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Bmw M3The BMW M3 is a sports version of the popular compact 3-Series automobile made by BMW Motorsport. The first M3 appeared in 1986's E30 car, and there has been an M version of every 3-Series since. 1986 Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series body, there were 13 different versions of the first M3. It was first introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 Formula 1 straight-4. This version produced 195 hp (143 kW), and later versions upped displacement to 2.5 L and 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced. The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 lineup in many ways. The M3 was equipped with larger, flared fenders to accomodate a wider track and wider tires. It also had three times the castor angle of any other E30. The M3 had larger brakes and shared wheel bearings with the E28 5 Series. Production of the original M3 ended in 1991. In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s. 1992 The replacement for the original M3 appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW). For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S52B30), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in the US which were quite different. The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which got a tamer 3.2 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 Nm (236 ft.lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. It was also available with an automatic transmission and as a sedan, options not available in other markets. The reasons for the tamer car were largely due to excessive costs for the US market with the original engine and possible difficulty in getting the Euro engine to pass emissions. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999. 2001 The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 hp (252 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lbf.ft) of torque. The available SMG gearbox was also a highlight. M3
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