The incredible BMW M3

E30 M3: 1987 – 1991

The original M3 was the most successful touring car of all time winning more than 80 titles in total. BMW needed to build 5,000 models for homologation to enter into these championships, but ended up building almost 18,000.

Using a 2.3-litre four cylinder engine, the M3 produced 195bhp. This meant the German coupe – with its iconic boxed wheel arches – could be launched from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds before running out of steam at 143mph.

To add to its retro value, the original M3 was only available in left hand drive. For a bit more oomph, petrolheads could get their hands on a ‘Sport Evolution’ model, which had the engine’s capacity increased to 2.5-litres. This gave the 238bhp ‘Evo’ a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 154mph.

E36 M3: 1993 – 1999

BMW upped the ante with the second generation M3. Out went the 2.3-litre engine and in was a monstrous 3-litre, six-cylinder lump pushing out an epic 286bhp. Offering 46 per cent more power meant a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

But the best was still to come.

While it was a tamer looking beast, the E36 still packed a serious punch and then BMW - like with the previous shape – Evo’d the animal in 1995. Increasing the engine size to 3.2-litres, the new M3 pumped out 321bhp hitting the magical 100bhp/ton milestone.

In 1997, buyers were also given the option of a semi-automatic six-speed gearbox. The result: Zero-62mph in 5.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

Production of the E36 ended with more than 71,242 rolling off the line.

E46 M3: 2000 – 2007

How do you beat a market-leading predecessor? Add more power. The third-generation M3 was bigger, brasher and bolder than the previous model – and it was seriously quick.

Using a new 3.2-litre, 24 valve engine, the E46 produced 343bhp and 269lb/ft of pulling power. This meant 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph, putting it in the same ballpark as the entry level Porsche 911 – but for £17,000 less.

The M3 could seat five and carry the shopping too.

But the boffins in Bavaria weren’t finished with their pride and joy. They had to make it faster, lighter and handle better.

Say hello to the M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight). The CSL was 17bhp more powerful and weighed 110kg less thanks to a lightweight roof, boot and lack of creature comforts. BMW fitted an enhanced suspension, sharper brakes and sportier steering. They’d built a road-legal track car. If you wanted a conservative super-coupe choose the M3, but if you want a crazy coupe that does 62mph in 4.9 seconds and hits 180mph go for the CSL.

But it did cost £59,000.

E92 M3: 2007 –

It’s an M3, but not as you know it. BMW has fitted its latest super-coupe with a 4-litre V8 for the first time, producing 420bhp. It’s slightly quicker than its mighty predecessor, dashing from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph.

But at £50,000 it’s £8,000 more than the standard E46. So is it that much better?

Early reviews of the E92 are good, but don’t set it apart from the field as many predicted. Car Magazine claimed it leaves the purist wanting, while Autocar says the steering never scores more than six out of 10.

But despite these minor criticisms, the overall verdict is the latest M3 is an excellent car, which is breathtakingly quick and offers the everyday usability of a more conservative family car.   

Check out our EXCLUSIVE slide show of the brilliant M cars

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