Exclusive special edition of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”. BMW M celebrates the 30th anniversary of its benchmark-setting high-performance sports car.

Munich. With the launch of the first generation of
the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH, at that time operating under the
name BMW Motorsport GmbH, revolutionized the sporty mid-range segment.
No other manufacturer had previously ever deployed genuine motorsports
technology so consistently in order to transform a high-volume
production model like the BMW 3 Series into a thoroughbred
high-performance sports car that is also fully suitable for everyday
use. The first BMW M3 set the standard by which other manufacturers
were measured.

Meanwhile, BMW M has continuously refined its automotive icon across
five model generations. And over all these years the BMW M3 has
retained its original character. Probably no other automobile combines
distinct racing genes and unrestricted day-to-day suitability into
such a highly emotional overall concept. To mark the 30th anniversary
of this automotive icon this summer, BMW M is launching the exclusive
special edition of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500
cars worldwide.


Edition “30 Years M3” in the legendary colour Macao Blue metallic.

As a tribute to the first generation of the BMW M3, the
anniversary edition “30 Years M3” is painted in the exclusive exterior
colour Macao Blue metallic, which once celebrated its premiere in
BMW’s colour range as a special option for the first generation of the
BMW M3.

The edition “30 Years M3” builds on the Competition Package, which is
optionally available for the BMW M3 series production model. It
comprises an increase in engine output by 14 kW/19 hp to 331 kW/450 hp
(BMW M3 “30 Years M3”: combined fuel consumption: 8.8–8.3 l/100 km,
combined CO2 emissions: 204–194 g/km). Also included in the
Competition Package is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been
comprehensively aligned to the increased performance. Optimised
features also include new springs, dampers and stabilisers, modified
characteristic curves of the three modes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ as
well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on
the rear axle and Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC). Moreover,
the Competition Package of the edition model includes forged 20-inch M
light-alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed tyres
(front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in dynamic
performance, which is not least also reflected in enhanced
acceleration. The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” with optional 7-speed M double
clutch transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds,
which is 0.1 seconds faster than the series production model. Even
with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the car completes this
sprint 0.1 seconds faster than the production model. 

In terms of exterior design, the Competition Package also includes
the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with enhanced features,
including a black chrome tailpipe trim for the M sports exhaust
system, the characteristic and potent sound of which contributes
significantly towards the highly emotional driving experience. The
edition model also features exclusively designed M gills in the front
wings bearing the logo “30 Years M3”.


Sporty, functional interior with an exceptionally high-class ambience.

The Competition Package upgrades the interior of the
edition “30 Years M3” with specific M sports seats in a skeletal
design that combine perfect support with distinct travel comfort over
long-distances. Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M strips also enhance the
sporty interior ambience.

The logo “30 Years M3” on the front doorsills reminds both driver and
front passenger of the BMW M company icon’s unique history. The
wording “30 Years M3 1/500” on the carbon fibre interior trim strip of
the instrument panel gives indication of the exclusiveness of the BMW
M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500 cars worldwide. “30 Years
M3” is embroidered into the front headrests.

The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” features an exclusive full leather Merino
trim in bi-colour Black/Fjord Blue or optionally in Black/Silverstone
with colour-matching contrast seams that effectively underscore the
anniversary model’s sporty and sophisticated character.

Compared with the BMW M3 with Competition Package, the additional
cost of the anniversary model is €10,000 in Germany. Market launch is
scheduled for the summer of 2016 – this being exactly 30 years after
the signing of the first contract for the purchase of a BMW M3. 


1986 – a 3 Series with flared arches and impressive power.

Around six months after BMW had stunned experts with
the world premiere of the new BMW M3 at the International Motor Show
in Frankfurt in the autumn of 1985, the time had finally come: In the
spring of 1986, the first automotive journalists were given the
opportunity on the racetrack in Mugello to test the “3 Series
supercar”, which looked extremely spectacular not just because of its
distinctively flared wheel arches. The 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine
featuring four-valve technology delivered 147 kW/200 hp. This power
unit was an ideal match for the two-door car, which weighed in at only
1,200 kilograms thanks to lightweight construction – the front and
rear bumpers, the side sills and the boot lid including spoiler as
well as other features were made of plastic. Acceleration from 0 to
100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h are still
impressive figures even today. 

1988 saw the presentation of the Evo version of the BMW M3, which
reached a top speed of 243 km/h thanks to a further enhanced power
output of 220 hp. And in 1990, the highest upgrade version of the
first model generation was launched to the market – the BMW M3 Sport
Evolution, which had a 238 hp, 2.5-litre power unit under the bonnet
and was limited to 600 cars.

