Tribute Tuesday...History of M3
Morning Mense...
This week's tribute goes out to the BMW M3. It is a sports version of the popular compact BMW 3-Series automobile, made by BMW Motorsport. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36 and E46 models.
E30
Based on the 1986 E30 3-Series, the first M3 was introduced with a 2.3 L S14 engine, derived from the M10 inline-4 block and the valve train and head architecture from BMWs M1 and later M6 inline-6 cylinder. One of the main reasons for production of the road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing, as an answer to the "2.3-16V"-model of the Mercedes-Benz W201 which was introduced in 1983. A notable characteristic of the E30 M3 is its racing pedigree, campaigned by BMW as well as other racing teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer Motorsport.
The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMWs Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible.
The M3 E30 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panel the standard model and the M3 shared was the hood. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series.
To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement therefore improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo I, Evo II and Sport Evo (Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evo; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power.
Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.
Having won more road races than any other model in history, the E30 M3 is considered by many to be the world's most successful road race car. Its wins include the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off World Touring Car Championship title in 1987. The M3 E30 is also a multiple winner of Guia Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours.
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
The first version produced 195 hp (143 kW) (catalyzed model). Evolution models (not sold in North America) continued with 2.3 liters but adopted revised cam timing, increased compression along with the lack of a catalyst producing approximately 215 hp. Later the Sport Evolution model increased engine displacement to 2.5 L and produced 238 hp (175 kW). 786 cabriolets were also produced, all by hand in BMWs Garching plant, at the time the 215 hp example was the world's fastest four seater convertible.
The M3 E30 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3 was equipped with a revised stiffer and more aerodynamic body shell as well as "box flared" fenders to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only body panel the standard model and the M3 shared was the hood. It also had three times the caster angle of any other E30. The M3 shared larger wheel bearings and front brake calipers with the E28 5-Series.
To keep the car competitive in racing following homologation rules, homologation specials were produced. Homologation rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement therefore improved models were periodically released for the public. Special editions and homologation specials include: the Evo I, Evo II and Sport Evo (Evo III) some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front fender arches (Sport Evo; to further facilitate 18 inch wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power.
Production of the original M3 (E30 coupe) ended in 1991.
Having won more road races than any other model in history, the E30 M3 is considered by many to be the world's most successful road race car. Its wins include the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, European Touring Car Championship and even the one-off World Touring Car Championship title in 1987. The M3 E30 is also a multiple winner of Guia Race, 24 Hours Nürburgring and Spa 24 Hours.
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
E36
The replacement for the original M3 first appeared at the 1992 Paris Auto Show. This E36 coupe model got the 3.0 L S50B30 straight-6 engine, which produced 286 hp (210 kW).
For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo".
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasoning behind the less powerful motor was largely due to both the projected excessive costs in producing the original engine for the U.S. market and the possible difficulty in getting the European engine to pass more strict U.S. emission laws. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
For the 1996 model year the M3 was upgraded to a new 3.2 L, 321 hp (236 kW) engine (S50B32), a six speed gearbox and the M5's larger brakes. The new SMG gearbox was also offered as an option. These models are often described as the "Euro" models to differentiate them from the models sold in North America, which were quite different. The 3.2 Euro is also known as the M3 "Evolution" or "Evo".
The first E36 M3 to be imported to the United States was the 1995 model, which received a 3.0 L engine with 240 hp (176 kW) and 305 N•m (225 ft·lbf) (S50B30US) and a different suspension. The reasoning behind the less powerful motor was largely due to both the projected excessive costs in producing the original engine for the U.S. market and the possible difficulty in getting the European engine to pass more strict U.S. emission laws. The 1996-1999 model years had displacement bumped up to 3.2 L, with 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 N•m (236 ft·lbf) which is the same engine used in the early M Roadster and M Coupe. The 1996+ model is known for being more difficult to tune for performance, due to slightly smaller intake manifold runners and more complicated electronics (OBDII). It was also available as a sedan starting in model year 1997, and as convertible in 1998. Production of the sedan was halted in 1998, while the other models continued until 1999.
M3 GT
1995 BMW M3 GT Individual
The M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe only edition of which 356 were made, 50 further M3 GT Individuals were made in right-hand drive for the UK market. All build in 1995.
Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior - a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colors were white with red numbers.
The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.
M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual
The M3 Evo Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe, 50 for the United Kingdom) car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosed by BMW; imola red (405) paint with nappa leather & Amaretto seats in imola red and anthracite seats.
