BMW M3

Car Auto Online | BMW M3 | BMW M3 is the version of BMW 3 Series with high-performance, developed by BMW M, a division of BMW//'s in-house motorsport. The models of BMW M3 have been derived from the E30,E36,E46 and E90 / E92/ E93 3series,and sold with body stylesCoupé, convertible and sedan.Upgrades over the"//standard" BMW 3 Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive engines,improved handling / suspension / braking systems,aerodynamic body enhancements,and exterior/interior accents with the 3-color " M " (Motorsport)emblem.

BasedOn the1986 model year BMW E30 3-Series,the 1st BMW M3 was introduced with a 2.3L I4 S14B23 engine(also known as S14).The engine design was based on various BMW parts:basic block layout from the BMW M10 4-cylinder(found in the2002 and 320series)overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6.The valve train and head architecture from BMW//'s M1 and,later, M6 inline-6-cylinder was adopted for aggressive breathing.

InContrast to later BMW M3 iterations,the BMW E30-M3 was campaigned byBMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive & AC Schnitzer competing in many forms of racing including rally as well as German,British, Belgian,French, Australian, and Italian touring.The production of the BMW E30 road car was to homologate the BMW M3 for Group A Touring Car racing.It was to compete with the "// 2.3-16V //"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 190E that was introduced in1983.In its final years of competition,the 2.5L S14engine in full race trim was capable of over 250hp(190 kW)naturally aspirated.

The 3rd car road-going version produced 192bhp(143 kW; 195 PS)(catalyzed model)and 197.3bhp (147 kW; 200 PS)(non-catalyzed model).Evolution models(not sold in North America)continued with 2.3L but adopted a number of changes including a revised intake camshaft profile and modified exhaust camshaft timing,increased compression,and a more efficient cylinder head intake port design.Larger diameter exhaust header tubes along with the lack of a catalyst contributed to produce approximately 220 hp(160 kW).Other Evolution model changes included larger wheels(16 X 7.5 inches),thinner rear and side window glass,a lighter bootlid, a deeper front spoiler and additional rear spoiler. Later the Sport Evolution model production run of 600 (sometimes referred as Evolution III)increased engine displacement to 2.5L and produced 238hp(177 kW; 241 PS).Sport Evolution models had higher lift intake and exhaust camshafts, enlarged front fender openings and an adjustable multi-position front splitter and rear wing.Brake cooling ducts were installed in place of front foglights.An additional 786 convertibles were also produced.

BMW M3 Sedan Interior

BMW M3 Changes from the standard BMW 3-series

Changes in the Body

The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3, although using the same basic unit-body shell as the standard E30, was equipped with 12 different and unique body panels for the purposes of improving aerodynamics, as well as "box flared" wheel-arches in the front and rear to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only exterior body panels the standard model 3-series and the M3 shared were the hood, roof panel, and sunroof.

2011 BMW M3 Coupe Interior

Changes in the Suspension

The E30 M3 differs from the standard E30 by having a 5x120 wheel bolt patern. The E30 M3 had increased caster angle through major front suspension changes. The M3 had specific solid rubber offset control arm bushings. It used aluminum control arms and the front strut tubes where changed to a design similar (bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube) to the E28 5-series. This included carrying over the 5 series front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing. The rear suspension is a carry over from the E30.

Changes in the Brakes

The E30 M3 had special front and rear brake calipers and rotors. It also has a special brake master cylinder.

2011 BMW M3 Convertible Interior

Changes in the Driveline

The E30 M3 had one of two Getrag 265 5 speed gearboxes. US models received an overdrive transmission while European models were outfitted with a "dogleg" version, with first gear being down and to the left, and fifth gear being a direct 1:1 ratio. Rear differentials installed included a 4.10:1 final-drive ratio for US models. European versions were equipped with a 3.15:1 final drive ratio. All versions were clutch-type limited-slip differentials with 25% lockup.

To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement. These include: the Evo 1, Evo 2, and Sport Evolution some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evolution; to further facilitate 18-inch (460 mm) wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Other limited-production models (based on evolution models but featuring special paintwork and/or unique interior schemes commemorating championship wins) include the Europa, Ravaglia, Cecotto, and Europameister. Production of the original BMW E30 M3 ended inearly1992.

BMW M3s were entered byBMW as well as private racing teams and its wins included the DeutscheTourenwagen Meisterschaft,British Touring Car Championship,European Touring Car Championship,Australian Touring Car Championship,as well as the 1-off World Touring Car Championship title in1987.The BMW E30 M3 is also a multiple winner ofGuia Race,24Hours Nürburgring andSpa 24Hours.

BMW M3 also saw service as a rally car,Prodrive-prepared examples contesting several national championships and selected rounds of theWorld Rally Championship between1987 and1989.By the latter year,the cars,based on the standard BMW M3,were equipped with 6-speed gearboxes and produced 295bhp. BMW M3 was not competitive with the 4-wheel-drive cars on loose surfaces,but a very effective car on asphalt.Its most notable success was victory on the Tour de Corse in1987,driven by BernardBeguin.