Impressive proof of engineering skills in the development of the BMW
M3 was delivered as early as in 1986 by the catalytic converter
versions of the sports car. As the technicians had also given
consideration to the use of exhaust gas purification technology right
from the beginning of the development phase, each model version lost
only 3 kW/5 hp in engine power as a result of being fitted with a
catalyst; the effect on driving performance was only marginal.


1992 – from a thoroughbred racing car to an elegant coupe.

Unlike the predecessor, the second generation of the
BMW M3, which celebrated its debut in 1992, had not been specifically
developed for deployment in motor sports. The significantly more
discreet and elegant coupe featured a three-litre, six-cylinder engine
with 210 kW/286 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. As a result, the
power unit, which was fitted with innovative VANOS camshaft control
technology, delivered impressive proof of top-notch engineering
skills. With its litre performance (97 hp/l) and specific torque
(108 Nm/l), it set two world records for high-volume, naturally
aspirated engines. The BMW M3 Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
exactly six seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The new BMW M3 stood out through the shape of its exterior mirrors.
The aerodynamically optimized, double bridged mirror casings boasting
a wing-shaped profile immediately distinguished the car from the
series production versions of the BMW 3 Series Coupe. Even today, the
distinctively shaped M exterior mirrors serve as one of the most
characteristic identifying features of most M models.

In 1994, BMW M supplemented the BMW M3 range with two body variants
at the same time. In addition to a convertible, the BMW M3 was also
available for the first time as a four-door sedan. Customers were
particularly pleased by the fact that the Sedan’s performance equalled
that of the Coupe.

In 1995, within the framework of a comprehensive model upgrade, cubic
capacity of the straight six-cylinder engine increased from 2,990 to
3,201 cubic centimeters and power output to 236 kW/321 hp. The new
engine featured double VANOS, so in addition to a variably adjustable
intake camshaft, it also had a synchronously operating exhaust
camshaft. The result: In spite of increased power reserves and
noticeably improved performance (e.g. 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds), the
modified BMW M3 was extremely fuel-efficient.  

From the summer of 1996, the BMW M3 became the world’s first
high-volume production car to feature an automated manual
transmission. The function of the sequential M transmission was
racing-oriented: To shift gears up, the driver pulled the shift lever
back, and to shift gears down, he or she simply pushed it forward. The
system was extremely popular with customers, with almost every second
BMW M3 that rolled off the production line at the BMW Regensburg plant
at that time being fitted with this SMG transmission. 

2000 –

thoroughbred athlete with a self-confident appearance.

The third generation of the BMW M3 sported a bolder
look than its predecessor. Thanks to the aluminium bonnet with power
dome, the distinctly wider wheel arches, the aerodynamically optimized
boot lid including rear spoiler lip as well as the four tailpipes of
the dual-flow exhaust system, the Coupe left no room for doubt about
its power reserves and dynamics. 

The car was also powered by a straight six-cylinder, naturally
aspirated engine. The entirely redeveloped power unit delivered an
output of 252 kW/343 hp from a displacement of 3,246 cubic centimetres
and a maximum torque of 365 Nm. 5.2 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h
and just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fourth gear
– these figures reflect this BMW M3’s performance potential. In the
spring of 2001, just a few months after the Coupe, the Convertible
made its debut, looking even more muscular with its low, concise waistline.

The BMW M3 CSL on sale from 2003 assumed an exceptional status. On
this special model, which was consistently trimmed for lightweight
construction – the abbreviation CSL has always been the term used by
BMW for Coupe, Sport and Lightweight – an output of 265 kW/360 hp
combined with an unladen weight of just 1,385 kilograms, which
corresponds to a power-to-weight ratio of 3.85 kg/hp. The weight
reduction was achieved not simply by omitting supposedly unnecessary
(comfort-related) components, but through the principle of intelligent
lightweight construction, i.e. by using the most suitable material in
the right place. This included for example the roof made from carbon
reinforced plastic (CRP) and the rear window fitted with thin glass.
This paid off, as acceleration testifies: 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds,
0–200 km/h in 16.8 seconds.

2007 –

fourth generation with V8 engine and CRP roof as standard.

Instead of a straight six-cylinder engine featured by
the two previous generations, the fourth edition of the BMW M3 had a
naturally aspirated V8 engine under its bonnet. The high-revving,
four-litre power unit delivered 309 kW/420 hp, weighed only 202
kilograms and was therefore 15 kg lighter than the previously deployed
engine. Use of the intelligent lightweight construction concept was
also further pursued in other areas. For instance, the BMW M3 Coupe
featured as standard a CRP roof, the fibre structure of which remains
visible beneath a clear coat. The front axle of the car was made
almost entirely of aluminium.

