BMW M Car History — Every M3 and M5

M3 Generations

E30 M3 (1986-1991)

• Engine: S14 2.3L/2.5L I4
• Power: 200-238 hp
• Weight: 1,165 kg
• Legacy: Homologation special, dominated Group A touring car racing
• Production: ~17,970 units

E36 M3 (1992-1999)

• Engine: S50/S52 3.0L/3.2L I6
• Power: 286-321 hp (Euro spec)
• Weight: 1,460 kg
• Legacy: First six-cylinder M3, more refined grand tourer
• Production: ~71,242 units

E46 M3 (2000-2006)

• Engine: S54 3.2L I6
• Power: 343 hp
• Weight: 1,495 kg
• Legacy: Perfect balance of analog feel and performance. CSL is legendary.
• Production: ~85,766 units

E90/E92 M3 (2007-2013)

• Engine: S65 4.0L V8
• Power: 414 hp
• Weight: 1,580 kg
• Legacy: Only V8 M3. Incredible engine note. GTS variant is collectible.
• Production: ~40,000+ units

F80 M3 / F82 M4 (2014-2020)

• Engine: S55 3.0L twin-turbo I6
• Power: 431-450 hp (Competition)
• Weight: 1,520 kg (M4)
• Legacy: Return to inline-six. Massive power. GTS and CS variants.

G80 M3 / G82 M4 (2021-present)

• Engine: S58 3.0L twin-turbo I6
• Power: 473-510 hp (Competition)
• Weight: 1,730 kg
• Legacy: Most powerful M3 ever. Available with AWD and manual. Controversial grille.

M5 Generations

E28 M5 (1985-1988)

• Engine: M88/S38 3.5L I6
• Power: 286 hp
• Legacy: The original super sedan. Hand-built by BMW M.

E34 M5 (1988-1995)

• Engine: S38 3.5L/3.8L I6
• Power: 315-340 hp
• Legacy: Refined the super sedan formula. Touring (wagon) variant available.

E39 M5 (1998-2003)

• Engine: S62 4.9L V8
• Power: 400 hp
• Legacy: Widely considered the greatest M5. Perfect balance.

E60 M5 (2005-2010)

• Engine: S85 5.0L V10
• Power: 507 hp
• Legacy: The only V10 M5. Formula 1-inspired engine. Controversial SMG transmission.

F10 M5 (2011-2016)

• Engine: S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8
• Power: 560-600 hp (Competition)
• Legacy: Return to V8 turbo. Massive power with daily drivability.

F90 M5 (2017-2023)

• Engine: S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8
• Power: 600-625 hp (Competition/CS)
• Legacy: First AWD M5 (M xDrive). CS variant is the ultimate.

G90 M5 (2024-present)

• Engine: S68 4.4L twin-turbo V8 + electric motor
• Power: 727 hp combined
• Legacy: First hybrid M5. Heaviest M5 ever (~2,400 kg).