BMW M3 Specs by Generation
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere lists 19 US-market BMW M3 trims across 6 chassis codes, from the E30 (1988–1991) to the G80 (2021–present), with engine code, power, torque, 0–60, weight and launch MSRP. The G80 makes 473–543 hp (M3 to M3 CS); quickest BMW-claimed 0–60 is 3.2 s.
G80 M3 (2021–present) specs
Chassis code: G80 sedan · LCI (facelift) from the 2025 model year
What changed in the G80
The G80 M3 moved to the S58 twin-turbo inline-six, offering a 473-hp base car with a six-speed manual and rear drive and a 503-hp Competition with an eight-speed automatic. M xDrive all-wheel drive became available on the Competition for 2022. The 2025 update raised the Competition xDrive to 523 hp and brought a curved display and revised lights. Limited CS models came in 2024 (all-wheel drive, 543 hp) and, for 2027, a North America-only manual, rear-drive CS Handschalter. The G81 M3 Touring wagon is not sold in the US.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3155 mph limited (180 mph with M Driver's Package). 2025 MSRP $76,000 plus $1,175 destination; output unchanged by the 2025 update. | 2021–present | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 473 | 406 | RWD | 6-speed manual | 4.1 manual | 155 | 3,840 | $69,900 |
| M3 Competition155 mph limited (180 mph with M Driver's Package). 2025 MSRP $80,200 plus destination; RWD Competition kept 503 hp after the 2025 update. | 2021–present | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 503 | 479 | RWD | 8-speed M Steptronic automatic | 3.8 automatic | 155 | 3,890 | $72,800 |
| M3 Competition xDriveLaunched at $76,900 plus $995 destination; 180 mph with M Driver's Package. | 2022–2024 | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 503 | 479 | AWD (xDrive) | 8-speed M Steptronic automatic | 3.4 automatic | 155 | 3,990 | $76,900 |
| M3 Competition xDrive2025 update added 20 hp; peak torque band widened to 5,730 rpm. $85,300 plus $1,175 destination. 180 mph with M Driver's Package. | 2025–present | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 523 | 479 | AWD (xDrive) | 8-speed M Steptronic automatic | 3.4 automatic | 155 | 3,990 | $85,300 |
| M3 CSLimited-production model; M Driver's Package standard (188 mph). $118,700 plus $995 destination. Car and Driver reports production ended in early 2025. | 2024 | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 543 | 479 | AWD (xDrive) | 8-speed M Steptronic automatic | 3.2 automatic | 188 | 3,915 | $118,700 |
| M3 CS HandschalterNorth America-only limited send-off for the G80; the only M3 CS with a manual. About 75 lb lighter than a standard M3 per BMW. $107,100 plus $1,350 destination; 180 mph with standard M Driver's Package. | 2027 | Sedan | S58 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 473 | 406 | RWD | 6-speed manual | 4.1 manual | 180 | — | $107,100 |
Sources for the G80: BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and M4 Competition xDrive Coupe · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2025 BMW M3 · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The BMW M3 CS: lighter, stronger, faster (2024) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter · Car and Driver — 2025 BMW M3 revealed (pricing) · Car and Driver — 2024 BMW M3 CS revealed
F80 M3 (2015–2018) specs
Chassis code: F80 sedan
What changed in the F80
With the two-door cars renamed M4, the F80 M3 became a sedan-only model. It switched to a turbocharged engine for the first time, the S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 425 hp and 406 lb-ft, offered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed M DCT. From spring 2016 a Competition Package raised output to 444 hp and added firmer adaptive suspension. Limited US specials included the 2017 30 Jahre M3 and the 2018 M3 CS.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3BMW launch MSRP $62,925 including $925 destination. Curb weight is Car and Driver's measured figure for a manual car. 155 mph electronically limited. | 2015–2018 | Sedan | S55 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 425 | 406 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 4.1 manual · 3.9 M DCT · 4.0† manual | 155 | 3,559 | $62,000 |
| M3 Competition PackageOption package ($5,500 over the M3) adding 19 hp, Adaptive M Suspension retune and wheels; base MSRP left null because it is a package price. | 2016–2018 | Sedan | S55 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 444 | 406 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 4.0 manual · 3.8 M DCT | — | — | — |
