The standard car produced an impressive 286bhp and 236lb ft, and that’s before a late-1995 facelift upgraded cylinder capacity to 3.2 litres and power output to 316bhp. The six-shooter in question – BMW’s now-legendary 3.0-litre S50 engine – isn’t exactly lethargic, either. Let’s not forget this is the first M3 both to pack a straight six and to be available in full-length four-door form. That’s not to say it’s an unimportant footnote in the M division’s back catalogue.
New BMW M3 and M4 leak online ahead of tonight's unveilingīut in between the two there’s the E36 M3, not often invited to showdowns between the all-time greats, nor held in particularly high regard by collectors and diehard enthusiasts if the discrepancy in prices is anything to go by.History suggests the new BMW M3 will be outstanding.Under the skin: Why the straight-six engine is on the way back.New BMW M3 Competition G80 vs 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio video review.