BMW M3 generations: from the E30 to the G80 M3
From a homologation special with a four-cylinder engine to a 510 hp all-wheel-drive saloon and estate: the six generations of the BMW M3, explained.
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The BMW M3 generations span almost four decades of sports car history. The M3 started in 1986 as a racing car for the road and became the benchmark for compact performance cars.
In this guide we look at every M3, from the E30 to the G80: the engines, the power, the most important special editions and the character of each generation.
E30 M3 (1986–1991): the homologation hero
The first M3 was created so that BMW could race in Group A touring car championships. The rules required a certain number of road cars, so BMW Motorsport built a road version of its racing car.
The E30 M3 used a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, the S14, with four valves per cylinder and individual throttle bodies. With a catalytic converter it produced 195 hp. The body was heavily modified, with wider wheel arches, a different rear window angle and a raised boot lid with a spoiler.
On track, the E30 M3 became one of the most successful touring cars ever, winning championships around the world. Several evolution models followed, including the Sport Evolution with a 2.5-litre engine and 238 hp, and a convertible.
About 18,000 E30 M3s were built. Today it is an icon and one of the most valuable BMWs of its era.
E36 M3 (1992–1999): six cylinders
The second M3 switched to a straight-six engine. The first 3.0-litre version produced 286 hp in Europe, and from 1995 the 3.2-litre S50B32 with double VANOS reached 321 hp. North American cars used a different engine with 240 hp.
The E36 M3 was more refined and comfortable than the E30. It was offered as a coupé, convertible and, for the first time, as a four-door saloon. In 1997 BMW introduced the first SMG gearbox, an automated manual, as an option.
For many years the E36 M3 was one of the most affordable ways into M car ownership. Today, good original examples are rising in value, especially the European 3.2 with the six-speed manual gearbox.
The E36 also created the basis for the modern M3 formula: a usable everyday car with a strong six-cylinder engine and a very capable chassis.
E46 M3 (2000–2006): the favourite
For many enthusiasts, the E46 M3 is the best M3 of all. Its S54 3.2-litre straight-six produced 343 hp at 7,900 rpm and revved to 8,000 rpm, without a turbocharger.
The design was muscular but clean, with a power dome on the bonnet and wide wheel arches. Buyers could choose a six-speed manual or the SMG II sequential gearbox, and the car was available as a coupé and convertible.
The highlight was the M3 CSL of 2003: lighter, with a carbon roof, a carbon intake, 360 hp and a sharper chassis. Only about 1,400 were built. The Competition Package added bigger wheels, faster steering and improved brakes.
About 85,000 E46 M3s were built. Owners should know about rod bearings, the VANOS system, the rear subframe mounting area and the SMG pump, but well-maintained cars are reliable and extremely rewarding to drive.
E90/E92 M3 (2007–2013): the V8
The fourth M3 is the only one with a V8 engine. The S65 had 4.0 litres, 420 hp at 8,300 rpm and a redline of 8,400 rpm. It was closely related to the V10 of the M5 E60 and delivered a fantastic high-rpm sound.
The M3 was offered as an E92 coupé with a carbon roof, an E90 saloon and an E93 convertible with a folding hard top. From 2008, the seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox was available in addition to the six-speed manual.
Special versions included the M3 GTS with a 4.4-litre V8 and 450 hp, and the M3 CRT saloon with carbon parts. The E92 M3 is loved for its sound and balance, but owners should check the rod bearings and the throttle actuators.
Today the E9x M3 is a strong candidate for a future classic: the last naturally aspirated M3 and the only V8.
F80 M3 (2014–2018): turbocharged
In 2014 BMW split the names: the coupé became the M4 (F82), and the M3 continued as a saloon (F80). Both used the S55, a 3.0-litre straight-six with two turbochargers, producing 431 hp and 550 Nm.
The turbo engine gave much more torque at low rpm and better efficiency. The cars were lighter than the E9x thanks to carbon parts such as the roof and the propeller shaft. A six-speed manual and the seven-speed M DCT were available.
The Competition Package raised power to 450 hp, and the M3 CS of 2018 offered 460 hp with a sharper chassis. The M4 GTS went even further, with 500 hp and water injection.
The F80 divided opinion at first because of the synthetic engine sound, but it is very fast and capable, and today it is good value on the used market.
G80 M3 (since 2021): all-wheel drive and Touring
The current M3 uses the S58, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six with 480 hp, or 510 hp in the M3 Competition. In Europe the Competition is the main version, with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic; a six-speed manual is still offered in some markets.
For the first time, the M3 is available with M xDrive all-wheel drive, which includes a rear-wheel-drive mode. In 2022 BMW also launched the M3 Touring, the first ever M3 estate, which quickly became a favourite among fans.
The large front grille caused a lot of discussion, but the performance is impressive: the M3 Competition xDrive reaches 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The M3 CS of 2023 added more power and less weight.
The G80 shows how far the M3 has come: from a 195 hp racing homologation car to a 510 hp all-weather family car.
Which of the BMW M3 generations should you buy?
Every M3 offers something different:
- E30: a pure driving experience and a true icon, but expensive to buy.
- E36: affordable, comfortable and a great entry into the M world.
- E46: the perfect mix of size, sound and feel, with an 8,000 rpm straight-six.
- E9x: the only V8 and an unforgettable sound.
- F80: turbo torque, low weight and good value today.
- G80: the fastest and most practical, including the Touring.
Whatever you choose, look for a complete service history and have the car checked by a specialist who knows the specific engine. A well-maintained M3 is one of the most rewarding cars you can own.
Every BMW M3 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| E30 M3 (1986–1991) | 2.3 four-cylinder S14, 195–238 hp |
| E36 M3 (1992–1999) | 3.0 / 3.2 straight-six, 286 / 321 hp (Europe) |
| E46 M3 (2000–2006) | 3.2 straight-six S54, 343 hp; CSL 360 hp |
| E90/E92/E93 M3 (2007–2013) | 4.0 V8 S65, 420 hp; GTS 450 hp |
| F80 M3 (2014–2018) | 3.0 twin-turbo straight-six S55, 431–460 hp |
| G80 M3 (since 2021) | 3.0 twin-turbo straight-six S58, 480–510 hp |
Frequently asked questions
How many generations of BMW M3 are there?
There are six: E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, F80 and G80. Since 2014, the coupé version is called M4.
Which BMW M3 has a V8?
The E90, E92 and E93 M3 (2007–2013) have the S65 4.0-litre V8 with 420 hp. It is the only M3 generation with a V8 engine.
Which M3 is the best?
Many enthusiasts consider the E46 M3 the best balance of size, sound and feel. The E30 is the icon, the E92 has the V8 and the G80 is the fastest and most practical.
Is there an M3 Touring?
Yes. The G81 M3 Touring was launched in 2022 as the first estate version of the M3, with the same 510 hp engine as the M3 Competition.
Why is the BMW M3 coupé now called M4?
From 2014 BMW gave its coupés even numbers. The 3 Series coupé became the 4 Series, so the M3 coupé became the M4, while the M3 name stayed with the saloon.
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