BMW F80 M3: years, specs and history (2015–2018)

BMW F80 M3 at a glance

BMW F80 M3 history

BMW revealed the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe together in December 2013 and described them as the fifth generation of the M3. They debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and went on sale in the US as 2015 models in early summer 2014, with the M3 Sedan priced from $62,925 including $925 destination.

With the two-door cars renamed M4, the F80 became a sedan-only M3. It was also the first M3 with a turbocharged engine: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six (S55) is rated 425 hp from 5,500 to 7,300 rpm and 406 lb-ft from 1,850 to 5,500 rpm. A carbon-fiber roof, previously reserved for the coupe, became standard on the sedan, and BMW said these were the first M cars engineered to weigh less than the generation before — it quoted the M4 Coupe at about 80 kg (176 lb) lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor.

From spring 2016 a Competition Package raised output to 444 hp and retuned the Adaptive M Suspension. Two limited US models followed: the 2017 30 Jahre M3 and the 2018 M3 CS.[1],[2],[3],[4]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW F80 M3 specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW F80 M3 variant we could source.[1],[2],[3],[4],[6],[7]

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 (2016–2018)A $5,500 option adding 19 hp (444 hp total), a retuned Adaptive M Suspension and wheels. BMW claimed 0–60 mph in 4.0 s (manual) and 3.8 s (M DCT).
• 30 Jahre M3 (2017)Anniversary edition with Competition Package output; 150 of 500 came to the US, at $83,250 (manual) or $86,150 (M DCT) plus destination.
• M3 CS (2018)453 hp and 443 lb-ft, M DCT only, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph in 3.7 s. About 1,200 built worldwide and roughly 550 for the US, with the M Driver’s Package standard (174 mph limiter).

Sources:[2],[3],[4]

What changed from the E90/E92/E93 M3

1. EngineThe 414-hp, 295 lb-ft S65 4.0-liter V8 gave way to the 425-hp, 406 lb-ft S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six — 111 lb-ft more torque, from far lower in the rev range.
2. Body stylesThe M3 name stayed with the sedan only; the coupe and convertible were renamed M4.
3. GearboxesStill a 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT, still rear-wheel drive.
4. RoofA carbon-fiber roof became standard on the sedan for the first time.
5. AccelerationBMW’s 0–60 mph claim for the sedan fell from 4.7 s (manual) and 4.5 s (M DCT) to 4.1 s and 3.9 s.

Sources:[1],[5]

BMW F80 M3 known issues and recalls

• Driveshaft slip-joint or flange connection may fail

  NHTSA recall 18V-713 · 2015–2017

  BMW recalled 2016–2017 M3 sedans and M4 coupes and convertibles, including the M4 GTS, because the connection between the driveshaft and its flange can fail, cutting drive to the rear wheels. An earlier 2015 campaign (15V-782) covered cars whose driveshaft slip joint may have been built without grease. Dealers replace or repair the driveshaft.[8],[9]

NHTSA recall check by model year: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018. 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 F80 M3

• Confirm the Competition Package on the factory build record rather than from badges or wheels — it was a $5,500 option worth 19 hp and a suspension retune.
• Check which gearbox the car has: 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT. The 2018 M3 CS came only with the M DCT.
• Run the VIN for open recalls. 2016–2017 M3s were recalled for the driveshaft-to-flange connection (18V-713), and some 2015 cars for a driveshaft slip joint built without grease (15V-782).
• Ask whether the engine software has been modified; a tuned car no longer matches the factory ratings on this page.
• On a 30 Jahre M3 or M3 CS, verify the edition on the build record, not just the trim pieces.