The autumn of 2007 saw the market launch of the four-door version of
the BMW M3, which sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and was
therefore only a tenth of a second slower than the Coupe. The
Convertible completed the model range just a few months later in the
spring of 2008.

2014 –

innovative engine technology and consistent lightweight construction.

With the launch of the fifth generation of their top
athlete in the spring of 2014, the BMW M GmbH not only presented both
the Sedan and the Coupe simultaneously for the first time, but also
brought the model designation into line with the new nomenclature of
the series models. Thus, the Sedan bears the name BMW M3, the Coupe
BMW M4 – like the Convertible that has been available since the autumn
of 2014. 

The entirely redeveloped straight six-cylinder engine featuring M
TwinPower Turbo technology and a high-revving concept delivers a
maximum output of
317 kW/431 hp and maximum torque of 550 Nm
available across a broad engine speed range, thus exceeding the
highest amount of torque offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40
percent. Fuel consumption and emissions are around 25 percent lower.
Both the BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Convertible complete the sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (with optional 7-speed dual clutch transmission). 

In order to attain the highest level of driving dynamics coupled with
exceptional fuel efficiency, vehicle weight (with standard equipment)
was reduced by around 80 kilograms vs. the previous model. This again
was made possible through the consistent implementation of intelligent
lightweight construction measures. These include, among others,
increased use of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre reinforced
plastic as well as aluminium for numerous suspension and body components.

 

 

 

“Happy birthday, BMW M3” – friends and companions
congratulate on the car’s 30th birthday.

“I will always have a very special connection to the BMW M3. My
father used to drive a black BMW M3. I myself became DTM champion in
2012 driving a matt black BMW Bank M3. All BMW M3 production models
have this very special racing character – similar to the new BMW M4.
The BMW M GmbH has managed to bring a racetrack feel onto the road. It
is not really easy to make such a powerful car so compact and
roadworthy like BMW has done with the M3. The BMW M3 is sportiness in
its purest form. And it will always stand out in my memories.”
Bruno Spengler, professional racing driver, competing for the
BMW Team MTEK in the DTM 2016, DTM champion 2012 in a BMW M3 DTM

“The BMW M3 is a fascinating car – today just as it was 30 years ago.
I myself drove the M3 of that time around the racetrack. And compared
to our racing cars of today, it was really hard work behind the wheel.
During my very first DTM year of 2013, I celebrated victory in a BMW
M3 DTM of the modern era. That was a very special moment. And I think
the BMW M3 is simply made for creating such special moments.”
Timo Glock, professional racing driver, competing for the BMW
Team RMG in the DTM 2016, 91 Formula 1 Grand Prix races between 2004
and 2012

“For very many people – and for me, too – the BMW M3 is a synonym for
success on the racetrack. Its motorsport genes were already evident in
1986 and still are to this very day. For me as a racing driver it
feels great to also be able to drive such a sporty car off the
racetrack. The BMW M3 a legend for good reason.”
Martin Tomczyk, professional racing driver, competing for the
BMW Team Schnitzer in the DTM

“The BMW M3 is undoubtedly the most important car in my long career
as a racing driver. With this car I won the World Touring Car
Championship, the DTM title, the Italian Touring Car Championship and
celebrated numerous racing victories all over Europe. From the very
first day, the BMW M3 was a winner and it retained this position for
decades. Fans love the BMW M3 – and I love it too!”
Roberto Ravaglia, ex professional racing driver, first touring
car champion in history (1987), founder of the Team ROAL Motorsport

“The BMW M3 is a true icon. When the car made its racing debut in
1987, it was a winner right from the start, becoming the most
successful touring car of all time. Driving this car was always a lot
of fun. I experienced so many great moments and celebrated many
victories with this car. I developed a really close bond with the BMW M3.”
Johnny Cecotto, ex professional racing driver, 1989 – 1992 10
DTM race victories in a BMW M3, 1990 winner of “24-hour race Spa” in
a BMW M3, 1992 winner of “24-hour race on the Nürburgring” in a BMW
M3, 1993 ADAC GT Cup winner in a BMW M3 GTR, twice World Motorcycle
Champion (1975/1978)



“For me the BMW M3 is simply the best. I believe
everybody immediately associates the BMW M3 with the BMW M GmbH, even
more than the M1 and the M5. A major part of its fascination is
undoubtedly the result of its motor racing career. After all, to this
day, the BMW M3 is the world’s most successful touring car. I myself
own four BMW M3s from different years, my favourite still being the
BMW M3 of the first generation – and this is not only because classic
BMWs are my passion, but because I personally think the car’s design
is simply the best.”
Felipe Garcia, BMW enthusiast and collector, founder of Mint
Classics in Münster, “Bavarian Sports Cars” dealer