1995 BMW M3 GT Individual
The M3 GT Coupe was a limited-edition mainland Europe only edition of which 356 were made, 50 further M3 GT Individuals were made in right-hand drive for the UK market. All build in 1995.
Famous for being British Racing Green with a Mexico Green interior - a peculiar choice when the traditional German national racing colors were white with red numbers.
The BMW M3 GT was a homologation series special built to allow the E36 M3 to compete in the FIA-GT class II, IMSA GT and international longdistance races.
M3 GT2 / M3 Evo Individual
The M3 Evo Individual was a limited-edition (200 units for Europe, 50 for the United Kingdom) car sometimes referred to as the M3 GT2. The engine and performance characteristics of the car were unchanged, and a special exterior and interior colour combination was once again chosed by BMW; imola red (405) paint with nappa leather & Amaretto seats in imola red and anthracite seats.
M3 GTR DTM
Very little is known about this car: it is believed that BMW intended to race the E36 M3 in the DTM racing series. When mid 1990s pre-season testing showed the car to be quicker than existing competition, Mercedes-Benz purportedly influenced the DTM sanctioning body to either slow the M3 GTR or make it illegal for DTM. Wide-body E36 GTR cars were entered in the German ADAC "GT Cup" series.
Very little is known about this car: it is believed that BMW intended to race the E36 M3 in the DTM racing series. When mid 1990s pre-season testing showed the car to be quicker than existing competition, Mercedes-Benz purportedly influenced the DTM sanctioning body to either slow the M3 GTR or make it illegal for DTM. Wide-body E36 GTR cars were entered in the German ADAC "GT Cup" series.
M3-R
Fifteen M3's were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Frank Gardner Racing for final preparation.
Accolades
The E36 M3 is considered one of the better-handling cars of all time, and was in fact named "Best-Handling Car Ever" by Car and Driver in 1997.
Fifteen M3's were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Frank Gardner Racing for final preparation.
Accolades
The E36 M3 is considered one of the better-handling cars of all time, and was in fact named "Best-Handling Car Ever" by Car and Driver in 1997.
E46
The 2001 E46 M3 appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54B32 engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW, producing 343 PS (333 SAE net hp (252 kW) in North America) and 365 N•m (262 ft·lbf) of torque. The first batch of E46 M3s delivered were in the striking color of Laguna Seca Blue. The available SMG Drivelogic (also known as SMG II) transmission, a Formula 1-style electrohydraulic manual gearbox with no clutch pedal and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is also a highlight. The model also came with a new 6-speed transmission and red-line RPM of 8000, a first for any BMW. The engine also consisted of 6 independent throttle bodies and electronically driven throttles (without a cable). 
The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre), a notable feat.
The M3's S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower per litre (340 bhp/3.2 litre), a notable feat.
Of the limited-run models of the M3, the M3 CSL (E46) is the most celebrated. BMW made a limited run (less than 1,400 units) of these machines between June and December of 2003. The CSL (Coupe Sport, Lightweight) received an aggressive weight reduction campaign, more power (up to 360 hp), and sharper handling characteristics than the standard M3. Weight loss was achieved via a carbon-fiber roof, a trunk floor that was practically made out of cardboard, no air conditioning, and no radio. Upgraded racing seats were fitted, and the aforementioned sequential manual gearbox was made standard. Owing to the small production run and the complications of clearing DOT and EPA standards for the North American market, BMW never exported the CSL to the United States, although some parts from it (modified steering rack, alcantara steering wheel, uprated front brakes, a different DSC system and 19" BBS wheels) were made available on the regular M3 as part of an optional Competition Package.
E92
A new M3 based on the E92 3-series coupe is expected to be debuted by BMW at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The E92 M3 will be powered by a V8 engine instead of the inline-6 engine as used in the past 2 generations of M3. The engine is expected to produce more than 400 bhp (the twin-turbo 335i, which is the most powerful, non "M" E92 already produces 306 bhp, close to the output of the last generation base M3). Styling will probably follow the tr
end of slightly more aggressive M cars as started by the E60 M5, test mules have been seen sporting quad exhaust pipes as well as tape covering what may be M5-style vents behind the front wheels and a revised front air dam[1].
end of slightly more aggressive M cars as started by the E60 M5, test mules have been seen sporting quad exhaust pipes as well as tape covering what may be M5-style vents behind the front wheels and a revised front air dam[1].
No comments:
Post a Comment