The 1st-generation M3 was available in the U.S. between 1988-1991 and was basically a racing car tamed for road use. Based on the E30 3 series, it was a winged, spoilered, coupe powered by a full-on BMW M engine- 4 cylinders of 2.3 litres and 192 hp plus four valves per cylinder at a time when no regular BMW had more than 2 valves. This M3 was a fine piece of engineering, but certainly wasn’t for everyone.

The 2nd-generation is more well-known than the first. The mission of this model, which was based on the E36 series and made its debut in 1995, was to grow the spectrum of buyers of the BMW M in the U.S.

By powering the M3 with a specially developed version of what was then standard of BMW: an inline 6-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder and a single throttle rather than the traditional BMW M engine. The strategy proved to work perfectly: within the range of speeds American drivers experienced, this engine provided thrilling performance, yet cost a lot less to produce. Mission Accomplished.

This 2nd-generation E36 M3 was offered until 1999; a convertible and a 4-door sedan joined the original coupe model along the way, extending the M3 range.

The 3rd-generation,launched in 2000, was one of the most highly anticipated BMW models ever. Designed on the basis of the E46-3 Series, the new M3 was a significant advance compared to previous models, which proved that BMW M can combine stunning performance and road manners with true everyday practicality and utility. The year 2000 M3 coupe has moved upscale from the previous M3s, primarily via a brand-new engine delivering almost 100 more horsepower.

However improved performance was only one of the M3’s attractions. Putting together the best qualities of the previous M3 and the present 3 Series, it achieved a new level of road capability. New exterior design, new developments in seating, and features never before available in an M3 completed a constellation of as never seen before.