| 30 Jahre M3Limited edition with Competition Package output; 150 of 500 came to the US. $83,250 (manual) or $86,150 (DCT), plus destination. | 2017 | Sedan | S55 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 444 | 406 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 4.0 manual · 3.8 M DCT | — | — | $83,250 |
| M3 CSAbout 1,200 built worldwide, roughly 550 for the US. M Driver's Package standard, raising the limiter to 174 mph. BMW did not publish US pricing in the launch release. | 2018 | Sedan | S55 | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 | 453 | 443 | RWD | 7-speed M DCT | 3.7 M DCT | 174 | — | — |
Sources for the F80: BMW Group Newsroom USA — The all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe (Dec 2013) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — New Competition Package amps up the BMW M3 and M4 (Jan 2016) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2017 BMW "30 Jahre M3" Limited Edition · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The first-ever BMW M3 CS · Car and Driver — 2015 BMW M3 manual long-term test wrap-up · MotorWeek — 2015 BMW M3 and M4 road test
E90/E92/E93 M3 (2008–2013) specs
Chassis codes: E90 sedan · E92 coupe · E93 convertible
What changed in the E90
The fourth-generation M3 is the only V8 M3: the S65 4.0-liter, related to the M5's V10, makes 414 hp at 8,300 rpm. US buyers could choose a sedan, a coupe with a carbon-fiber roof, or a retractable-hardtop convertible, with a six-speed manual or the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. A Competition Package (ZCP) with adaptive damping and lower ride height followed later in the run, along with US limited editions such as the Frozen and Lime Rock Park coupes. The European M3 GTS and CRT were not sold in the US.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M32008 base $54,575 including $775 destination. 155 mph electronically limited. DCT 0-60 from the 2010 technical data. The final US model year for the sedan was not confirmed from a BMW source. | 2008–2011 | Sedan | S65 | 4.0L V8 | 414 | 295 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 4.7 manual · 4.5 M DCT | 155 | 3,726 | $53,800 |
| M32008 base $57,275 including $775 destination. M DCT was a $2,700 option in 2008. Limited editions (e.g., 2013 Frozen Limited Edition at $76,395 incl. destination) kept the standard 414 hp. | 2008–2013 | Coupe | S65 | 4.0L V8 | 414 | 295 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 4.7 manual · 4.5 M DCT | 155 | 3,704 | $56,500 |
| M32008 base $65,725 including $775 destination (March 2008 price list). Retractable hardtop. | 2008–2013 | Convertible | S65 | 4.0L V8 | 414 | 295 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 7-speed M DCT | 5.1 manual · 4.9 M DCT | 155 | 4,145 | $64,950 |
Sources for the E90: BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW announces pricing for the all-new 2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan · BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe (technical data + 2008 M3 price list) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan (technical data) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Convertible (technical data) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2010 BMW M3 Coupe, Convertible and Sedan (technical data + Jan 2010 MSRP list) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The all-new 2008 BMW M3 Coupe · MotorWeek — 2008 BMW M3 road test · BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition
E46 M3 (2001–2006) specs
Chassis codes: E46 coupe · E46 convertible
What changed in the E46
The E46 M3 gave the US the same engine as Europe for the first time: the S54 3.2-liter inline-six with individual throttle bodies and an 8,000-rpm redline, rated 333 hp. The coupe launched first and the convertible followed in spring 2001, with a six-speed manual standard and the SMG automated manual optional. From December 2004 production, US coupes could be ordered with the $4,000 Competition Package (ZCP), which added CSL-derived 19-inch wheels, larger cross-drilled brakes, a quicker steering ratio and M Track mode. The lightweight M3 CSL was never sold in North America.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3Electronically limited to 155 mph. MSRP is BMW NA's 2004 base price ($47,795 including $695 destination); MotorWeek listed a $45,400 coupe price at the 2001 launch. Competition Package (ZCP) was a $4,000 option on 2005-2006 coupes with no change in rated output. | 2001–2006 | Coupe | S54 | 3.2L inline-6 | 333 | 262 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 6-speed SMG | 4.8 manual or SMG · 5.0† manual | 155 | 3,415 | $47,100 (2004) |
