The BMW M3’s relative accessibility, thrilling powertrains, and razor-sharp dynamics make it a success with drivers. However there’s one other part to the formulation that helps make every technology of the M3 simply as fascinating because the one previous it. The nameplate’s illustrious legacy spans 4 a long time and is a part of what makes the automobile so well-liked. And every technology of the M3, wanting again, has one thing that contributed to the automobile changing into the crimson sizzling hit it’s immediately. The query we’re posing immediately is: what is going to the G80’s legacy be?
Reviewing BMW M3 Generations and Their Legacy
BMW launched the primary M3 in 1985, debuting largely as a homologation particular. The marque wanted to make 5,000 vehicles with a purpose to qualify the mannequin for DTM/Group A races, which occurred over the span of the automobile’s five-year manufacturing run from 1986 till 1991. Naturally, the E30 M3’s legacy has it simple: it’s the automobile that began all of it. It additionally set the precedent for M3s previous it: a high-revving engine, direct ties to Motorsport endeavors, and plenty of distinctive bits that didn’t come on the common 3 Sequence (together with physique panels).
The E36 M3 got here subsequent, and whereas its certainly one of my private favorites, a definitive “legacy” is just not really easy to determine. However, there are a selection of how the E36 M3 has endured. And, the truth is, it’s fairly the cornerstone of the nameplate in some methods. It was the primary M3 to make the most of an inline-six, an engine that largely grew to become inextricable from the M3 line regardless of the first-generation mannequin sporting a four-pot. It additionally marked the primary time BMW supplied a four-door M3 mannequin; which, later grew to become the one approach you might get an M3 badge on the again of your efficiency sedan!
The E46 M3 got here subsequent. Legacy maybe is just not one of the best phrase for the E46 M3, because the automobile stands by itself, definitively, because the M3’s “coming of age.” Unbelievable chassis steadiness stood out because the E46 M3’s promoting level — and enduring, endearing trait a long time later. It additionally united the US market with European market, as either side of the pond noticed the (principally) identical engine, somewhat than the 2 distinct flavors of E36 M3 that shipped to totally different elements of the world. The automobile’s revolutionary efficiency has solely been matched by its really timeless model. With over 85,000 examples offered worldwide, it additionally stays the nameplate’s most-sold mannequin.
The Trendy M3 Legacy
As we get nearer to the current, issues grow to be each easier and extra complicated when reviewing every technology of the BMW M3’s legacy. The E90, E92, and E93 M3 fashions touted a motorsport-derived V8 below the hood, the primary and final to take action. Extra necessary, maybe, they have been additionally the ultimate M3s to take pleasure in hydraulic power-assisted steering—a beloved trait for purists in search of analog really feel.
Then got here the F80 technology, marking a pivotal shift for the M3 nameplate. It launched turbocharging for the primary time in an M3, with the twin-turbo S55 inline-six changing the high-revving V8. It was additionally the technology the place BMW cut up the M3 and M4 into two distinct fashions—sedan and coupe, respectively. The F80 M3 is commonly remembered for its brutal energy supply, stiff chassis, and aggressive tuning, which polarized fans. But it surely additionally introduced huge tuning potential and cemented the turbo inline-six formulation that continues immediately.
Then, we arrive on the G80 M3.
The G80 M3’s S58 engine isn’t the primary turbo inline-six in an M3, though it’s somewhat pleasant. It isn’t even the primary to make use of a standard, torque-converter automated transmission — the E36 M3 did, and that’s hardly an accolade anyway. However there’s one space the place the G80 M3 succeeds at setting a bar: all-wheel drive. It’s the primary M3 to supply xDrive all-wheel drive, and thus, the quickest from zero to 60 mph. It’s probably we’ll proceed to see xDrive as a staple because the M3 lineage progresses. And, disappointingly, maybe essentially the most optimistic factor the G80 can be remembered for.
The Stakes Have By no means Been Larger
The attention-grabbing factor concerning the G8X vehicles is that a lot is to-be decided with regards to the automobile’s legacy. And scope varies wildly. It may properly be that its solely contribution the overarching M3 legacy is all-wheel drive. In one other state of affairs, it’s the final non-electrified/hybrid M3 ever. Nonetheless one other (although a lot much less probably) chance is that it’s the ultimate M3 supplied with a guide transmission. Sharing a typical thread with a few of its predecessors, there’s an angle for it to be the “final actual M3.” Significantly if the subsequent M3 is both electrified or automatic-only.
In conclusion, we’ll probably have to attend just a few years to find out the G80 M3’s definitive legacy. Though, there’s a minimum of one different necessary milestone. It’s the primary time BMW has supplied a manufacturing facility Touring mannequin, albeit not within the US. And naturally, there are some extra polarizing issues that may probably carry into future M3 fashions. Particularly, a excessive curb weight and total design ethos. Significantly, these grilles. Hopefully, the G8X can be remembered for greater than its grilles and all-wheel drive, however time will inform. What do you suppose the G80 M3’s legacy can be?
