Tag Archives: m3

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BMW M3 Buying Guide

Whether you’re planning on buying your first BMW or your 50th, it’s always helpful to have a buying guide to help you make that decision. Right now, we’re looking at the four generations of the BMW M3 — the E30, E36, E46 and E90. Which of these M3’s is the right choice for you?

M3 30th Anniversary Front

E30 — 1988-1991

If you love antique European race cars, you’ll want to add an E30 to your collection. They’re pretty easy to get ahold of in the states, even if that means you’re limited to the coupe that BMW sold on this side of the pond. It’s considered to be one of the most reliable M3s, but the 2.3L 4-cylinder engine is a little finicky and requires valve adjustments every 30,000 miles or so. For the classic BMW fan, the E30 is better than the E21 that came before it and even better than the E36 that came after. They used to be a dime a dozen, but it’s getting more expensive to get your hands on one of these classics, so if one in good shape crosses your path, snap it up!

E36 — 1995-1999

It seems like everyone wants to get their hands on an E30, which leaves the next model on our list — the E36 — in its ever-growing shadow. There’s a reason that it seems like everyone who owns an E36 in the states spends all their time and money tuning or engine swapping it. That’s because, while it has the same 3.0L engine that the Euro model had, it was tuned differently. The Euro version of the E36 could generate 286 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The U.S. version only put out 240 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re looking for a project car or something that you can tune without too much trouble, you can pick up an E36 without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect it to live up to the E30’s expectations.

E46 — 2001-2006

It seemed like BMW learned its lesson with the E46, making it lighter and faster than the previous M3 generations. This model was available from 2001 to 2006, and BMW engineers focused on lighter weights and higher revs than ever before. The 3.2L engine was naturally aspirated, thanks to side vents that were the first of their kind. It ended up being 110 kg lighter than previous models and managed a 7:50 lap time at Nurburgring. This is not the kind of BMW you want to invest in if you think it’s going to go up in value over time. Instead, if you want something that will be a joy to drive, look for an E46.

E90 — 2008 – Present

The E90 is easily the best of the batch, though it will cost you a pretty penny to bring one home since they’re still in production. You’ve got three body styling options — a coupe, a sedan or a hard-top convertible. It comes equipped with a 4.0L V8 and your choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed automated manual transmission. If you’re not able to pick up one of these beauties new, you might still be able to find a used option through BMW’s certified pre-owned website. Try to find one that’s still covered under a warranty — just in case.

Things to Remember

Now that you have a better idea of which M3 you’re looking for, here are a few things you’ll want to remember before picking up your new or new-to-you car:

  • Avoid rust at all cost on older models. A little rust here and there is to be expected in cars that are 20-30 years old, but if the frame is more rust than steel, run away as fast as you can. It’ll end up being more trouble than it’s worth.
  • Don’t forget insurance. If you luck into a rare or exclusive model, you may want to invest in high net worth insurance to protect your investment.
  • If you’re opting for an E90, look for certified pre-owned BMWs. It might cost you a little more, but you’ll have more protection if something goes wrong.

Looking Forward

Which M3 are you looking forward to adding to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!

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BMW Confirms Next M3 Will Have Manual Transmission and All-Wheel Drive

Manual transmissions might be on the endangered species list, but they’re not dead yet and in some circles, they’re starting to make a comeback. You can still get a manual transmission in the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, as well as the M4 and M2 series, but in March industry experts apparently confirmed that the new M3 series wouldn’t have a manual gearbox.

That seems to have changed, as BMW recently confirmed that the newest M3 will have a manual transmission and all-wheel drive — but not in the same car.

A Manual M3

M3 30th Anniversary Interior

Until now, we’ve been operating under the assumption that the new M3 wouldn’t have a manual transmission, but BMW answered our prayers and is offering an option for the 3-Series that gives us back our stick shift. The M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe will probably premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The M3’s manual transmission will only be available on the “Pure” version of the car — a slimmed-down M3 that won’t have a lot of bells and whistles. It will come with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission as a standard equipment.

It may also have a detuned engine with slightly less power than other models in the family. The Pure M3 is designed to be an entry-level BMW and may be the most affordable sedan in its class when it debuts.

All-Wheel Drive

If you prefer an M3 sedan that offers all-wheel drive for optimum handling, you won’t be able to take advantage of the manual transmission that BMW is finally offering for this particular model. If you’re okay with an automatic transmission, the new M3 will have an all-wheel-drive system that is very similar to what’s currently available in the M5 series.

