Verdict
A
Performance Saloon · Germany · 1992-Present
BMW M3
BMW M3 — spec data and generation history.
Years
1992-Present
Generations
5
Segment
Performance Saloon
M-tier 3 Series. E36 (1992–2000), E46 (2000–2007), E90 (2008–2013), F80 (2014–2018), G80 (2021-Present). Saloon, Touring (G80), Coupé (E36/E46/E90 — became M4 from F82), Convertible.
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1992-2000
E36
→
M3 Evolution 3.2 — 321 bhp, 0-62 in 5.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
321
0–60
5.5 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
20 mpg
Used
$19,000-$51,000
- + Pure NA inline-six
- + Coupé, Saloon, Convertible
- − Subframe cracks
- − VANOS rattle
2000-2007
E46
→
M3 CSL 3.2 — 360 bhp, 0-62 in 4.9s.
Verdict
A
BHP
360
0–60
4.9 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
18 mpg
Used
$32,000-$127,000
- + S54 inline-six classic
- + CSL is the all-time peak
- − Rod bearing wear
- − SMG II reliability
2008-2013
E90
→
M3 GTS 4.4 V8 — 444 bhp, 0-62 in 4.4s.
Verdict
A
BHP
444
0–60
4.4 s
Top
190 mph
MPG
18 mpg
Used
$23,000-$178,000
- + S65 V8 NA — 8400 rpm
- + Saloon, Coupé (E92), Convertible (E93)
- − Rod bearing wear
- − Throttle actuators
2014-2018
F80
→
M3 Competition Pack 3.0 — 444 bhp, 0-62 in 4.0s.
Verdict
A
BHP
444
0–60
4.0 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
28 mpg
Used
$32,000-$70,000
- + S55 twin-turbo inline-six
- + M-DCT or 6MT
- − Charge pipe failures
- − Crank hub keyway slip
2021-Present
G80
→
M3 CS xDrive 3.0 — 543 bhp, 0-62 in 3.4s.
Verdict
A
BHP
543
0–60
3.4 s
Top
188 mph
MPG
23 mpg
Used
$79,000-$133,000
- + S58 inline-six benchmark
- + Saloon and Touring estate
- − Polarising kidney grille
- − Heavy
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1992-2000 · E36
- VANOS rattle
- Cooling system plastic
- Subframe cracks (track use)
2000-2007 · E46
- SMG II clutch wear
- Subframe cracking
- Rod bearing wear (S54)
2008-2013 · E90
- S65 V8 rod bearing wear
- Throttle actuator failures
- Cooling system
2014-2018 · F80
- S55 charge pipe failures
- Crank hub keyway slip
- Run-flat tyres
2021-Present · G80
- S58 (early) software updates
- Touring boot trim
- iDrive 8.5