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 system 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 standard. And every technology of the M3, wanting again, has one thing that contributed to the automobile turning into the crimson sizzling hit it’s right this moment. The query we’re posing right this moment 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 automobiles in an effort 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 many distinctive bits that didn’t come on the common 3 Collection (together with physique panels).
The E36 M3 got here subsequent, and whereas its one in all my private favorites, a definitive “legacy” shouldn’t be really easy to establish. However, there are a selection of how the E36 M3 has endured. And, in reality, 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 provided 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 shouldn’t be the perfect 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 (largely) similar engine, moderately 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 bought worldwide, it additionally stays the nameplate’s most-sold mannequin.
The Trendy M3 Legacy
As we get nearer to the current, issues develop into 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 essential, maybe, they had been additionally the ultimate M3s to get pleasure from hydraulic power-assisted steering—a beloved trait for purists looking for 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 usually remembered for its brutal energy supply, stiff chassis, and aggressive tuning, which polarized fanatics. Nevertheless it additionally introduced large tuning potential and cemented the turbo inline-six system that continues right this moment.
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 moderately pleasant. It isn’t even the primary to make use of a conventional, 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 possible we’ll proceed to see xDrive as a staple because the M3 lineage progresses. And, disappointingly, maybe probably the most optimistic factor the G80 can be remembered for.
The Stakes Have By no means Been Greater
The attention-grabbing factor in regards to the G8X automobiles is that a lot is to-be decided on the subject of 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 possible) risk is that it’s the ultimate M3 provided with a handbook transmission. Sharing a typical thread with a few of its predecessors, there’s an angle for it to be the “final actual M3.” Notably if the following M3 is both electrified or automatic-only.
In conclusion, we’ll possible have to attend a couple of years to find out the G80 M3’s definitive legacy. Though, there’s a minimum of one different essential milestone. It’s the primary time BMW has provided a manufacturing facility Touring mannequin, albeit not within the US. And naturally, there are some extra polarizing issues that may possible carry into future M3 fashions. Specifically, a excessive curb weight and general design ethos. Notably, 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?