We don’t have specs yet for the M3’s AWD system, but it may have an RWD system by default with the option to turn on AWD if you need it. We wouldn’t recommend taking this sedan off-road but if you’re on an icy road or stuck in the snow, that AWD could come in handy.

More Power, More Ponies

M3 30th Anniversary Front

Whether you choose the Pure M3 with a manual transmission or the traditional sedan with an automatic, you’re in for a treat with some serious power under the hood.

The base M3 models will generate 473 horsepower. The Competition models will have 503 ponies. The latter comes from a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine. We’ll see the same engine in the X3 M and X4M crossover later on this year.

There’s plenty of power under the hood, even if you choose the Pure M3, so don’t let the comment about the engine being detuned deter you from choosing that manual transmission.

When Can We Get Our Hands On One?

When can we expect to see these new M3’s showing up at our local BMW dealerships? Not for a while, unfortunately. We’ll learn more about the new M3 when it gets its official debut at the International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt which starts on September 12 and runs through the 22nd. If everything goes according to plan, the M3 is scheduled to be available for the 2020 model year.

That’s all we know at this point about the new M3. BMW is offering a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, but not in the same model. If you want an entry-level BMW, the Pure M3 with a stick shift won’t have all the bells and whistles but it will be more affordable than the stock and Competition M3s.

If you feel like you need all-wheel-drive in your M3, opt for the automatic transmission and you’ll have the same AWD system that is currently used in the M5.

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Exciting New Features Coming in BMW’s 2019 Summer Refresh

Even with a brand-new 3 series just released and the plastic wrapping just coming off of the new X5 and halo-car 8 series, there’s no rest for the wicked.

When your top competition is one of the world’s oldest automakers and you’re playing catch-up against a lineup with 14 distinct classes to fill every little market niche, you have to be a little obsessive.

Queue the mid-season refresh. For 2019, the refresh is a thing in a big way. We’re getting new engine options, enhanced technologies and additional colors, just to name a few of the seasonal updates. So if you just bought a BMW, pat yourself on the back because pining for a new one can start today!

The 3er Gets new Powertrains

BMW 340i GT M Sport Estorilblau

Even with the hot new 8 series turning heads in the media, BMW’s reputation is fully invested in the 3-series.

The new G20 car has only been out for half a year, but it’s getting expanded powertrain options such as the coupling of the new 374hp turbo six-cylinder and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.

This model will wear the name M340i xDrive, and will be the must feature-laden 3er short of the full-on M car, which is currently without AWD.

For bimmerphile environmental enthusiasts, the lineup expansion also includes the 320i xDrive, the 330e hybrid model, which combines the 320’s four-cylinder powertrain with an electric motor for extra grunt and efficiency, and a version of the 330d diesel-powered car that includes the xDrive system.

Topping things off are new M Sport suspension upgrades available through BMW dealers and a gaggle of new paint and interior options. Not bad.

A Baby M5 for Your Driving Pleasure

The last few iterations of the 550i have held sleeper super-sedan status thanks to impressive power and none of the harshness that comes with the M car’s sporting intentions.

A newly developed V8 makes its way into the current 550 and narrows the gap with it’s M sibling to just 77 horsepower, producing 523hp and 553lbs-ft. of torque. This might cause a lot of potential M buyers to consider whether at nearly $400 per pony and with no difference in torque output, 523 is enough Bavarian horses.

Other BMW Things

There’s also a minor refresh in M land with the M4 coupe and convertible now offering the competition package as standard. That means increased output from the S55 six-cylinder of 450hp, a sports exhaust, upgraded seats to hold you in while you hoon your M car as one does using the Active M differential included in the package and breathed-on Adaptive M suspension with specially tuned dynamic stability control.

You also get BMW drive recorder on all models, so you can show your hoonage off on social media after downloading it from your car, or even submit evidence in the case of an accident using the feature that auto-saves 20 seconds before and after a collision.

If you’re the type that’s more excited about batteries than rip-snorting German horsepower, you should be happy to know that electrified BMWs will now make a sound to alert pedestrians that you’re approaching. So you can no longer sneak up on unwitting Mercedes drivers, for that you’ll need to join the Prius Illuminati. But now then, who would lower themselves to the ranks of driving a Toyota?