s not for everybody, but then again, the G80 is designed to perform rather than turn heads with its looks.

• Engine: 3.0L inline 6-cylinder
• Horsepower: 480 hp
• Torque: 406 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 s
• Weight: 3924 lbs

BMW M3 E30: The Origin

The E30 had a lot to do with the success of other M3 models, partly because it was the very first and most iconic M3 to ever hit the streets.

The E30’s low weight, high torque output, and durability quickly earned the M3 a cult following. Manufactured from 1986 to 1991, it was built to be a street version of a racing sedan.

Unlike other M3 models, the E30 didn’t really need much help from turbochargers and compressors to dominate the tracks. Its four-cylinder engine was enough to churn out 200 hp, which was already an impressive feat for vehicles at the time.

You can call the E30 an old car all you want, but most enthusiasts would agree that the model is a timeless classic in terms of style.

Known as the pinnacle of performance and style, the E30 has seen some time under the spotlight一both on track and on screen.

You’ve probably seen the E30 in Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia mixtape (2011), the Jack Boys’ debut album, and movies like Ocean’s 8 (2018), and Inception (2010).

The E30 was heavy on plastic, particularly on the bumpers, side skirts, trunk lid, and spoiler, which improved its aerodynamics. It also had a flatter and wider C-pillar than the one on the two-door 3 Series.

• Engine: 2.3L inline 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 195 hp
• Torque: 170 lb-ft 
• 0-60 mph: 6.8s
• Weight: 2998 lbs

BMW M3 E92: A Power-Packed Sports Coupe

Produced between 2007 and 2013, the E92 M3 is nothing like its predecessors.

The fourth-generation M3 had a major revamp that set it apart from the 3 Series. Its doors, trunk lid, windows, and lights were the only ones that resembled the 3 Series. All other components were designed specifically for the M3.

BMW sought to give the E92 a muscular appearance to accommodate the beast under the hood一a V8 565B40 engine.

The E92 was the first M3 car to sport an eight-cylinder engine. The inspiration came from the BMW Sauber Formula 1 team’s engine setup. BMW even had the E92’s engine block produced in the Landshut light metal foundry, the same place that manufactured the automaker’s Formula 1 engines.

What’s even more fascinating about the E92 is the crisp racing sound that it produced, which could make anyone feel like a full-fledged racecar driver.

• Engine: 3.0L V8
• Horsepower: 414 hp
• Torque: 295 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 s
• Weight: 3649 lbs

BMW M3 E46: Paying Homage to the Iconic E30

The E46’s low-weight construction and high-rev concept are some of the things that made the model a fan favorite.

Unlike the E92, which stepped away from its predecessor’s shadows, the E46 did the opposite,  It closely resembled the E30一the M3 pioneer.

The model’s six-cylinder S54B32 engine was also a nod to the E30. Backed with a double VANOS system, the engine earned eight wins during the Engine of the Year awards.

In terms of design, the E46 went all out with widened fenders, specialized side skirts, and a modified front apron that aimed to improve aerodynamics. The model also sported a gurney flap at the rear that sought to reduce lift and improve traction.

• Engine: 3.2L inline 6-cylinder
• Horsepower: 343 hp
• Torque: 269 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 4.9 s
• Weight: 3649 lbs

BMW M3 FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about the BMW M3.

How Much Is the BMW M3?

The average price of a BMW M3 Coupe – E30 is around $75,000. Meanwhile, a 1990 to 1992 MBW M3 Sport Evolution would cost around $230,000 as of this writing.

Why Is the M3 So Expensive?

The E30 M3 is expensive because it’s a rare vintage BMW. Collectors will pay good money just to have one.