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Built for performance, BMW M3 Series sports cars have been the bar by which most other vehicles in their class are measured. Originating in 1986, each of the 5,000 built that year offered a four-cylinder, 195 horsepower engine, a rear wing, and stiff racing suspension. The car promptly captured racing awards and BMW never looked back.
BMW decided to continue production of the model and in 1988 offered a convertible model for non-racing European drivers. The Evo version of BMW M3 cars was also offered; this was a lighter car with a 238 horsepower engine. The second-generation M3 was unveiled in 1994 with only minor changes to the body style, but with some important updates under the bonnet. Engine displacement started at 3.0 litres in 1994, rising to 3.2 litres in 1995. American purchasers were offered a 240 horsepower engine while the European buyer could obtain a full 286 horsepower. The car rode lower and the suspension had stiffened to bring a true racing feel to a road car. Saloon BMW M3 sales began in 1997, and these cars were available with the sequential SMG gearbox.
In 2000 the third-generation M3 was unveiled. The car featured smoother styling and lighter weight (it had added weight during several previous iterations) with identical safety performance. The 3.2 litre engine could run at Formula 1 speeds and produced 343 horsepower. The engine was computer-operated for peak performance, and, finally, the car could be shipped to all countries with the same engine.
By 2005 a Competition Package was available with race car handling and suspension. 2005 saw the same distinct styling, but some improvements had been made to the BMW M3 in terms of efficiency and emissions, as well as braking regeneration. A V-8 engine became available for the first time, adding power but also a little bit of weight.
For true driving enthusiasts, few cars compare to the new or secondhand BMW M3.