2003 BMW M3

The BMW M3, first introduced on the E30 chassis in 1985, has proven its capabilities and performance potential by exceeding the tally of competition victories held by Porsche's 911.

The BMW E46 M3, the third generation, was first introduced in October 2000 and appeared worldwide with a new 3.2-liter S54 M-Tuned engine. At the time of the car's introduction, and not including the McLaren F1, this Euro spec engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW. The engine offered 338 horsepower. The M3 was offered as either a coupe or convertible - the saloon version was no longer available. The E46 M3 came equipped with a 6-speed Getrag gearbox with an electro-hydraulically actuated clutch (no clutch pedal). A SMG drivelogic gearbox, also known as the SMG II, was offered as optional equipment. Shifting with the SMG was controlled by gear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies and this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable). The engine had a redline of 8,000 RPM.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016