| M3MSRP is BMW NA's 2004 base price ($56,295 including $695 destination); MotorWeek listed $53,400 at the 2001 launch. Competition Package not offered on the convertible. | 2001–2006 | Convertible | S54 | 3.2L inline-6 | 333 | 262 | RWD | 6-speed manual, 6-speed SMG | 5.4 manual or SMG | 155 | 3,781 | $55,600 (2004) |
Sources for the E46: BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW M3 for 2004 press kit (specifications + 2004 retail price list) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2006 BMW M3 press kit (technical specs + Sept 2005 price list) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — M3 Competition Package North American debut (LA 2005) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new M3 Convertible (2001) · MotorWeek — 2001 BMW M3 road test · Car and Driver — 2001 BMW M3 first drive (archive) · BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 33: Just for us — special models (M3 Lightweight, M3 ZCP)
E36 M3 (1995–1999) specs
Chassis codes: E36 coupe · E36 sedan · E36 convertible
What changed in the E36
BMW NA judged the European 286-hp E36 M3 too expensive for the US, so BMW M built a US-specific car with a less costly, more octane-tolerant engine rated 240 hp, which cut the price to about $35,800. For 1996 the 3.0-liter S50B30US gave way to the 3.2-liter S52B32US with the same 240 hp and more torque. BMW NA added a US-only sedan and then a convertible, and offered an optional five-speed automatic; US buyers never got the European six-speed manual or SMG. A run of roughly 125 stripped-down M3 Lightweight coupes was built in 1995 for club racers.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3US-specific S50B30US engine, not the 286-hp European S50. BMW NA set the target price at $35,800; Car and Driver listed a $36,620 base price (likely including destination). The automatic arrived during the 1995 model run. C/D's test car was governed at 137 mph (top speed left null); curb weight is C/D's measured figure. | 1995 | Coupe | S50 | 3.0L inline-6 | 240 | 225 | RWD | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic | 5.6† manual | — | 3,180 | — |
| M3 LightweightUS-only club-racing special: no radio, air conditioning or sunroof, aluminum door skins and a shorter final drive, about 225 lb lighter than a regular M3 coupe per BMW NA. BMW NA gives a price of about $49,000 (not used as base MSRP because destination treatment is unstated). About 126 were built (10 pre-production plus 1, then 115 production). | 1995 | Coupe | S50 | 3.0L inline-6 | 240 | 225 | RWD | 5-speed manual | — | — | — | — |
| M3S52B32US replaced the 3.0L for 1996: same 240 hp, torque up from 225 to 236 lb-ft. BMW NA dates the US-only sedan to 1996 and the convertible to 1998; the sedan was not offered through 1999. Car and Driver puts a 1998 M3 at roughly $40,000. | 1996–1999 | Coupe, Sedan, Convertible | S52 | 3.2L inline-6 | 240 | 236 | RWD | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | — |
Sources for the E36: BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 17: Unique E36 M3 models for the US · BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 33: Just for us — special models (M3 Lightweight, M3 ZCP) · Car and Driver — 1995 BMW M3 road test (archive) · Car and Driver — 2001 BMW M3 first drive (archive)
E30 M3 (1988–1991) specs
Chassis code: E30 coupe
What changed in the E30
The first M3 was a homologation special built so BMW could race the 3 Series in Group A touring cars. Its S14 2.3-liter four-cylinder was a high-revving, four-valve design, and US cars carried a catalytic converter and a conventional (non-dogleg) five-speed shift pattern. In the US it was sold only as a two-door coupe; BMW NA brought in roughly 5,300 examples between 1987 and 1990. The Evolution and Sport Evolution homologation versions were not sold in the US.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3US cars use the catalyzed S14, rated 195 PS (about 192 hp SAE); some US press quote 195 hp. Curb weight is the Jalopnik spec-box figure. Original US MSRP not confirmed from a primary source (Jalopnik gives roughly $34,000 for 1988). | 1988–1991 | Coupe | S14 | 2.3L inline-4 | 192 | 170 | RWD | 5-speed manual | — | — | 2,850 | — |
Sources for the E30: BMW Group Newsroom USA — 30 years of the BMW M3: the story behind the legend · BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 17: Unique E36 M3 models for the US · Jalopnik — 1988 BMW M3: The Jalopnik Classic Review
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.
