01 · Überblick
Eight cylinders, just once
The fourth M3 broke with tradition: instead of the inline six, it received the S65 V8 — four litres of displacement, 420 PS at 8,400/min, yet weighing only 202 kilograms and thus lighter than the predecessor’s six-cylinder. It remained the only M3 with eight cylinders; the successor F80 returned to the turbocharged six-cylinder.
For the first time, the M3 was available in three body styles simultaneously: as a Coupé (E92, with carbon roof), as a Sedan (E90), and as a Convertible (E93, with retractable hardtop). From April 2008, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission M-DKG replaced the manual transmission as an option. On this basis, the special models GTS and CRT were created, as well as the racing versions GT2, GT4, and the 2012 DTM winner.
02 · Historie
From concept to DTM title
- 2007 Market launch of the Coupé (E92) with the newly developed S65 V8 and carbon roof.
- 2008 Sedan (E90) and Convertible (E93) follow, along with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission M-DKG.
- 2010 M3 GTS: 4.4 litres, 450 PS, titanium exhaust system — the most radical road model of the model line.
- 2012 BMW returns to the DTM with the M3 DTM and wins the drivers', teams' and manufacturers' titles.
- 2013 In July, the last Coupé rolls off the production line — the end of the only V8 M3.
03 · Karosserievarianten
Karosserievarianten
Coupé (E92)
With a roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. 40,092 units — the most-produced body style.
Sedan (E90)
Built only until 2011, 9,674 units — the rarest body style.
Convertible (E93)
With a retractable hardtop, making it around 200 kg heavier than the Coupé.
04 · Motoren
S65B40 geprüft
High-revving V8 with eight individual throttle bodies and ion-current knock control. At 202 kg, lighter than the S54 inline six of the predecessor.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 3.999 cm³ |
| Leistung | 420 PS (309 kW) at 8,300/min |
| Drehmoment | 400 Nm at 3,900/min |
| Bauart | V8, naturally aspirated, individual throttle bodies |
Wikipedia EN, BMW M3 (E90)
05 · Technik
Technik
Lightweight construction against V8 bulk
M-DKG
06 · Topmodelle
Topmodelle
Two radical special road models and three racing versions were built on the V8 basis.
M3 GTS (2010)
4.4 litres, 450 PS, around 136 units in Fire Orange.
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M3 CRT (2011)
Carbon Racing Technology — the Sedan as a lightweight special series, 67 units.
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M3 GT2 (Racing)
Basis for the Le Mans class-winning factory entries from 2009.
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M3 GT4 (Racing)
The customer-oriented entry-level racing car based on the production model.
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M3 DTM (2012)
Drivers', teams' and manufacturers' titles right in the first DTM year.
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07 · Kaufberatung
Buying Guide in Brief
The connecting rod bearings of the S65 are particularly critical — replace as a precaution at high mileage. Service history is more important than mileage.
08 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
Audi RS4 (B7)
Also a naturally aspirated V8 with 420 PS — the most direct rival, but with all-wheel drive.
Mercedes C 63 AMG (W204)
6.2-litre V8 with 457 PS, more torque, less revs.
09 · Quellen