BMW M3

Which BMW M3 Version Should You Buy?

The BMW M3 choice depends on whether you value low weight, a naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox, acceleration, economy, or AWD traction. Across the seven generations listed, production runs from 1986 to the present and covers Cabrio, Sedan, and Estate 5-door bodies.

The BMW M3 choice depends on whether you value low weight, a naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox, acceleration, economy, or AWD traction. Across the seven generations listed, production runs from 1986 to the present and covers Cabrio, Sedan, and Estate 5-door bodies. The clearest dividing lines are the first-generation 2.0 MT and 2.3 MT four-cylinder cars, the naturally aspirated inline-six versions of the second and third generations, the fourth-generation 4.0 MT and 4.0 DCT V8s, and the turbocharged six-cylinder models that follow. Buyers seeking the strongest specifications should start with the sixth-generation and restyled sixth-generation cars; those prioritizing low kerb weight should compare the earliest models.

BMW M3 generations: what changed?

The first generation, offered from 1986 through 1991 as a Cabrio, contains eight listed versions. Its naturally aspirated Gasoline engines are inline four-cylinder units displacing either 1,990 or 2,302 cc. Every version uses RWD and a 5-speed Manual gearbox. Outputs extend from 192 hp in the 2.0 MT to 238 hp in the most powerful 2.3 MT, while measured kerb weights range from 1,125 to 1,360 kg.

The second-generation Cabrio runs from 1992 through 1999 and has six versions. It moves to naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder Gasoline engines: the 3.0 MT versions displace 2,990 cc and produce 286 or 295 hp, while the 3.2 MT versions use 3,201 cc and produce 321 hp. All six retain RWD and Manual transmissions, with either 5 or 6 gears.

The third-generation Cabrio spans 1999 through 2006 and includes eight versions. Every 3.3 MT and 3.3 DCT uses a naturally aspirated, 3,246 cc inline six-cylinder Gasoline engine. Output ranges from 333 to 360 hp. The generation retains RWD but offers a choice between 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Robotic gearboxes.

The fourth-generation Cabrio covers 2007 through 2013 and contains eleven listed versions. Most are 4.0 MT or 4.0 DCT models with a naturally aspirated 3,999 cc V-shaped eight-cylinder Gasoline engine producing 420 hp and 400 Nm. The outlier is a 3.2 MT with a 3,246 cc naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine, 325 hp, and 350 Nm. All versions use RWD; the 4.0 MT has a 6-speed Manual, while the 4.0 DCT has a 7-speed Robotic gearbox.

The fifth-generation Sedan, produced from 2014 through January 2019, has five versions. All use a turbocharged, direct-injection 2,979 cc inline six-cylinder Gasoline engine and RWD. The 3.0 MT versions produce 431 or 450 hp through a 6-speed Manual, while the 3.0 DSG versions produce 431, 450, or 460 hp through a 7-speed Robotic transmission.

The sixth-generation Estate 5-door runs from June 2020 through January 2025 and includes five versions. All have a turbocharged, direct-injection 2,993 cc inline six-cylinder Gasoline engine. Power ranges from 480 hp in the 3.0 MT to 550 hp in the 3.0 Steptronic CS. RWD and AWD are both represented, alongside 6-speed Manual and 8-speed Automatic transmissions.

The sixth-generation restyling began in July 2024 and is listed as a Sedan with six versions. Its turbocharged 2,993 cc inline six-cylinder Gasoline engines produce 480, 510, 530, or 551 hp. The range includes RWD and AWD, a 6-speed Manual, and 8-speed Automatic variants. The most powerful listed version is the CS 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic with 551 hp and 650 Nm.

BMW M3 engine specs compared

Repeated names identify separate database versions, so power is included wherever necessary to distinguish them.

The engine progression is clear in power per litre. The first-generation 192 hp 2.0 MT develops about 96.5 hp per litre. The third-generation 360 hp 3.3 MT reaches about 110.9 hp per litre, and the fourth-generation 420 hp 4.0 MT reaches about 105.0 hp per litre. Turbocharging raises the fifth-generation 460 hp 3.0 DSG to about 154.4 hp per litre. The restyled CS 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic leads the supplied range at about 184.1 hp per litre.

BMW M3 performance and fuel economy

The strongest measured acceleration belongs to the sixth-generation 3.0 Steptronic CS: 0–100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds and top speed is 302 km/h. Its fuel consumption is not measured. The restyled 551 hp CS 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic records 3.5 seconds and 300 km/h, with fuel consumption also not measured.

Among restyled non-CS choices, the 530 hp 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic at 1,780 kg reaches 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the 510 hp RWD 3.0 M Steptronic and 4.2 seconds for the 480 hp 3.0 MT. Combined consumption is 10.2, 9.9, and 10.1 l/100 km respectively. The RWD Automatic therefore combines the lowest measured consumption of those three with an advantage of 30 hp over the Manual.

In the fifth generation, transmission choice produces a measurable performance gap. The 431 hp 3.0 DSG takes 4.1 seconds, while the 431 hp 3.0 MT takes 4.3 seconds. Their combined consumption figures are 8.3 and 8.8 l/100 km. The 460 hp 3.0 DSG is the quickest fifth-generation version at 3.9 seconds and the only one listed with a 280 km/h top speed; it also provides 50 Nm more than the 550 Nm alternatives.