See exactly how a specific M3 was optioned from the factory.
Trim specs are the starting point; a car's options, paint and upholstery are recorded against its VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a BMW M3 VIN into its factory record. $9.99, instant.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the BMW M3 generations and chassis codes?
The BMW M3 has been sold in the US in 6 generations, each known by its chassis code: E30 (1988–1991), E36 (1995–1999), E46 (2001–2006), E90/E92/E93 (2008–2013), F80 (2015–2018), G80 (2021–present).
How much horsepower does the G80 M3 have?
The G80 M3 (2021–present) makes 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 (S58), with a BMW-claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.1 seconds (manual) and a 155 mph top speed.
How much horsepower does the F80 M3 CS have?
The F80 M3 CS (2018) makes 453 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 (S55), with a BMW-claimed 0–60 mph time of 3.7 seconds (M DCT) and a 174 mph top speed.
What is the most powerful and quickest BMW M3?
The most powerful M3 listed here is the G80 M3 CS at 543 hp. The quickest 0–60 mph figure is 3.2 seconds for the G80 M3 CS (BMW-claimed, automatic).
What changed in the G80 BMW M3?
The G80 M3 moved to the S58 twin-turbo inline-six, offering a 473-hp base car with a six-speed manual and rear drive and a 503-hp Competition with an eight-speed automatic. M xDrive all-wheel drive became available on the Competition for 2022. The 2025 update raised the Competition xDrive to 523 hp and brought a curved display and revised lights. Limited CS models came in 2024 (all-wheel drive, 543 hp) and, for 2027, a North America-only manual, rear-drive CS Handschalter. The G81 M3 Touring wagon is not sold in the US.
How can I see how a specific BMW M3 was optioned from the factory?
Spec tables show what each trim offered; the options on an individual car are recorded against its VIN. A BMW build sheet decoded from the VIN lists the factory option codes, original paint and upholstery as the car was built.
Sources
Figures were compiled by CarWhere from BMW Group PressClub USA press kits, spec sheets and price releases first, then instrumented tests and reviews from the car press where BMW did not publish a US figure.
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — 30 years of the BMW M3: the story behind the legend
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 17: Unique E36 M3 models for the US
- Jalopnik — 1988 BMW M3: The Jalopnik Classic Review
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW NA 50 Stories, Ch. 33: Just for us — special models (M3 Lightweight, M3 ZCP)
- Car and Driver — 1995 BMW M3 road test (archive)
- Car and Driver — 2001 BMW M3 first drive (archive)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW M3 for 2004 press kit (specifications + 2004 retail price list)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2006 BMW M3 press kit (technical specs + Sept 2005 price list)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — M3 Competition Package North American debut (LA 2005)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new M3 Convertible (2001)
- MotorWeek — 2001 BMW M3 road test
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — BMW announces pricing for the all-new 2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe (technical data + 2008 M3 price list)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan (technical data)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2008 BMW M3 Convertible (technical data)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — Press kit: 2010 BMW M3 Coupe, Convertible and Sedan (technical data + Jan 2010 MSRP list)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The all-new 2008 BMW M3 Coupe
- MotorWeek — 2008 BMW M3 road test
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2013 BMW M3 Coupe Frozen Limited Edition
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The all-new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe (Dec 2013)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — New Competition Package amps up the BMW M3 and M4 (Jan 2016)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — 2017 BMW "30 Jahre M3" Limited Edition
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The first-ever BMW M3 CS
- Car and Driver — 2015 BMW M3 manual long-term test wrap-up
- MotorWeek — 2015 BMW M3 and M4 road test
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2021 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and M4 Competition xDrive Coupe
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The new 2025 BMW M3
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The BMW M3 CS: lighter, stronger, faster (2024)
- BMW Group Newsroom USA — The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
- Car and Driver — 2025 BMW M3 revealed (pricing)
- Car and Driver — 2024 BMW M3 CS revealed
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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW, M and the model names are trademarks of their owner.