BMW E92 M3, E90 M3 sedan and E93 convertible: years, specs and history (2008–2013)

BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 at a glance

BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 history

The fourth-generation M3 is the only M3 with a V8. Its S65 4.0-liter, related to the M5’s V10, makes 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft. US buyers could choose the E90 sedan, the E92 coupe with a carbon-fiber roof or the E93 convertible with a retractable hardtop, each with a 6-speed manual or the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT).

BMW announced US pricing at the 2008 Detroit auto show: $57,275 for the coupe and $54,575 for the sedan, each including $775 destination. The convertible followed at $65,725.

Later in the run BMW added a Competition Package (ZCP) with adaptive damping and a lower ride height, and US limited editions such as the Frozen and Lime Rock Park coupes. The European M3 GTS and CRT were not sold in the US.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 variant we could source.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[7],[8],[9]

0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.

Compare every generation side by side on our BMW M3 specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.

Competition packages and special editions

• Competition Package (ZCP) (later model years)Adaptive damping and a lower ride height.
• Frozen and Lime Rock Park editions (2013 and others)US limited-edition coupes with the standard 414 hp; the 2013 Frozen Limited Edition listed at $76,395 including destination.

Sources:[5]

What changed from the E46 M3

1. EngineThe 333-hp S54 3.2-liter inline-six was replaced by the 414-hp S65 4.0-liter V8.
2. Body stylesA sedan returned (E90), alongside the E92 coupe and the E93, which switched from a soft top to a retractable hardtop.
3. GearboxesThe SMG automated manual gave way to the 7-speed M DCT dual-clutch; a 6-speed manual stayed standard.
4. AccelerationBMW’s coupe claim improved from 4.8 s to 4.7 s (manual) and 4.5 s (M DCT) to 60 mph.

Sources:[2],[5],[6]

BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 known issues and recalls

• DCT software could cause a stall during hard deceleration

  NHTSA recall 08V-595 · 2008–2009

  Early E9x M3s with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission could perform a multi-gear downshift under rapid deceleration, which at low speed could stall the engine. About 2,500 cars were recalled in 2008. Dealers reprogrammed the engine and transmission control units.[10]

• Battery cable connection at fuse box can degrade

  NHTSA recall 19V-472 · 2008–2012

  The positive battery cable connection at the fuse box on 2008–2012 M3s can degrade, causing intermittent loss of electrical power and possibly a stall. The M3 was added to this connector fix in 2019, years after the regular 3 Series campaign. Dealers fit a revised connection.[11]

• Climate blower wiring and connector can overheat (fire risk)

  NHTSA recall 17V-676 · 2006–2011

  The wiring and connectors for the heating and air-conditioning blower system on 2006–2011 3 Series and M3 models can overheat. NHTSA notes the connectors can melt and start a fire even when the car is unattended. It is one of the largest BMW campaigns of the period and was announced alongside the PCV heater recall in 2017. The repair is a new wiring harness and connector at no cost.[12]

NHTSA recall check by model year: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013. Recalls apply by VIN, so confirm completed work for the specific car.

Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW M3 and M4 known issues page.

What to check before you buy a BMW E90/E92/E93 M3

• Confirm which body you are looking at — E90 sedan, E92 coupe or E93 convertible — and the gearbox; the VIN and build record show both.
• On 2008–2009 M DCT cars, confirm the transmission software recall (08V-595) was completed.
• Check the battery cable recall (19V-472) and the blower-motor wiring recall shared with other E90-family cars (17V-676) by VIN.
• Ask for the engine’s service history; this is a high-revving V8 and records show how it was maintained.