The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT variants reach 100 km/h in 4.6–5.1 seconds, while the 4.0 MT variants cover 4.8–5.3 seconds. All have a listed 250 km/h top speed. Measured combined consumption ranges from 11.9 to 12.3 l/100 km for the DCT and from 12.3 to 12.9 l/100 km for the Manual versions. The 3.2 MT takes 5.3 seconds and consumes 11.1 l/100 km combined.

For the third generation, measured acceleration spans 4.9–5.5 seconds, although the 360 hp 3.3 DCT has acceleration and top speed not measured. Manual combined consumption is 11.9 or 12.1 l/100 km; every DCT consumption figure is not measured.

Second-generation acceleration ranges from 5.5 to 6.2 seconds, and every listed top speed is 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured for all six versions.

First-generation measured acceleration ranges from 6.7 seconds in several 2.3 MT versions to 7.5 seconds in the 2.0 MT. Some versions have acceleration and top speed not measured. The lowest measured combined consumption is 7.8 l/100 km for the 215 hp 2.3 MT at 1,240 kg; the 2.0 MT and another 215 hp 2.3 MT record 8.0 l/100 km.

BMW M3 dimensions, weight, tank, and wheels

Weight changes the character of otherwise similar specifications. The lightest supplied car is the first-generation 2.0 MT at 1,125 kg, equivalent to about 5.86 kg per hp. The first-generation 200 hp 2.3 MT improves this to about 5.83 kg per hp at 1,165 kg, while the 220 hp 2.3 MT reaches about 5.45 kg per hp at 1,200 kg.

The third-generation 360 hp 3.3 MT is particularly strong among naturally aspirated choices: its 1,385 kg kerb weight gives about 3.85 kg per hp. The fourth-generation 420 hp 4.0 MT at 1,655 kg records about 3.94 kg per hp, whereas the 1,885 kg Cabrio version rises to about 4.49 kg per hp despite identical power.

The fifth-generation 431 hp 3.0 MT weighs 1,520 kg, or about 3.53 kg per hp. The 460 hp 3.0 DSG weighs 1,585 kg but improves the ratio to about 3.45 kg per hp. In the sixth generation, the 550 hp 3.0 Steptronic CS weighs 1,765 kg, about 3.21 kg per hp. The restyled 551 hp CS 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic weighs 1,925 kg, about 3.49 kg per hp; it has 1 hp more but carries 160 kg more.

Fuel-tank capacity is 55 litres in the first generation, 62 litres in the second, 63 litres in the third and most fourth-generation versions, 51 litres in the fourth-generation 3.2 MT, 60 litres in the fifth generation, and 59 litres in the sixth generation and its restyling.

Ground clearance ranges from 108–110 mm in the second generation, remains 110 mm throughout the third generation, and varies from 110 to 143 mm in the fourth. The fifth-generation figure is 119 or 130 mm, while every sixth-generation and restyled entry lists 120 mm. First-generation clearance is 125 or 140 mm where measured; one 2.3 MT figure is not measured.

Wheel sizes are not measured for the sixth-generation Estate 5-door versions. The restyled Sedan consistently lists 275/35 R19 and 285/30 R20. Fifth-generation sizes vary by version between 255/40 R18 and 265/35 R19 at the front, and between 275/40 R18 and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Where wheel data is absent in earlier versions, it is not measured.

Which BMW M3 version should you choose?

For the quickest measured M3 in this catalogue, choose the sixth-generation 3.0 Steptronic CS. Its 550 hp, 650 Nm, 3.4-second acceleration time, and 302 km/h top speed exceed the corresponding 551 hp restyled CS 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic figures by 0.1 second and 2 km/h, despite the restyled car’s extra 1 hp.

For a current restyled balance of acceleration, measured economy, and AWD, the 530 hp 3.0 xDrive M Steptronic at 1,780 kg is the strongest numerical case. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and consumes 10.2 l/100 km combined. Compared with the 1,865 kg version bearing the same name, it is 85 kg lighter, 0.1 second quicker, and 0.2 l/100 km more economical.

For a Manual turbocharged car, compare the fifth-generation 450 hp 3.0 MT with the sixth-generation or restyled 480 hp 3.0 MT. The later Manual adds 30 hp but also weighs 169 kg more than the 1,536 kg fifth-generation car. Both reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Combined consumption rises from 8.8 to 10.8 l/100 km in the sixth generation, or to 10.1 l/100 km in the restyling.

For the strongest naturally aspirated engine, the fourth-generation 4.0 MT and 4.0 DCT provide 420 hp and 400 Nm from 3,999 cc. Choose DCT for the quicker measured results: its best listed time is 4.6 seconds, 0.2 second ahead of the best listed MT result. Choose MT when the 6-speed Manual itself is the priority.

For the best power-to-weight result among the naturally aspirated cars with measured kerb weight, the third-generation 360 hp 3.3 MT is the standout at about 3.85 kg per hp. It reaches 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, matching the 420 hp fourth-generation 4.0 MT that weighs 1,680 kg.

Finally, buyers prioritizing the lowest measured fuel use should consider the first-generation 215 hp 2.3 MT at 1,240 kg. Its combined figure is 7.8 l/100 km, the lowest supplied measurement, while its 6.7-second acceleration and 241 km/h top speed are both measured. It is not the most powerful or quickest M3 here, but the data gives it the clearest efficiency advantage.