BMW M3 generations: a complete guide
A deep dive into all the BMW M3s ever made
By Ben Welham
Last updated: 3 June 2025
When you think of a sports car, it’s likely one of the BMW M3 generations will spring to mind. Not only because they’re some of the best-looking sports cars out there, but because with M3s, performance well and truly comes first.
BMW has a track record of successfully making the world’s finest sports cars, and sports saloons are a real highlight, not just on paper, but out on the road where it really matters.
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Full list of BMW M3 generations:
First generation BMW M3 (E30: 1986–1991)
 "BMW M3 (E30)")
BMW’s M3 journey began in 1986 with the E30 – one of the most sought-after classic BMWs today.
Not only did the car’s rear wing and wider stance do the talking, but it had the performance to back it up, thanks to its 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 238hp and 240Nm of torque – nothing by today’s sports car standards but a lot in the ‘80s.
This setup helped it to go on to become a true motorsport legend, appearing in touring car racing series including the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM).
Second generation BMW M3 (E36: 1992–1999)
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Next came the E36 M3 in the early 1990s, which was modernised inside and out, and was the first BMW to get the now iconic straight-six engine.
This put out up to 321hp and 350Nm of torque, letting it complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds. There’s no wonder it was one of the highest litre performance series engines at the time.
It’s proof that if a car is designed right at the time, it will become timeless for decades to come.
Third generation BMW M3 (E46: 2000–2006)
 "BMW M3 (E46)")
One of the most famous and lusted-after BMWs ever made is the E46 M3, not just because of its high-revving 8,000rpm straight-six engine, but because of the way it looks and the era it’s from.
With up to 360hp and 370Nm of torque, it’s no slouch, making it the first M3 to complete the 0-62mph dash in under five seconds.
It was also the biggest sales success, selling more than 85,000 units – 15,000 more than the E36.
Fourth generation BMW M3 (E90/E92/E93: 2007–2013)
 "BMW M3 GTS (E90)")
Up until now, BMW had only made M3s with a four- or six-cylinder engine, so when the E90 came out with a V8 engine, the world went silent... until it was fired into life.
Revving up to 8,300rpm, the full 420hp was unleashed, rumbling like a bear awoken from its hibernation.
BMW also made an ultra-rare M3 CRT. Only 67 were ever made, making it one of the rarest M3s to be released, and if you can find one now, it’ll set you back six figures.
Fifth generation BMW M3 (F80: 2014–2018)
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You could tell BMW was getting more serious by the time it got to the F80 M3 because it was the first M3 to be offered with a carbon fibre roof.
It was accompanied by a turbocharged straight-six engine with up to 460hp and 600Nm of torque.
This was also the time when M3s were exclusively manufactured as four-door cars, signifying BMW’s move to families.
Sixth generation BMW M3 (G80/G81: 2020–present)
 "BMW M3 front driving")
The current generation of BMW M3 – G80 – is a history-breaker for two massive reasons.
Firstly, it’s the first M3 to come with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, and secondly, it’s the first M3 to come as either a saloon or Touring.
And with up to 550hp and 650Nm of torque, it ain’t slow either.
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What’s the best BMW M3 generation?
This is a bit like asking a parent to choose between children – they’re all great.
But like any parent behind closed doors, you have a secret favourite...
For us, you always remember your first, and that’s why the E30 M3 is as popular as it is today. With so much pedigree and history, it’s hard to discount it.
Though if we were to advise the one to buy today, it would have to be the latest G80 M3. Not only is it blisteringly fast, but it handles corners superbly and looks the part too.
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Explore the latest BMW M3 cars for sale
If you’re looking for your next car, perhaps a used BMW M3 is what you need. They’re fast, practical, comfortable and agile.
But if you want that look with a little less power, a used BMW 3 Series would be a better fit.